Dremel 8300-01 12-Volt Cordless Multi-Max Oscillating Kit

I had used a friends corded multi-max for a project and thought it was great. For Christmas I got the 8300 cordless version. It worked well for a couple of sanding projects, but did not do so well for minor cutting. The battery gage would go from 3 lights, to 2, to all lights flashing and the tool would quit in less than a minute. At first I thought the battery might have been dead, but I had the same problem with the other fully charged battery. The manual claims this happens if the battery gets hot and to let to tool sit for awhile. Tried that, still had problems. I tried charging the battery, let the battery sit to make sure it wasn't hot, and still could only make a few minors cuts (about 2 inches in 1/2 inch pine) before the unit would shut down. The battery never felt hot to the touch and the tool itself felt warm, but not hot.

Needless to say, I took it back. I don't know if I just got a bad tool, some bad batteries, or a bad charger. I'm still trying to decide if I should get another 8300, or if I should go with the less problematic corded version.

After seeing a demonstration of a $19k oscillating saw used in orthopedic surgery, I thought it would be useful to have a saw capable of making plunge cuts for [non-surgical] jobs around the house and in my home shop. Fortunately, Dremel recently introduced this oscillating saw that shares some design elements and the 12v lithium battery with my Dremel 8200 rotary tool. With the ability to cut, sand and scrape, the Dremel 8300 is a very versatile tool that offers both portability and power. I have been extremely satisfied with my purchase.

After being favorably impressed with my Dremel 8200, I was eager to see what other cordless tools made by Dremel that I could use. Like the Dremel 8200 rotary saw, the Dremel 8300 oscillating saw is very solidly constructed - much more rugged than the Dremel 10.8v rotary tool. Also, owning both the 8200 and 8300 gives the owner the benefit of three interchangeable batteries (two from the 8300 oscillating saw) and two chargers.

My initial tests left me impressed with the combination of the power of the Dremel 8300 along with the dexterity it avails the user. In my initial use of the Dremel 8300, I made plunge cuts into soft wood and high density fiberboard without breaking sweat. In both cases, the saw was highly controllable. The plunge cuts produced were orthogonal. By contrast, rotary saws have the ability to make shallow, semispherical plunge cuts that are far less useful. The Dremel 8300 manual suggests the side-to-side excursion of the saw blade is only three (3) degrees. Such a narrow excursion produces cuts that are almost perfectly rectangular.

My sanding tests demonstrated that tool is powerful, while at the same time, allows for great attention to detail. The cylindrical grip combined with a Reuleaux-triangle-shaped sanding pad gives the user precise control over the effective sanding area. It is much easier to use than than even the smallest palm oscillating saw. The triangular adning pad gives the user the ability to sand relatively tight corners. Interestingly, the design of the Dremel 8300 prevents the user's hand from the vibratory discomfort and numbness often experienced with traditional sanders.

The 8300 oscillating saw and 8200 rotary tool are nice pair for any shop. The build quality, ergonomics and versatility are superb. Having used the smaller Dremel 10.8v rotary tools in the past, I can say that both the 8200 and 8300 are in a different class with their ruggedness and power. Once again, Dremel has made a first class product.

Pros
Versatile - cut, sand, scrape with one tool
Batteries interchangeable with other Dremel 12v tools
Nice case included
Rugged construction
Comfort - reduced numbness

Cons
Few accessories included

I have used this product extensively to remove loose paint from wood siding using the flexible scraper. The Multi-Max has performed well. One of the conditions that I was concerned with is that the batteries would rapidly run down and the tool would overheat. I am happy to report that the battery charge lasted over an hour with near continual use and even after replacing the battery with another freshly charged battery and running the tool until the second battery was discharged the tool did not overheat.
The one thing that would have helped on the particular job I was doing would be to have a flexible scraper with a carbide edge since it would last much longer before getting dull.

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