We got a chance to try out the new Starlock Oscillating Multi-tool System. The Bosch GOP40-30 oscillating multi-tool featured the new accessory system at the 2015 STAFDA trade show in Phoenix. The new Starlock mountingsystemis being developed jointly by both Fein and Bosch as a new standard for oscillating multi-tools. Bosch is particularly motivated to get the new system to take off. They want the Starlock system as prevalent in the oscillating multi-tool marketas theirSDS system is for rotary hammers. The Starlock OMT accessory system arrived in January 2016. It seems to have succeeded in setting yet another new standard in the industry.
The Fein Starlock oscillating multi-tool system is a brand new design. It features a raised portion of the accessory that interlocks with the tool in three dimensions. That differs from the OIS accessory system that presses blades and such between a fastening washer and the tool. With the Starlock mounting system, Bosch, Fein, and other tools using the system get to grasp the accessory. Accessories feature a 3D configuration in the form of a quasi 12-sideddodecagram (a 12-pointed star). Protruding upward from the surface of the accessory, it looks like an oversized bottle cap.
The accessory literally snaps into the tool—thereareno levers or fastening systems to prep or activate. It’s not just tool-less, you literally don’t have to touch a lever or insert a pin to loadan accessory. You just place the tool over the accessory at whatever angle you want and press down. It automatically grasps the Starlock blade oraccessory and locks it into place. A lever on the Bosch Starlock tool releases the accessory or blade without forcing you to touch it. That’s good if you’ve just cut through enough wood or metal to heat up the blade to 160+ degrees. Starlock tools and other compatible tools will work in the same way.
Using the Bosch GOP40-30 Oscillating Multi-Tool with Starlock Mounting System
There are several advantages to the newStarlock system. The most obvious is its snap-in function. Never before has changing the accessory on an oscillating multi-toolbeen faster or easier. The BoschGOP40-30 oscillating multi-tool uses the Starlock mounting systemwith asnap-in function. It lets you change the accessory inless than3 seconds.It also does it without requiring you to touch a potentially hot blade—which makes this a safer system as well.
The ThreeFlavors of the Starlock System
The Starlock mounting system willcome out inthree variations for reasons of backward compatibility. You have the basic Starlock system, which fits a majority of the corded orcordless oscillating multi-tools on the market (including the Bosch MX30E multi-tool or any Bosch OIS-compatible tools), the Starlock Plus which fits the Fein MultiMaster FMM 350 Q, and the Starlock Max which is being reserved for heavy-duty tools and accessories. All three are trademarked by Fein.Noticeably absent are any solutions that will work withtools requiring a slotted accessory, such as the Dremel Multi-Max, Porter-Cable PC250MTK, or DeWalt’s newest oscillating multi-tool.
Presumably, therewill be a redesign ofthe Fein SuperCut line and accessory interface as well, preparing it for the heavy duty Starlock Maxmounting system.
Final Thoughts
The Starlock oscillating multi-tool system is certainly unique (it’s also patented). But will it set the new standard in the oscillating multi-tool market? We’ll have to see. The oscillating multi-tool has gone from a fad of just a few years ago to a full-blown tool that’s indispensable for those doing trim work and anything requiring flush cutting for tile and flooring. It’s also handy in other applications like electrical work and when you need to cut a bolt (or anything else for that matter)flush to a surface.
The most telling thing about the Starlock oscillating multi-tool system is that the accessories arebackward compatible with all OIS and OIS-compatible tools. The only hang-up is that new power tools from Bosch, Flex, Fein, and Festool that use the new Starlock mounting system will only work with Starlock accessories. The recessed mounting position won’t accept any of your existing OIS blades or accessories.
The unique Bosch color coding will remainthe same with the new Starlock accessories as it is with the current OIS accessories:
Look for the new BoschGOP40-30 oscillating multi-tool and the new Starlock and Starlock Plus accessories to hit the shelves around January 2016. Pricing should be very similar to existing OIS products.
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FAQs
What is the difference between Starlockmax and Starlock? ›
The different Starlock fittings directly correlate to the power output of the multi tool, Starlock being the least powerful and Starlock Max being the most powerful. Power output of the machine determines which blades are suitable, as wider and longer blades put more strain on the motor.
How does Starlock work? ›Starlock was created by Bosch and Fein. It's an improved, standardised accessory-fitting system for multi-tools. Starlock blades feature a future-proof 'cake-tin' pattern for a 3D connection between the motor and accessory. This ensures 100% power transfer for maximum performance, stability and precision.
What is the difference between multi-tool Starlock and OIS? ›Bosch recommends Starlock as a much superior alternative to OIS (Oscillating Interface System) and is urging tradespeople to consider the benefits of switching. It points to the relatively loose connection provided by OIS, which relies on a system of pins on the multi-cutter fitting into holes on the accessory.
