Good afternoon all
With the impending woodworking show this weekend, I am looking to boost the economy as much as possible, even beyond and above my Minimax purchases. I am looking at Fein sanders, or more accurately, the Multimaster. Lately I have been getting into some turning situations that require sanding off the lathe of a flat surface intersecting a round surface. Below is an example. Not only is it serious drudgery sanding these surfaces by hand, my big fat fingers don't always do a good job of getting into where they need to get. So I am looking at this Fein tool, and I have some questions:
<img src="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/cherryburlbowl01.jpg">
<img src="http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/cherryburlbowl02.jpg">
First, does it really work as advertised? Years ago, I, along with other wishful thinkers, bought the Ryobi sex toy version that did nothing but vibrate, make noise, and take up space in the drawer. I do not want to do that again, especially at these prices.
Second, if this thing does work, is the variable speed really worth it? I have a tendency to think not, but please correct me if I am mistaken. I know this thing has other attachments available. I have variable speed on a number of sanders and other tools. While that feature gets used on the lathe and the jigsaw, I cannot think of any time I ever used variable speed on a sander except to see if it works.
Third, is there an alternative I should be considering? Keep in mind I am doing this off the lathe, and I need to hold the piece in one hand as I work. These pieces are combinations of round and flat, but there are often no regular edges, hence no way to clamp them down for a cabinet scraper, etc.
Thanks.
Bill
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). I largely based my purchase of it DUE to, not in spite of the variable speed and available cutting accessories. I purchased the kit version at Woodcraft ($199.00) with the case. I made if VERY clear that, if I didn't like it, I would be returning the unit within the 30-day policy. No need! I was skeptical, at first, but this thing flat out rocks! Relatively light, powerful and works as advertised! Yes, the accessories for it are expensive, though some of the cutting blades (if needed) are available through a vendor or two outside of Fein. This unit is NOT a vibrator! I've used the cutting blade on it, as well as the scraper and both do *exactly* what they're designed to do, do it well and do it fast! I found the variable speed to be useful in controlling the amount of material being "attacked". 
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Originally Posted by Jim Becker
) so I might be able to compare it to the Fein for sanding purposes only. I will try to post accordingly if you would like. Since I already have the Fien it is unlikely I would consider buying the Deltex for myself but, then again, it is a Festool. At this point in time, it appears there are more attachments for the Fein, and Chris is certainly right; they are both well-made units.