Dremel has come out with a new Multi-Max oscillating multi-tool, the MM50, which is said to be a robust design that provides users with better control, thanks to lower vibration.
The new Dremel MM50 is also said to have a compact head that’s 30% smaller than other tools in its class, allowing it to reach into tighter spaces that other tools might not fit.
Advertisement
It also has an angled body, which Dremel says delivers an improved user experience, especially when making flush cuts. The design gives users more room around their hands.
The Dremel MM50 sports a 5.0A motor, which is said to be the most powerful in its class, making the tool capable for tougher jobs such as cutting door jams, trim, and baseboard.
- 5A motor
- 10,000 – 20,000 OPM
- Variable speed dial
- Tool-free blade change system
Blade changes are said to be quick and easy, via the new knob-based locking mechanism.
The MM50-01 kit comes with a selection of 30 accessories for various cutting and sanding applications.
Price: $130
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Advertisement
First Thoughts
Dremel has updated their Multi-Max oscillating multi-tools over the years, each time adding small but noticeable improvements.
With the MM50, the blade change mechanism is different, but the tool also features a more powerful motor, an angled design for better ergonomics, and a more compact head for fitting into tighter spaces.
The blade style looks to be the same Dremel format that is popular with DIYers and hobbyists for their reasonable quality, vast selection, value pricing, and wide availability. Personally, I would have liked to see the Starlock interface, but I can’t blame Dremel for wanting to maintain full compatibility with their large range of accessories.
We have a Dremel MM50 oscillating multi-tool for review, and hope to be able to answer any questions you might have about its operation or performance.
Jared
Shape looks pretty good. A corded multi-tool isn’t going to move the needle for me though. Too often I’m making small quick cuts with my Dewalt where I don’t want to be bothered setting up a long cord.
I realize Dremel makes a cordless oscillating tool, but I wouldn’t buy that either since I don’t want more battery types. Can’t knock them for trying though. I do wish my Dewalt was smaller at times.
Maybe you could snap a photo of this side-by-side with a Dewalt or other competitor’s version so we can visualize the difference in head size?
Andrew
Agreed. My Makita is a fine tool, but is big, heavy, and does not have as good blade change like the dewalt. With that said, the trade offs to stay in a battery platform are not worth it, especially because I do not like the paddle switch. Now put a cord on it and a more expensive tool certainly is not worth switching.
Tim D.
Same gripes with my Makita. However, I already own the batteries for my other tools and it’s just not a tool I use constantly.
Chano
If it had the ability to take a smaller battery that someone might already have for smaller tools… ie Dewault screwdriver.
I can already use the Dremmel rotary for tight spots the bigger units won’t cut.
I’m sure it’s awesome, but I can only carry so many things… someone doing trim everyday would probably love it though
Nate Bezanson
Having used both 12v and 18v oscillating tools, and a few corded versions, I can say that 12v is right at the bottom end of what’s useful. Anything smaller would just sort of massage the work rather than cutting it.
Nathan
Different perspective. The angle is a no go for me – I see it helping for one particular task set – cutting baseboards/trim – when fitting floors. Mayben other things but only when you come at it from the front.
I occasionally – probably more often – cut from the side against a squaring items – so the angle sets my hand off line. Think holding a circular saw with the handle at a angle. I’ve not had a problem with cutting trim at floor level with my Dewalt.
Anyway I think it’s good to have options so it’s interesting.
Meanwhile Dremel is a Bosch company right – so surprised they are using the SBD common notched QC blade idea still. I know dremel had them previously – glad to see they still use it.
I’m not sold on starlock – I get that it might have a bit more torque transfer for cutting something harder. OK but it also means more torque transfer to the user controlling the cut – so potential for more line skewing motions from the tool.
One of the reasons I like the OMT is that it using speed and tooth to cut smooth with less pressure – not so much a torque though the blade tooth to push though the material. I will say I don’t cut much metal with my OMT – but I have burned though the occasional nail.
Oleg K
I bought a 5 amp MM45 yesterday and, since I got it at the Home Depot I will use this one for (up to) 90 days and then exchange it for the new one. Wish I knew this was coming out before I purchased it though, would have saved me a trip.
