The Bottom Line
The Rockwell SoniCrafter Oscillating Tool is a versatile power tool, as it can be used to cut, sand, scrape or polish not only wood, but also plastic, metal, brick, concrete and more. While it isn't a traditional "woodworking tool," it is very handy to have around the shop. It works great as a variable speed oscillating detail sander, and includes a variety of sanding pads and discs.
While the SoniCrafter isn't a woodworking power tool in the classic sense, it does seem to be solidly built, and is great for cutoffs and other tasks that would be more time consuming if done by hand.
While the SoniCrafter isn't a woodworking power tool in the classic sense, it does seem to be solidly built, and is great for cutoffs and other tasks that would be more time consuming if done by hand.
Pros
- Versatile - can sand, trim, scrape or polish
- Variable speed - from 11,000 to 20,000 RPM
- Includes 72-pieces, with more options available
- Covered by a Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Motor tends to run hot, especially at lower speeds
- Had trouble with the clamp that holds the dust collection hose onto the motor housing
- Operating manual didn't really include much information on how to use the attachments
Description
- While I wouldn't use the SoniCrafter for precision cuts, it performed marvelously as a detail sander and for quick cutoffs.
- The dust collection system didn't seem to attach very well to the motor housing. It seemed almost like an afterthought.
- The motor tends to get a bit uncomfortably warm, particularly when used at lower speeds.
Guide Review - Rockwell SoniCrafter Oscillating Tool
The Rockwell SoniCrafter oscillating tool is Rockwell's entry into a line that was first popularized when Fein released their MultiMaster tool a few years ago. This one tool can handle a number of cutting, sanding and scraping tasks.
It certainly isn't a traditional woodworking power tool, but that doesn't preclude one from being useful around the woodshop. Attachments are easily changed or adjusted with the allen wrench, and many other tool accessories are available from Rockwell.
The SoniCrafter is also useful for hundreds of other tasks around the house or shop. For instance, the cutting tool was perfect for removing some extraneous plastic parts from a universal car stereo mounting kit I recently installed. Using the cutting tool, the pieces trimmed off cleanly and very quickly, and in a much safer manner than if I had been forced to cut the pieces off with a utility knife.
It certainly isn't a traditional woodworking power tool, but that doesn't preclude one from being useful around the woodshop. Attachments are easily changed or adjusted with the allen wrench, and many other tool accessories are available from Rockwell.
The SoniCrafter is also useful for hundreds of other tasks around the house or shop. For instance, the cutting tool was perfect for removing some extraneous plastic parts from a universal car stereo mounting kit I recently installed. Using the cutting tool, the pieces trimmed off cleanly and very quickly, and in a much safer manner than if I had been forced to cut the pieces off with a utility knife.
