How to choose a renovator or engraver?

An electric multifunctional tool is an oscillator-type tool based on the oscillatory movements of the working part. More often they can be found under the name "renovator", that is, a universal tool for restoration, finishing, minor repairs. But there is no established name, other stores or manufacturers can call them: a vibration universal machine, an oscillating grinding hand tool, a multimaster, a universal cutter, and even a vibrating bite.

The principle of operation is similar to vibration grinders, in other words, the processing of the material due to the vibration of the working nozzle. But the possibility of using different nozzles just makes the device a universal solution. With the help of a renovator alone, you can perform dozens of operations that, with the usual set of tools, require a lot of time, professional tricks and nerves. Including: a section of a part made of wood, plastic, ceramics, drywall, iron or brick; cutting, cutting almost the entire range of sheet materials; cutout of a rectangular opening, precise cut or cut in a hard-to-reach place; dismantling, cleaning the surface from glue, silicone, putty, plaster; grouting, sanding or sanding, etc.

Types of Multi-Tools

One of the most popular solutions is the renovator already mentioned above. It can be included in a set of home tools or replace a whole range of them. To be an auxiliary tool for repairs, crafts, installation work. It can even become the main tool in the house if you are not associated with large volumes of one operation, but are constantly faced with different, non-standard tasks.

With the help of one renovator, you can perform dozens of different operations that, with a conventional set of tools, require a lot of time

"The rotary engraver". The model in the photo - Black&Decker RT650KA

Some companies have gone even further in multi-renovations: an intermediate nozzle is attached to the power unit (electric drive), allowing you to change the principle of operation of the tool. The change of specialization is carried out due to interchangeable heads, each of which corresponds to a certain type of tool - a drill, a renovator, etc. The tool nozzle (end) intermediate can be made to rotate, vibrate or move forward and backward. Such kits in our catalog are called "multi-tool", their everyday capabilities directly depend on the configuration.

The experience of dentists in crushing, removing material from the “part”, micro-milling and grinding can be completely transferred to the world of the home master. This range of tools, associated with the traditional principle of rotation, is designated as "rotary engraver". They are designed for small volumes of work and are well suited in cases where accuracy and accuracy are important. The possibilities of domestic use also directly depend on the configuration and set of nozzles.

You will find a demolition hammer, a perforator, an electric chisel in miniature according to the selection "impact engraver". Used for engraving and chasing. This is perhaps the least common version of the multi-tool.

Differences and advantages of renovators

Despite the ease of use, the renovator can boast high precision material processing

For most operations carried out by hand (not electric) tools, reciprocating or pendulum movements are characteristic. If we make them electric, but reduce the amplitude of movement of the working part by increasing the frequency, we will get the advantages of a hand tool with high productivity. As a result:

1. 1) high precision and quality of material processing;
2. 2) simplicity of work, without the requirements of "high professionalism";
3. 3) minimum production of the part, little dust;
4. 4) safety of work and safety of the tool (especially in comparison with high-speed rotary tools that provide the centrifugal effect of ejection of material and equipment);
5. 5) the ability to work with materials of different hardness and elasticity;
6. 6) the ability to perform non-standard work or in hard-to-reach places, etc.

Complete set and nozzles of the renovator

The capabilities of the device depend on its configuration.

Each individual task can be solved with the help of a renovator only if the kit contains the appropriate nozzle.

There are two most popular options for choosing a renovator:

1. 1. We select a renovator according to the basic parameters without a set of nozzles or with a minimum set, and we purchase nozzles separately for each task. This approach is called "professional" by some: resources are invested in the main apparatus and several specialized nozzles. No money is wasted on nozzles that will not be used. This option is also suitable for simple savings, if you know exactly what you will do. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is more expensive to buy nozzles separately.
3. 2. We purchase the renovator complete with nozzles that provide the widest range of applications and versatility of work. With the growth of practice and tasks, we expand the range of nozzles individually or by purchasing a ready-made “case” in a set.

Regardless of the approach, pay attention to:

• What nozzles are needed for your tasks, are they included in the kit, on the market.
• Availability or availability of new attachments for your renovator brand.
• The versatility of the seat for nozzles on your renovator, the ability to use nozzles from other manufacturers.
• The presence of adapters for fastening equipment from other companies or the possibility of purchasing such an adapter separately.
• Availability of storage space for attachments in the case, purchase of a special case or savings and providing storage space with affordable means.
• In separately sold sets of nozzles, the total number of items in the set is indicated and this number is most often “caught up” by the number of sanding sheets.

Quick change nozzle system

The most common mounting option - the tooling is fixed with a screw (for a hex key). More expensive models provide a quick change of nozzles using a specially designed latch, often a subject of separate development and pride of the manufacturer.

The description of each nozzle indicates its purpose and materials that can be processed (wood, ceramics, concrete, glass, metal, etc.). Nozzle sockets can be "sharpened" for a specific manufacturer of renovators, or they can be universal. For example, OIS (Oscillating Interface System) is a system for attaching equipment to an oscillating tool, combining a 12-point system from Bosh and a star system from Fain.

The most requested nozzles in domestic use

delta platform

Delta platform. This attachment allows you to perform grinding operations. Depending on the manufacturer, they may vary in size. Grinding emery sheets (sanding sheets) are attached to the delta platform.