I honestly believe that Dremel is associated with only rotary tool for all the wrong reasons since they have an excellent line-up of corded oscillating tools as well, apart from that Velocity monster they introduced for some unknown reason a couple years ago, of course. I own a few different multi-tools, including Dewalt and Fein and tried, pretty much, every other tool that market has to offer.
If you dismiss the Milwaukee, Makita, Rockwell and all other tools that aren’t exactly aimed at professionals and compare the build quality, features and cost of the tool itself and accessories to any other pro-grade brand, like Fein, you’ll understand that Dremel oscillating tools actually offer the same features, power and none of the stupid, useless gimmicks the other brands add to their tools in an attempt to make them more desirable. I also love the fact that their high-quality accessories are available in most big stores and that their warranty is, by far, the best and I’m speaking from my own experience because, a few months back, they sent me a 4300 rotary tool FOR FREE when my 4200 broke, they paid for shipping and didn’t even ask for me to return the broken one! Also, just to be clear: I’m not kidding or exaggerating in any way, I do NOT work for either Dremel nor Bosch or affiliated with these companies in any way.
Nate Bezanson
> Dremel is associated with only rotary tool
Their brand is so unbelievably solid with that one tool, they should release other tools under another name.
Going against the tide of public perception just dilutes their brand.
(viz. Channel-Lock brand now appearing on locking pliers and Vise-Grip brand now appearing on adjustable wrenches, which I consider to be the pinnacle of stupidity. And Rakuten Group buying Buy.com and disbanding what was probably the internet’s best domain name. You’ve got a market position anyone would envy, why hose it up?)
Jammer
I’m pretty happy with my MM45. I don’t use it a ton, but a smaller head design and the new angle would definitely be a plus. I don’t mind the flip lever style tool release that my current tool has, it feels strong and secure. If the spring tension is the same, then it’ll be pretty tough to turn that new knob.
Jon
Used Fein, Festool, Bosch and Dewalt. All solid tools, each with their own pros and cons but I love the newer Bosch locking mechanism, it is so fast and easy to change out. The DeWalt is good but it can be a fight and not sure how long the spring will hold out…. Not sure, not saying it will even fail just a thought. The Festool is an overpriced Fein with a wicked cool plunge base. And the Fein has a nice release and can be used with the Festool plunge base. I went with the 5amp Bosch GOP55 because I found it for $120 new.
Dremel has a long way to go though for me to seriously consider putting in the same class as those brands. Not saying it couldn’t happen but not likely with my past experience with their tools.
Mosh
A little off topic I just wish they had more stuff on there 12v line so I just wouldn’t have 2 batteries only for my rotary tool….
JoeM
They have, if they’re still making it, the MM 8300 MultiMax tool. Cordless Oscillating Tool. Same battery. Only problem with it is no form of quick-release. It’s a Pre-Quick-Release era MultiMax from Dremel.
And honestly? If I could swear freely on the site, without getting banned or censored, I’d use about 12 different expletives to agree with you on Dremel’s 12 Volt platform. It. Is. Awesome. But I wish they had more than the 1.3, 1.5, and 2.0 Ah batteries for it. I also wish they had… just… MORE tools that used their Lithium battery pack. A flashlight? A USB Charger? A Hand-Held Fan? A Compressor? BRING BACK A GLUE GUN?
I just don’t want to wait for Bosch to throw away another one of their badly-received junk tools for Dremel to try and sell them to suckers. I want Dremel to get some SERIOUS consideration as a tool company, dedicated to more than Gadgety Tools. The Rotary lineup has some oddballs, but at least they do Rotary tools that are world-class designs. Their Moto-Saw, Electric Coping Saw? Love that thing. If they made a more robust version, or one that runs off the 12 Volt platform? I’d buy in a second! But their MultiSaw and Ultra Saw might as well be Bosch throwaways. Same with the unfortunate MultiMax line here, the Trio (now thankfully discontinued) and their awful attempts at First-Timer 3D Printing and Laser Cutting. They may be “Quite Handy” or “Easy To Use” as a whole, but they’re a disgrace to the Dremel name. They often overlap, or TOTALLY ERASE the Rotary line. The tools that MADE Dremel, suddenly have no use next to their own non-Dremel-Origin tools from Bosch.6
If all these tools were shifted over to BOSCH? They’d be perfect. Bosch could launch them much farther, and keep the identical quality, because Bosch is no slacker when it comes to innovation and quality. Leaving Dremel those unique tools that no one else does on Dremel’s scale.
