Jan 242013
Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5-Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit with 36 Accessories
- Tool-free accessory change requires no bolts or wrenches
- Powerful 2.5 Amp motor provides high torque for smooth cutting
- Variable speed dial offers maximum control across applications
- 10-foot cord for access to applications
- Includes: Kitbox with a wide assortment of accessories
Porter-Cable’s PC250MTK 2.5-amp oscillating multi-tool kit has been specially designed to offer remodelers, carpenters, general contractors, and a number of other professionals the quality and control they need to complete a variety of applications. From cutting wood, drywall, and nails to removing grout to scraping paint and caulk, the PC250MT oscillating multi-tool tackles a wide variety of projects and tasks.
PC250MTK 2.5-Amp
Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
At a Glance:
Tool-Free Sys
List Price: $ 222.00
Price: $ 99.99
Nice tool from Porter Cable,
I had to install baseboard hot water into a log home. This required removing (squaring) out a section of the bottom logs so the baseboard would sit flush. I decided I needed a multi-cut tool to help with this project. I looked for alternatives to the expensive Fein and found the Craftsman 2.0 Amp Compact A/C Multi-Tool and the new Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5 Amp. These are both corded models which I compare below.
Features: The PC comes with a plastic case and the CR with a bag. I like the case better although too many compartments. I like a case with one area for the tool and another large area for attachments. This makes it much easier to shut the case without having to line everything up. The CR comes with a power indicator on the tool and a small built in light which may come in handy. Both tools have an easy to use variable speed dial. The CR has a vacuum port although I found it pretty useless in practice since the suction does not get close enough to the business end. The PC has a more flexible (rubber) power cord than the CR. I bet it would be less stiff in the cold as well. I really liked the quick change system on the PC compared to the hex key on the CR. Since the PC is relatively new the CR has more attachments options. In addition, I believe the CR is compatible with the Fein which has a very large assortment. Due to the quick change system on the PC other manufacturer’s accessories will not fit. Besides the connection point on the blades they seem to be very similar in quality from both manufactures. The blades come marked for identification and depth of cut. These marking are painted and wear off just about on first use. Both manuals had very little useful information once you get past the pages of safety instructions. I liked the fact that the CR manual did not come folded like an old map you pulled from the glove compartment. You can actually lay it flat on a table and read it.
Ergonomics: The CR was smaller and felt good in the hand. You could certainly fit it into tighter spaces than with the PC. Vibration in the tools were about the same with a slight edge to the CR which I imagine can be attributed to smaller motor and less angle of oscillation. Both tools have good balance and seem well made.
Performance: The PC is the clear winner here for several reasons. The angle of oscillation and speed of oscillation is greater with the PC. This allows a similar blade to cut faster and the PC did seem to cut faster. My test was plunge cutting to the stops (1.5-2″) into a pine log. Note: as you start to penetrate into an interior piece of wood, use GENTLE pressure which will allow the blade to work. If you try to force the tool the blade will stop oscillating with the energy transferring back into the tool; i.e. the tool with shake and it will not cut. In extended runs the PC does not get has hot at the CR. Changing the blade on the CR after an extended run can be a real pain with the hex nut, receiving housing and blade becoming super hot. In addition it takes time to back the hex nut out, install new blade or change angle, and re-tighten. On the PC you simply squeeze a spring loaded lever, change blade or adjust angle, and release lever to lock in place. Another advantage with the PC’s blade change system is the blade stays connected. On the CR, I found the hex nut would loosen with extended use, especially if you try to force the tool to cut faster. I am sure this will lead to over tightening and stripping of that hex nut over time. In the end I kept the PC with the quick change system winning the day. I would have given the CR 3 stars. Hope this helps.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Quick change blades,
I have both this tool and the Rockwell Sonicrafter. Overall, I like the PC better simply because of the quick change blades. The chuck is well designed using a heavy, trigger actuated spring that locks the blades in place. So far, I have had no problems with blades slipping and I don’t envision any.
The Sonicrafter is a well-made tool and seems fairly heavy duty. Mine has taken quite a beating. The only complaint I could have with it is the chuck, which requires removing and replacing an allen bolt in order to change blades. This can become tiresome, especially when you are working under very dusty conditions, when the dust can get into the bolt threads and make the bolt difficult to remove and tighten.
The PC has a tough plastic gear housing as opposed to the Sonicrafter’s metal housing. I don’t know what the gears are made out of in either tool, though both tools are about the same weight. The only other difference I notice is that the fan in the Sonicrafter seems to push more air than the PC’s. In actual use I have not noticed that either tool runs cooler than the other. Both tools seem to cut at about the same speed. I haven’t noticed any other differences.
Overall, I prefer using the PC because blade changes are so much faster.
UPDATE 11/30/11
Some people have mentioned that the Velcro on the sanding pad has a tendency to melt. This occurs with all brands of oscillating tools and is not unique to the PC. Here is a Youtube link for the Fein Multimaster which explains how to sand properly in order to avoid the problem. I hope this helps.
[...]
Well, it appears that Amazon won’t allow Youtube links. If you go to Youtube and search for “Fein Multimaster Sanding” and select the video with the same title you should be OK. The bottom line is, there is no design flaw peculiar to the PC’s sanding accessory. All of the oscillating tools exhibit the same problem when used incorrectly. Fein should know – they invented it. Again, I hope the video helps.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Problem with Porter-Cable PC250MTK 2.5 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool sanding platen,
I ordered this multitool based on favorable reviews here on Amazon, and am surprized that nobody mentioned the problem that I have encountered. I wanted this tool primarily for sanding small and awkward to reach parts of some window frames. After less than an hour of light use, the plastic hooks on the sanding platen, to which the sandpaper attaches, would no longer hold the paper properly. Those on the tip and sides of the triangle had completely fused from the heat of sanding. Apart from this problem I do like the machine – I am a woman with average size hands, and can use this tool with one hand. The tool change mechanism works well, but does take some strength to depress the lever. However, I can manage with some effort. The cord really is a nice length, and I also like the molded plastic case, which has places to hold the tools neatly. I have emailed the manufacturer to ask whether they have a more durable sanding platen, but if not, I will most likely return the tool, as I really need a tool for sanding, and the original platen just does not last.
Update: Porter-Cable responded that their multitool is a new product, and they had not yet received any other reports of this issue – and asked whether this response had solved my problem! I have returned it, and will be buying a Sonicrafter instead.
Further update: Some comments suggested that this could be a problem with all such tools, that the sanding technique might need to be adapted, and fixes to work around the problem were mentioned. However, I feel that one should not have to improvise to make a tool work properly. I have since used my Sonicrafter in exactly the same way, for several hours at a time, and never encountered the slightest problem, so I guess I will have to stick with my original assessment!
Was this review helpful to you?
|