Bosch Corded Multitool availability in NA

[jason margeson]

Im wondering if anyone can confirm the availability of the bosch corded multitool here in North America.

THe euro model is GOP250CE.

A call to both bosch toll free help line and direct to head office was extremely unhelpful. They basically denied its existence here in north america, however i was told i wasnt the first to call looking for it. Matter of fact, the rep on the phone referred to it as a GOL 250....When corrected, she said in her system it was "GOL". Does this mean a separate model number exists for a 120V tool???????:D

I know the tool exists here in NA (well at least one of them does) as it was seen and mentioned in a thread here on SC
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=147115

I think its been out in europe for at least a month.[/URL][URL]http://www.bosch-presse.de/TBWebDB/en-US/PressText.cfm?id=4574 (http://www.bosch-presse.de/TBWebDB/e...xt.cfm?id=4574)

So im basically wondering if its ever going to show up, and if so what date? Anybody have the ear of a bosch rep willing to spill the beans?:D

If i cant get the bosch in a reasonable time, im going to go FEIN. I know the fien is quality (used one before) but the bosch has the same power and allows the use of cheaper , and locally available dremel/bosch blades, plus it should be available for 1/2 the price of the fein.

[Rick Lizek]

When it's out you won't missing seeing the ads for it. You don't think they would hide it!
http://www.protoolreviews.com/buying-guides/oscillating-multi-tool-shootout-comparison
We have a Fein, Dremel and Sonic in our shop and I've got a Harbor Freight. None of the guys will turn their nose up at either tool and my HF is great for around the house. I've got a special adapter coming that will allow me to use any blade on any tool supposedly. There's also a few other sources for blades like imperial blades. The tool is only part of the picture. The blades are the other half.

[Callan Campbell]

They're selling Bosch tools nationwide through their on-line site and will probably "go on the record" about your question:p As for the universal blade adapter, was that the one that Fine Homebuilding or FWW said was coming out this Fall from Bosch to work everyone's favorite Multitool with all the different blade styles out there?
I was planning on getting it, but didn't know if it was out yet. :confused:
I own, and use heavily, the Fein MM. But, I've got a Harbor Freight MM air tool version on its way to try out for work since it's only about $30. This means I could leave my Fein at home and not worry about it walking away. We have plenty of air to run this HF Multitool at work. If it doesn't vibrate too badly while in use, could be the cheapest Multi Tool ever. Or close to it...:D
The blades are their own story..., that's why the uni-adapter might help with this.

[jason margeson]

Thanks for the replies.

About the universal blade thing. Bosch is the one pushing it. I think the standard is called OIS? Bosch, milwalkee (who has a new cordless one coming) plus most of the others have adapted it.

I understand that a OIS machine can use any of the blades including Fein's.

Fein, on the other hand. isnt joining OIS. Why would they? Im sure theyre making a KILLING on the blades. Likely more so than the machine itself. bosch however is making an adapter to run ois on fein to cut into their market. I also have read where fein is going after makers of aftermarket blades to prevent people from copying their attachment design, essentially drying up the aftermarket.

I dont doubt for a minute that the fein blades are better, but for most purposes, especially remodels where your cutting into who knows what, a cheaper blade just makes sense. Having expensive consumables kind of stops you from grabbing a tool subconsciously and whats the sense of that???:)

I know i want corded. I looked at the bosch multi-x. It seems the best out there as far as feel (other then the fein) but its cordless. I understand that they are only getting 10mins runtime on a batt in heavy use.

Im in canada, so HF is out as a option. For $30 id pick one up, at least until this whole bosch thing is figured.

Callan: ill send a email off to mcfeelys. Thanks.

[Tom Hintz]

Bosch is saying the corded version of that tools is due out in March of 2011. those dates often get tweaked a little but this far in they are pretty close on the estimates.

[jason margeson]

Bosch is saying the corded version of that tools is due out in March of 2011. those dates often get tweaked a little but this far in they are pretty close on the estimates.

March 2011 eh? Dont think i can hold off that long. Might have to go fein. At least you got some info out of them:)

[Van Huskey]

As for blades these look interesting:

http://www.imperialblades.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

I have seen them in a store or two but have yet to try them. The bimetal looks very interesting when they show it cut almost 100 framing nails in a row...

[Charles McKinley]

The harbor Freight blades are junk. It didn't even make it through one piece of fiberglass sheeting. I have udes the bosch blades on my Fien. Not a perfect fit but usable and about 1/2 the price.

[Tom Hintz]

Bosch has a universal adapter that makes their blades fit just about all of the manufacturers tools. I will be looking at those as well when I can get the corded tool. It looks like Bosch has been doing their homework on this stuff though.

[John Coloccia]

As for blades these look interesting:

http://www.imperialblades.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

I have seen them in a store or two but have yet to try them. The bimetal looks very interesting when they show it cut almost 100 framing nails in a row...

As I hear it from my local Woodcraft guys, those are fine blades and by all accounts last at least as long as the Feins (longer, actually), at about half the price.

[jason margeson]

Bosch has a universal adapter that makes their blades fit just about all of the manufacturers tools. I will be looking at those as well when I can get the corded tool. It looks like Bosch has been doing their homework on this stuff though.

yep its called a OIS adaptor. unfortunately it only goes one way, adapts bosch blades to other machines, like bosch blades on a fein. heres a link for a free bosch blade and adaptor. unfortunately its not available where i live (thanks bosch:mad::mad::mad:)

http://www.boschjoethepro.com/REGISTER/free-OIS-offer.aspx

code:OISR10

[Will Overton]

Thanks Jason

[jason margeson]

Thanks Jason
No worries;) All you guys be sure to take advantage of that, even if you dont have a Multitool. That'll teach 'em for locking canada out of the offer:D

[Rick Moyer]

yep its called a OIS adaptor. unfortunately it only goes one way, adapts bosch blades to other machines, like bosch blades on a fein. heres a link for a free bosch blade and adaptor. unfortunately its not available where i live (thanks bosch:mad::mad::mad:)

http://www.boschjoethepro.com/REGISTER/free-OIS-offer.aspx

code:OISR10

If you read the fine print it says "winners will be randomly selected", and it also says you can register no more than once a month (IIRC), so is this a drawing or do they give one away to everyone who registers? I submitted the form anyway. we'll see.

[jason margeson]

If you read the fine print it says "winners will be randomly selected", and it also says you can register no more than once a month (IIRC), so is this a drawing or do they give one away to everyone who registers? I submitted the form anyway. we'll see.
Hey, at least you had the chance.;)