Which brands use Starlock? ›Starlock blades
Furthermore, it also works well with tools with the universal dodecagon (12 point) mounting from other manufacturers. Fits ALL multi-cutters including Bosch, Makita, Fein, Metabo, Hitachi, AEG, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Skil and Einhell.
An oscillating blade for wood will be designed to remove the sawdust as you cut. There are also different types of oscillating tool blades for cutting wood. The straight blades are usually good for making plunge cuts, while semi-circular blades tend to perform better when you need to make longer, straighter cuts.
What are best multi-tool blades? ›- 1st Place. QAB35WB Antler 35mm Wood Cutter Saw Blades fits Dewalt Stanley Oscillating Multi Tool. ...
- 2nd Place. Smart H8 mAK Trade 8 Piece Set Multi Tool Blade Set of 8. ...
- 3rd Place. 24 PC Multitool Blades LEILUO Oscillating Saw Blades for Wood Metal Plastics Quick. ...
- 4th Place. ...
- 5th Place.
Starlock Plus blades directly fit all FEIN and some Bosch oscillating multi tools including: FEIN MultiMaster, FEIN MultiTalent, FEIN AFMT 12 SL, FEIN AFMT 12 QSL, FEIN AFMM 18 QSL, FEIN FMT 250 SL, FEIN FMT 250 QSL, FEIN FMM 350 QSL, Bosch GOP 30-28, Bosch GOP 40-30, Bosch GOP 18 V-28, Bosch PMF 350 CES.
Do all oscillating tools use the same blades? ›You can find a range of different wood cutting blades for an oscillating tool. Some can be better for plunge cutting, while others might be better for a flush cut. If you are cutting through wood that may have a nail or some other piece of metal in it, you want to look for a good bi-metal oscillating tool blade.
How does an oscillating cutter work? ›The blade vibrates—or oscillates—back and forth at very high speed, making the tool much easier and safer to use than a circular saw, reciprocating saw, or even a jigsaw. It'll slice through virtually any building material, including wood, metal, drywall, cement, mortar, plastic, and fiberglass.
How do I choose an oscillating multi-tool? ›- Corded vs. Cordless. ...
- Power and Speed. Power could be a significant factor in choosing the best oscillating tool, depending on the intended use. ...
- Variable-Speed Control. ...
- Universal Accessories. ...
- Ergonomics. ...
- Noise and Vibration. ...
- Safety. ...
- Additional Features.
What should I look for in an oscillating multi-tool? ›
The higher the oscillation angle, the more aggressive the tool. For example, a multi-tool with an oscillation angle of 2.5 degrees will have a greater level of precision than a tool with an angle of 3 degrees. On the other hand, the tool with 3 degrees of oscillation will cut quicker.
Is Starlock the new standard? ›The new Starlock mounting system is being developed jointly by both Fein and Bosch as a new standard for oscillating multi-tools. Bosch is particularly motivated to get the new system to take off.
How do you change a Starlock blade? ›To change blades, press the auto-ejection button to release the old blade and then just snap in the new one. No tool required, which gets you back to work quicker. The Starlock blade system is also color coded for convenience.
Are Starlock blades backwards compatible? ›One advantage of our older model is that it can mount both the original Fein blades AND the newest Starlocks without an adapter. The latest Multimaster only works with Starlock blades and is not backwards compatible.
What are the four types of blades? ›- Straight edge/bladed Knife. One of the more commonly used knives in the kitchen is also sometimes referred to as a flat ground edge. ...
- Serrated edge. Another of the more commonly used knives in the kitchen. ...
- Scalloped edge. ...
- Hollow ground edge.
To create a straight cut, a round or half-moon saw blade works best. You want to lightly press down on your tool creating a cut no more than 1/4 inch deep. Run your blade across the length of the cut multiple times with each pass making it a little deeper until you cut through your material.
What are the toughest multi-tool blades? ›Carbide / Diamond Grit Blades
They are capable of cutting through much tougher materials such as tile and grout and are often much more resistant and longer lasting.
Highly Compatible
The Starlock Max multitool can be used with Starlock, Starlock Plus, and Starlock Max blades and accessories.
The StarlockMax System is a tool-less clamp system that allows for faster accessory installation. When used with Starlock Oscillating Multi-Tool Accessories, this oscillating multi-tool is ideal for cutting, sanding, scraping, grout removal, and many more applications.
Are all multi-tool blades the same? ›Oscillating multi tool blades come in a huge range of different sizes and styles. Simply check out our product descriptions on Toolstop to find out which material and applications they are best suited to.
How do I change my Starlock blade? ›
To change blades, press the auto-ejection button to release the old blade and then just snap in the new one. No tool required, which gets you back to work quicker. The Starlock blade system is also color coded for convenience.