Dremel was bought by Bosch, and then treated like the unwanted stepchild. It’s not fair to those of us who were raised on Dremel rotary tools. Who have entire muscle memory routines programmed into our very cells, so that once we are holding one, none of our senses need engage the project. We just… do what we’ve done millions of times on repeat. Bosch treats us like we just don’t matter. We’re the ones who will buy 10 different Rotary Tools, simply to devote them to specific uses, and we’re the ones who keep buying Dremel. But Bosch still wants to pull people away from Makita, Metabo/Hitachi/Whatever they’re calling themselves these days, and the big Red and Yellow users, instead of serve the obsessive, devoted installbase they have had for something close to 80+ years.
I have an 8200 cordless rotary tool, an that thing is one hell of a rugged monster when using it. Throw anything you want at it, it’ll handle it. Dremel needs a MUCH wider range of 12 Volt tools to go side-by-side with the 8200 family. They just have to quit being suck-ups to the construction tool market, and go after the Crafting and Hobby market like they’re trying to marry it.
Scotty
I would love to own but can’t afford it barely able to afford gas for work
JoeM
Y’know… I basically challenged Dremel and DeWALT on Facebook, to release an Oscillating Tool that has BOTH Cordless AND Quick-Release features. Whoever released it first, would be the company I bought my first Oscillating Tool from.
DeWALT won. DCS355. But Dremel STILL hasn’t come out with anything close to a match for it. The day they do? May very well be the day I buy a second Oscillating Tool. And I won’t get rid of the other. I’ll just use them together. Saw or Scraper on one, Sander on the other. Don’t care. When it comes to the Oscillating Tool, I genuinely trust both companies the same. In fact, Dremel and DeWALT are my personal favourite tool companies. Raised on Dremel, Professionally Trained on DeWALT. It’s Sentimental now.
Aaron SD
I just checked HD and they have it on sale for $139 with a 4Ah battery or $129 bare tool. Very tempting. Not sure if this is regular but looks to be good until June 30.
Can it substitute for a mini circular or reciprocating saw for long cuts to break down and scrap boards? This could help me justify buying it…
JoeM
Which? The DeWALT? I think there are semi-circular wood saw blades that are meant for that kind of thing, but they are very rare, and sometimes expensive. But, those blades fit any Oscillating Tool, last I checked. Even the quick-change Dremel and DeWALT models have an extended lower bolt for use in non-quick-change, or other-brand blades.
First find the blades you need, then consider the tool. Out-of-the-Box, none of the Oscillating Tools comes equipped for that.
The What?
Dremel used to make a lot of stuff back in the day compared to what they make now but that doesn’t mean that those products were going places. They may be known for their rotary tools but they’ve never been known as a professional brand. I’ve never used a dremel to cut out drywall for my electrical boxes or doorways or windows which is what professionals use rotary cutout tools for. The quality of their products, especially their accessories have suffered a lot compared to what they made prior to Bosch owning them. The multi max seems to get an update every other year and even though they added a 5a motor this time, it’s something that should have been there from the beginning. Most of the things that they keep trying to improve upon aren’t necessarily needed like the blade changing mechanism and the size of the front. They can make larger blades to overcome the size of any multi tool, but they won’t because they’re too cheap. I’ve always wondered why the size of multi tool blades have never gotten bigger. According to their claims of improvements that have been made to multi tools and the blade holding mechanisms, they should be able to hold a bigger blade and you should still be able to control the tool. They should have enough clamping force to hold blades that are 20% larger in both length and diameter/width. I had the dremel mm30 and it was good until it came time to use it for a tile job. It let me down like a flat tire. I was expecting it to be able to handle cutting through the epoxy grout (3/16 grout lines) so I could get under the tiles and pop them off but it just couldn’t do it. I wasn’t trying to make a bunch of dust, but I ended up having to score the grout with my grinder and even then the mm30 had trouble getting under and cutting the versabond to pop the tiles off. I ended up having to use my chisel to clean off the durabak because the dremel got too hot. I think it was a combination of an underpowered tool and poorly made blades courtesy of dremel. They advertised that it could accomplish the tasks I was doing. However they don’t advertise that when used to cut through certain materials it’s ineffective. I’m looking for a new multi tool and 5 amps sounds nice, but I’ll have to see it in action before I’m convinced.