On low-cost models, the platform is usually solid. On more expensive ones that have a vacuum cleaner connection system - with holes for dust extraction. Accordingly, the used emery sheets should have the same holes.

There are also triangular-shaped polishing tips, carbide, with applied diamond grit for sawing.

Segmented disk(left) and scraper(right)

Segmented disk. It has the shape of an incomplete circle, with a cut edge or with a part of a segment of a complex shape. Some manufacturers complete renovators with solid disks. Usually, all of them are specialized in the task and type of materials. The disk can be saw, grinding and polishing, rasp.

Chabert. Often also called a chisel, scraper, scraper. Designed for cleaning surfaces, removing residues of glue and building mixtures, cleaning seams, dismantling and cutting coatings, etc.

Depth limiter. A nozzle that allows you to make cuts of a given depth and size, even if it is not possible to visually control the depth of immersion of the knife.

Saw blade. Nozzle of rectangular or complex shape. Allows you to make plunge or other sawing of various materials. It is selected according to the task and material.

With the spread of renovators, the scope of their application, the expansion of applied tasks, and the improvement of nozzles are also growing. Today on the market you can find universal holders that allow you to include a lot of new shapes of tips, cutters, saw blades, sanding nozzles, etc. in the set.

Choosing a renovator: pay attention to details

Every master knows that his hands can determine the quality of the tool no worse than his eyes and brains. Before buying, pay attention to the shape of the device, the location of the buttons, the presence of grips and protection. Even the "tail" of the device can be convenient: so in the model Bosch GOP 250 CE Professional 0601230000 the cord is hinged, which greatly facilitates the "agility" of the network tool.

A soft start system, a reverse function, an additional handle or the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner can add significant comfort in work.

Although during the operation of the renovator, the dust does not stand a column, but it worsens the efficiency of work, which is especially important when grinding. The ability to connect a vacuum cleaner in this case is far from overkill, but a direct necessity. How is the pipe connected, does it interfere or not to hold the tool and control, does it block the view?

Without a soft start, it is not easy to crash into a critical part cleanly, without flaws.

Performing complex and non-standard tasks with a massive tool, you get tired quickly. Therefore, when choosing a renovator model, be guided by your endurance and the weight of the device. But do not forget that it is easy to lighten a power tool with plastic, but it is more difficult to make plastic parts durable. The armature and high-quality motor winding will always be massive. If the motor is light, then hard work will be harmful to it.

Power supply and power of the renovator

Renovators, like other power tools, are powered by AC or batteries.

All the disadvantages and advantages of battery models, which are generally characteristic of power tools, are also noticeable here, but with a little clarification: even for network renovators, high power is not required. Therefore, rechargeable batteries, although they are inferior in performance, but not radically. You can safely forget about the problem of power. Choose the battery option according to the criteria of convenience and duration of operation.

Makita TM3000CX3 is one of the most powerful renovators on the market

According to the power range, all models on the market can be divided into the following groups:

Up to 100 W - for light, unpretentious work. From cardboard to drywall there will be no problems, with linoleum and plastics too. Simple and small-scale cleaning and grinding operations are achievable.

100-200 W - the average class of loads and materials, suitable for most occasional household work and occasional use.

200-300 W - without overload allows you to work with all materials prescribed by the instructions. It can be attributed to the "semi-professional" volume of loading and loads.

More than 300 W - devices of long use, working easily with all materials available to the renovator. Can be used in professional mode.

RPM, Frequency and Oscillation Angle

RPM matters for multitools with rotating attachments like the AEG multitools for example. For renovators, the vibration frequency of the working part is more important. For different types of work and different materials, the optimal frequency values \u200b\u200bwill also be different. In this regard, the function of adjusting the oscillation frequency(revs) is important.

On different models, the adjustment can be smooth or stepped. The lower limit varies greatly among renovators, and the upper limit rarely exceeds 21,000 strokes/minute. When cutting hard materials and metals, the lower frequency limits of the renovator are used, for plastics - medium, for soft wood, plaster - upper, as well as for grinding operations.

A parameter that is not adjustable by the consumer is the angle of oscillation (often written - oscillations). It differs slightly in different models: 1.4 – 1.6°. Some manufacturers indicate the amplitude not from the middle position, but the full one (between the extreme positions of the nozzle), in this case the parameter looks like this: 2.8 – 3.2 °. None of the manufacturers substantiate the amplitude data, although it is not difficult to understand what exactly it affects: the stroke length of the working surface of the nozzle. The larger the amplitude, the longer or larger the diameter of the nozzle, the longer its path along the part will be. This parameter has practically no effect on the choice of model.

Brands and manufacturers

Tools replicated in the image and likeness of leaders, but without their control and patented technologies, are often of very dubious quality. These brands can be distinguished primarily by the price: up to about $50. Equipment, usually, is either completely absent, or at a minimum level.

The price category of manufacturers, conditionally, up to $ 100 is the products of manufacturers who have already put on stream not only sales, but also advertising their brand, develops a service network, and provides a warranty period. Check the warranty period and the availability of service centers. Like, for example, Intertool, Energomash, Sturm, Skil, Einhell, etc.

The category above $100 is also interesting. Here one can easily single out the brands AEG and Black & Decker, since only they represent exactly the multi-tool. There is no particular push here. You can also safely talk about high-quality renovators from DeWALT, Makita, Bosch, Dremel, Hilti. But the price of such devices is often high, and renovators from these manufacturers may not reach every home.