REVIEWS
Genesis GMT15A Multifuntion Oscillating Tool Review
The Genesis GMT15A multifunction oscillating tool is designed for home repair and restoration along with other do-it-yourself work. Equipped with an oscillating head capable of 21,000 oscillations per minute, the Genesis GMT15A has an assortment of attachments that can be used for sanding, cutting, grinding, scraping and working in close quarters.
I found the Genesis oscillating tool light and easy to handle. The performance on wood is generally good but it can slow down a bit on hardwoods. Some users have complained that it smokes too much when used on woods like oak. Other reviewers have complained about the lack of a metal blade, which means you have to be careful with wood in which you might encounter something metal like a nail or screw.
However, for most home projects the tool is quite handy and useful especially in working in tight little corners or other awkward spots that would be difficult to manage with a larger tool. The Genesis GMT15A uses a 30 millimeter flush cutting blade providing good control for clean cuts. The following attachments are included in the box:
• Flat saw blade -- A three inch flat saw blade is useful for cutting out wood, drywall and plastic.
• Rigid scraper blade – Used for pulling up carpeting or flooring, or for scrapping off paint.
• Sanding pad – The three inch hook and loop sanding pad converts the Genesis oscillating tool into a detail dry sander for wood, metal and plastic.
Optional attachments not included in the box are a grout blade and a flexible scraper blade.
Easy to work with GMT15A
The ergonomic design of the Genesis GMT15A makes this tool great for long projects as it reduces hand and arm fatigue. At less than four pounds, the Genesis oscillating tool is light to carry but is powerfully built to handle the high speed performance. Measuring 12 5/8 inches long by 4 ½ inches wide and 5 ¼ inches high, the tool fits easily into cramped corners and other working spaces.
The sander works well with minimal slipping and the pad is small enough to fit into the very smallest spaces. The blades on the saws, though, tend to need a lot of replacement.
So how does the GMT15A compare to other oscillating tools like the Fein and Dremel? Well, let’s first go over both the good and bad product details of this model.
Product details: The Good
First off, the GMT15A multifunction oscillating tool is priced very low – about three times lower than other competitors. The low price does not translate though in terms of the quality of this tool. Although it does not have the same performance as the Fein tool, the quality is not anything like a third of others out there on the market.
The GMT15A’s oscillating head is made of cast material rather than plastic as used on the Dremel tool. You also have the option of fitting on high quality, but expensive , Bosch attachments.
Indeed, the overall quality and reliability of the GMT15A is comparable to that of the Dremel oscillating tool but at a much lower price.
Now, compared to the Fein oscillating tool, the two have about the same weight and both are handy for working in tight quarters. Noise levels are also about the same. The Genesis is good at scraping epoxy from metal sinks and for installing new subfloors and flooring. The saw blade easily handles plywood up to ¾ inches thick. The Genesis is also great for replacing siding and windows.
A strong cooling fan not only keeps the oscillating tool from overheating, but it also provides a sufficient breeze to cool you off when you’re working with GMT15A.
The Bad
While the Genesis oscillating tool is good for most types of work around the home, the blades are really only efficient on soft wood and other soft materials. Even when working on hardwoods like oak, you will encounter a lot of smoking and the blades will wear quickly.
The GMT15A also has only one speed setting, so you will have to adjust to the speed rather than having the option of choosing what tempo is right for you.
Other drawbacks are the noise, although it is not overly loud, and the lack of a case.
Suggestions for use
The Genesis GMT15A multifunction oscillating tool is best used as an electric chisel. Because of the high noise level, it is best to wear hearing protection during use.
Also, make sure not to cover up the cooling vents when working with the GMT15A because it will heat up significantly. If you do want to adjust the speed of this oscillating tool, you can purchase a Rheostat foot petal, like the Micromark variable-speed foot switch.
Conclusion
The GMT15A multifunction oscillating tool is a great value for its price. Comparable in quality to the Dremel, but much cheaper in cost. You can get it on sale on Amazon through this
link
While probably not as good as a Fein oscillating tool, it is not that much worse either. And when you consider the cost, it is an equal or superior value. However, the Genesis cannot handle all the types of jobs that you would need for general contractor work.
The tool is made for home use, and if you are planning to use it for home projects like replacing flooring or windows, then this product is highly recommended for its ease of use, versatility and low price.
You can read Amazon customer reviews here
Similar oscillating tools at Amazon
Dremel 6300-03 120-Volt Multi-Max Oscillating Kit
Rockwell Sonicrafter RK5102K
Fein MultiMaster FMM 250Q
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