JoeM
I’ve been using Dremel tools since I was 9 years old, and I COMPLETELY agree with you. The Bosch purchase really did drop the quality as a whole. It dropped it even further when they started introducing things that WEREN’T Rotary Tools. And, with a handful of exceptions over the years, I still think Bosch is doing a horrible disservice to the brand by introducing these Pro-Level tools that contain Craft-Level materials. There was the Versatip woodburning/soldering tool that was always spectacular, their sharpening station was pretty efficient (then they stopped making it), their Engraver is probably the best I’ve ever used, and the model 1200 Glue Gun is easily my favourite hot glue tool of all time. And there’s a pattern to these. None of them are things used for industry, they’re for home workshops, and craft work.
Now, the blades… well, Bosch blades fit the Dremel anyways, so the quality problems Dremel has, Bosch seems to save the best for their own name. You can get by buying various Bosch branded blades for the Rotary Tools and such, without worrying about the quality problems.
As to bigger blades? Y’know what…uh… What?… When the MM series was first released they DID have larger half-moon, and 270 degree blades. They just weren’t popular or something, because the diameter shrunk at least an inch, and only specialty 180 degree half-moon blades became available. It SUCKS. I disagree with a good 90% of what Bosch does with Dremel, and the direction they’ve taken the company.
It hurts me to say, but… Honestly… Go with another brand for the Oscillating Tools. Their SawMax and UltraSaw are just Bosch throwaways, and frankly, it’s only their quick-release platform that even remotely makes one worth it for ME. Their Rotary tools can do many of these jobs better than their other lines, and there’s a ton of people, like Foredom, who make superior Rotary products out there. With few exceptions, again. Dremel’s EZ system for the barrel sander and disc mandrel is remarkably innovative. They just went overboard with the Rotary 4200 model.
Dremel is rapidly departing from what makes it money, and I fear this once proud company is going to be killed by Bosch competitive marketing.
Ford W
Frankly Dremel is frustrating. Their quick change blade system is nice but… You have to get Dremel blades. I have not found any universal blades that actually fit. Even with the adaptor – they are supposed to fit but are just loose enough that they don’t work. Also my MM45 still relatively new and the quick release lever is causing problems.
Mark
I just bought the MM50 today and after taking it from the box, found that Dremel made a small, but significant change to the tool-less clamp head that makes the MM50 unable to use any other manufacturer blades except Dremel brand. They made the clamp part of the head smaller in diameter, so it will not clamp the more common size – the blades just fall out. This is a change from all their previous tool-less designs. There is no adapter. There is no practical or application reason for this change. The only reason is a money-grab to make one buy only Dremel blades. This is going back tomorrow.
Mike fio
I agree 100%. Bought mine yesterday and returning it today!
Xavier
I bought one MM50-01 and came with the head offset. Not too much but enough to annoy when the blade hides in the cut.
I already sent it back and wonder if yours is or was like that. I really liked the tool and wanted to buy it again.
Ben Reeves
Have just received and sent back 2 separate ones with the head/blade offset by just a few degrees. Terribly annoying. Tool seems solid, but that’s a deal breaker. Will give them one more shot.
Bob Niles
I just bought the MM50 to replace my old Fein which after years of hard use stripped a gear in the head. I have only used it for a few tests so no actual working experience but I like the way it feels. I prefer corded over cordless and I wish the MM50 had a cord as long as my old Fein but i have a plan to recycle the cord off my Fein. Only other complaint is my old blades no longer work with the new locking system.
Diego Rose
I purchased a Dremel mm50 a few months ago. I cannot find blades that fit this tool to save my life. Even at the Dremel page a search comes up 0. Does anyone know were to find blades for this thing?
Stuart
Dremel oscillating multi-tool blades and accessories should fit it.
For example: https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-MM422B-Multi-Max-Metal-3-Pack/dp/B0028N6N0S/?tag=toolguyd-20
Leum
Anyone have any solutions to stop the knob from loosening when using the tool?
I find myself stoping and tightening every couple of minutes which is annoying. Like everything else about it though?