Skil just came out with their brand new variable-speed Oscillating Multi-Tasker 1400-02, and I had a chance to play around with this power tool wonder. It’s corded, which gives it a tad more power than many smaller cordless power tools….2-amps to be exact. As a bonus, it will work with the Bosch OIS line of accessories. The Multi-Tasker also comes as part of an 11-piece multi-tool kit, which gives you a ton of applications to work with. Finally, the price point is a stunner at around $90- $110 online. I’m told that Walmart will be offering it in May for a low $80.
If you’ve never used an oscillating multi-tool gadget, you’re in for a treat. The tool includes the red/black stylings of Skil’s trademark colors, and has a no-mar head to protect furniture, walls, and workpieces from scratches when using it. An integrated dust extraction port means that, unlike most other multi-tools in this price range, you can collect the dust easily, and suck it up with a shop vac. A rubber overmold across the lower handle area and top of the tool gives it a soft-grip and makes it comfortable to use.
The tool scrapes, sands and cuts, and I found that it particularly shined with grout. It can tear old grout out easier than any tool I’ve used. It’s not bad at sanding either, particularly metal. While my sanding test included both wood and metal, the more stubborn the surface, the more impressed I was with its ability to get into tight corners and crowded spaces to really give every edge a smooth, porcelean shine.
It also cuts! It can get under tiny wedges, and make a swath as big or as small as you want. As I mentioned, the SKIL Multi-Tasker uses the Bosch OIS (Oscillating Interface System), a 12-pin interface that provides a solid fit for accessories – transferring the maximum energy from the tool to the blade, scraper, or sanding pad. There is also an included adapter to allow you to take your existing (non-OIS) multi-tool blades to fit onto the Multi-Tasker.
The Skil Multi-Tasker 1400-02 comes with the following OIS accessories in addition to the sanding pad and included sanding sheets:
- Wood/Metal Plunge Sawblade (#84558): a 1-1/8″ plunge-cut blade
- Wood/Drywall Segment Sawblade (#84568): 3″ blade
- Wood Flush Cut Sawblade (#84574): 2-1/2″ blade
I haven’t yet talked about its scraping ability. It goes through wallpaper, stubborn paint and even plaster like hot butter. Because of the nature of oscillation, the tool performs with a powerful vibrating motion that breaks-up the surface that it’s scraping, and then follows up by taking the material off with the blade. Traditionally, this job is tough because after a while, your hand feels numb from the vibration. The Skil’s comfortable ergonomics, coupled with it’s quiet but powerful variable-speed motor and its under-3-lbs-weight, helps a great deal with this. You can hold this sucker, I found, longer than other oscillating tools I’ve tested. Additionally its design reaches further and in tighter places than its competition thanks to its 1.4-degree angle shape and its small foot-print. Did I mention power. The Skil Multi-Tasker will oscillate at 12,000-22,000 RPMS, depending on the speed you select. That’s fast, and provides a lot of motor power for its size.
Included in the Kit
- 1400 Oscillating Tool
- Grout Blade
- Scraper Blade
- Wood/Metal Blade
- Wood/Drywall Blade
- 10 Sanding Sheets
- Sanding Pad
- Adapter
- Allen Wrench
- Carrying Bag
I really like this tool. Its price point is extremely affordable for a tool of this nature. It also includes a lot of accessories to work with. Now while I’m not a fan of kits that include 100 bits and adaptors, I think the Skil Multi-Tasker kit is very manageable……and all of its accessories have true ‘primary’ uses. The dust extraction port makes all the difference in the world, a feature I’ve not seen on any other oscillating tool I’ve used. It really makes very little mess, and it’s super-easy to collect and dispose of your excess in short-order.
Skil’s new Oscillating Multi-Tasker has a 6 foot cord included, and is now available online. As mentioned, Walmart wil be carrying it next month for a suggested retail price is $79.99. As far as power tool gadgets, the new Multi-Tasker could be a staple mainstay in my tool box. Because of all of its uses, particularly for the DIYer, you can really consolidate your power tool gadget arsenal with the Skil Oscillating Multi-Tasker.
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Here’s the release….
SKIL’s New Oscillating Multi-Tasker is Perfect for a Variety of At-Home Projects
11 piece multi-tool kit provides solutions for do-it-yourselfers
MT. PROSPECT, ILL., April 20, 2011 – If you only have room for one power tool in your life, SKIL has the right option for you. SKIL Power Tools is launching the new 1400-02 Oscillating Multi-Tasker™, an 11-piece multi-tool kit designed to help do-it-yourselfers with a variety of at-home projects. The versatility of the 1400-02 is perfect for fix-ups and installations, as well as light to medium-duty remodeling projects.Whether leveling off piping, removing grout or sanding small furniture pieces, the 1400-02 offers convenient features that include: a powerful 2.0 amp motor, a no mar head to protect walls from scratches when cutting, a convenient, integrated dust extraction port for maximum dust collection and a soft-grip for added comfort and control.
The SKIL Multi-Tasker features OIS™ (Oscillating Interface System), a worldwide standard for universal accessory interface. This professional-grade system offers a 12-pin interface for a secure fit, confident use and long accessory life. Users of the 1400-02 who already have oscillating accessories in their workshop will appreciate the included adapter that allows non-OIS accessories to fit the Multi-Tasker.
In addition to a detail sanding pad and assorted grit sanding sheets, the 1400-02 comes with the following OIS accessories:
· Wood/Metal Plunge Sawblade #84558 – this 1-1/8 inch wide blade allows users to plungecut up to two inches into softwood and thin gauge material.
· Wood/Drywall Segment Sawblade #84568 – the three inch wide blade is perfect for cutting drywall or trimming a door frame near the floor.
· Wood Flush Cut Sawblade #84574 – this 2-1/2 inch blade provides for a flush cut in softwood up to 1-1/4 inches deep.
The new Oscillating Multi-Tasker 1400-02 is currently available online and will be available at Walmart (US) stores nationwide beginning in May 2011 with a suggested retail price of $79.99 (USD). Visit www.skiltools.com for detailed product information and project ideas.
About SKIL Power Tools
SKIL Power Tools is a leader in portable electric power tools and accessories serving the consumer do-it-yourself and professional construction markets. Founded in 1924 with the invention of the worm drive SKILSAW, SKIL now delivers a complete line of power tools designed and engineered to help DIYers achieve home project success, while providing professionals durable, cost-effective tools for the jobsite. For more information about SKIL Power Tools including information on where to buy, visit www.skiltools.com, www.facebook.com/skil or call toll-free 877-SKIL-999.
