Porter Cable PC250MTK Oscilating Multi-Tool Review

The Porter-Cable PC250MTK multi-tool is a specialty tool.  By this I mean a non-traditional woodworking tool.  When considering what projects this would be most applicable to, I realized this was going to be my “bail out” tool.  The Porter Cable Multi-Tool excelled at fixing my repair and rework problems (and we all have those).  It made short work of the projects (some of which I hate to do) saving time.  Also, it makes getting into impossible places a breeze, which we all know can be the root of all evil.  The Multi-Tool has already become one of my favorite go to tools and I’m sure it will be even more so in the future.

My first application was to repair a tile top table.  The table had a broken tile.  I installed the curved grout removal blade (which went on quite easily and without assistance from additional tools) and then scored the tile on the diagonal.  Then came the easy part.  The grout was quickly removed around the broken tile using the same blade, now that was easy!  Next, I removed the tile with a hammer and masonry chisel, then removed the remaining cement by sanding with the triangular sanding pad (60 grit).  I finished the job by apply new mastic adhesive, tile and then grout.  I did it so fast (and my wife said we needed a “professional”, ha!).  I’ll tell you, that table was almost as pretty as the smile my wife gave me when it was done.

The second application was used in the restoration of a small dresser with water damage.  The legs were discolored, one leg had cracked and the bottom dust tray was broken.  I installed the wood/metal blade set at 90 degrees to the tool body and cut out the dust apron from the back of the face frame and from the glue block at the rear.  Really nice to be able to adjust the blade angle to get into tight spaces!  I was able to slide out the dust panel and replace with a new one.  Then, I put on the triangular sanding pad with 80 grit paper for the initial sand on the legs.  I then changed to 100 grit (which by the way, was almost too easy with the hook and loop pad) for the final sand.

The pointed pad does a fantastic job in corners and tough to reach places.  This product also extends the life of your sandpaper as you can rotate 120 degrees for max use of all three tips.  Use the variable speed to regulate the Porter Cable Multi-Tool when removing clear finishes as the finish tends to flake off at lower speeds and at higher speeds the finish can melt and stick to the paper.

The Porter Cable Multi-Tool is a quality and easy to use tool that performs where other tools can’t.  The advantage of the quick change blade and sanding pad attachments without tools makes this tool a real time saver.  The cord is ten feet long and is flexible for ease of operation.  It also comes with a three year warranty, one year of free service and a 90 day guarantee.  I know you’ll want to add it to your own tool collection.

Editors note:  This review was conducted by Al Beauregard, a passionate woodworker and a Manager of a large tool and machinery retailer.  Aside from teaching woodworking skills at a local college, he is a valuable information source for the major power tool manufactures for research and development testing prototypes.