Electric chisel - a multifunctional tool for the home craftsman

An electric chisel is a relatively new tool on the domestic market, which is known to many as a pneumatic or electric scraper. Although the main purpose of the device is to process parts made of wood, its technical capabilities allow the electric chisel to be used for working with materials such as plastic and even aluminum.

Examples of using an electric chisel

Principle of operation

The impacts (oscillations) of the renovator nozzle are directed not along the axis of rotation of the output shaft, but along a tangent to the circle of rotation. Vibration of the tool with a high frequency and a small deviation (amplitude) of 1-3 degrees allows it to process any material, plunging into it when scoring, moving along the surface when grinding, or cutting off unnecessary things, like a moving knife of a hair clipper.

The movement of the working body is provided in the vast majority of renovators by a DC electric motor powered by batteries and/or mains power. A special gearbox creates high-frequency vibrations of the nozzle. Each manufacturer has its own design solutions for this element of the tool, as does the mounting of a set of attachments.

Modern renovators have a large number of options, dividing them into amateur and professional tools.

Security measures

Keeping in mind that this device is equipped with an electric drive, every home craftsman must follow safety rules while working. One of them says that you cannot start working with an electric chisel without working gloves and glasses.

Preparing for work

It is also important to properly prepare the tool for work - to do this, it must be securely fixed in a special socket, and to carry out this activity correctly, you must adhere to the following algorithm:

• First you need to unlock the socket using a special locking switch located on the body of the tool.
• After unlocking, the working tool itself is placed in the socket, and this is done in such a way that its cutting edge is directed downward.
• When the tool is installed, the socket is blocked by sliding the locking switch forward.

After each work and removing the device from its socket, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the electric scraper itself, as well as its rod.

The universal chisel is turned on using a special toggle switch located on the body of the tool . It is also used to turn off the device. To set the required processing speed, you must first turn off the tool, and then you can configure it. This is done using a special switch located on the device body. All models of chisels equipped with an electric drive allow you to set one of three speed modes:

• low moving speed. Selected when high processing accuracy is required to effectively complete a task.
• Average speed.
• High speed. It is used when it is important to perform a certain operation as quickly as possible.

Manufacturers do not provide specific guidance on choosing the most appropriate speed of movement of the working tool . This must be done by the master himself at his own discretion, and also taking into account the characteristics of the surface being treated.

Principle of operation

The work process itself using an electric chisel should follow the following algorithm:

• After switching on, the tool is moved to the surface to be processed and positioned at a slight angle to it.
• Applying slight pressure with the tool on the surface to be treated, it is passed along it in the direction “away from you”.
• During processing, it is important to correctly select the force exerted by the tool on the surface being processed, which should not be too large. Otherwise, the tool will quickly break.

Many models of electric chisels presented in stores are intended for use in domestic conditions, so you should not work with them for too long in continuous mode and subject them to increased loads , due to which the tool can quickly fail. To extend the service life of the electric scraper, it is necessary to avoid heavy loads, and after each working cycle, take a break so that the device can cool down. Effective tool work is only possible if the working tool used to process products is always properly sharpened.

Tools for home use

Infrequent construction work around the house: removing old screed and plaster, preparing a wall for replacing tiles, can be easily done using a renovator with an appropriate attachment.

Cleaning and grinding any surfaces, cutting metal fittings and nails, sawing and trimming wooden structures is quite within the capabilities of any novice home craftsman with the help of a renovator, the main thing is to understand the attachments.

For some urgent specific work, it is not necessary to purchase a multitool as your own; you can rent it. Tool stores will help you select attachments, tool power and frequency for such work. For a wide range of household work, a universal tool with an oscillation frequency of up to 20,000 per minute and a power of no more than 300 watts is more useful. Such renovators are inexpensive and can be equipped with additional options.

When working, it is important for the master to remember that low frequencies are used for grinding concrete or metal (for hard materials), and high frequencies for soft ones (wood, linoleum, plastic, etc.). The craftsman should also like the compactness, weight, and ease of use in hard-to-reach places for household tools, and the presence of built-in local lighting and the ability to connect a vacuum cleaner are an additional bonus.

When used independently, even a beginner will quickly understand how to work with different materials, how to press and combine power with vibration. This is facilitated by the almost impossibility of injuring yourself if you do something wrong.

Using the tool

An electric chisel, often called an electric scraper, multi-cutter or electric chisel, combines the functions of a regular chisel for woodworking and a woodworking machine that allows you to perform various works with products made of wood. Such equipment makes it possible to carry out very small work, while, unlike a manual chisel for woodworking, it has high productivity. This electric tool, which can be easily manipulated due to its light weight, allows you to perform the following operations with high efficiency:

• scrape off a layer of material from the surface of wooden parts or perform fragmentary removal;
• carry out wood carving, even very small;
• remove old coating, glue residues and various fillers from the surface to be treated.

Carving a wooden figurine with an electric chisel

What is convenient, a multi-cutter or electric scraper, due to the ability to adjust the power, allows you to perform both rough processing, when it is necessary to remove a fairly thick layer of material from the surface of the product, as well as finishing work and fine wood carving, when the layer of material removed is insignificant.

Electric chisels are represented on the modern market by many models from well-known manufacturers: Bosch PMF 180T, Skil 7720 MA, Dexter 250 W, etc. All such devices, regardless of their power, work on the same principle: a tool that is fixed in the front part devices, a reciprocating movement is reported, performed with high frequency; By carrying out such movements, the tool effectively removes a layer of material from the surface being processed, effectively turning into a multi-cutter. All manipulations are performed manually, which is not difficult, since the electric scraper is very light in weight and is equipped with a comfortable handle for the operator.

Using an electric chisel when caulking a log house

Renovators for professionals

Although MFI is not an essential tool for professional builders, its use for eliminating flaws or repairing premises is quite justified. The requirements for performing large volumes of work and high labor productivity dictate for professional tool models more powerful motors, electronic control of engine speed (respectively, vibrations of the working body), a reliable and fast clamping device, and soft start for accurate work where incorrect chips are unacceptable. A built-in flashlight and connection for a vacuum cleaner are most often included as standard.

Motor power for professional tools starts at 300 watts, frequency reaches 22,000 vibrations per minute, prices for such equipment start at 5 thousand rubles and depend on the model and brand. The requirements for battery power for pros are also increased and the possibility of mains power is allowed.

The best battery renovators

Models with a rechargeable battery are available with a power of about 300 W, provided that they are connected to an 18 V battery. There are also less powerful renovators (10-12 V), but they are only suitable for very simple tasks. The oscillation frequency of multitools with a battery reaches 20,000 per minute. But the weight is much greater than the network ones. This figure varies from 1.5 to 2.5 kg.

The presence of a battery also affects the dimensions, but the main advantage of such models is autonomy and the absence of stretching cords. Because of these advantages, the tool is well suited for those who have to perform many small tasks on a large site - using a cordless renovator will not require you to lug around each time, which promotes productivity.

They are also optimal for repair and construction teams at sites not connected to electricity. Thanks to its mobility, the tool is good for work on the road and even in the field. Here is a rating of renovators with batteries that have proven themselves well among users.

AEG OMNI 18C LI-202BKIT1X

Renovator from a German manufacturer, equipped with two 2.0 mAh Li-lon batteries. Without the battery it weighs 545 g, and with it 1.8 kg. It has an oscillation angle of 1.5 degrees and is powered by 18 V.

+ Pros of AEG OMNI 18C LI-202BKIT1X

1. It comes fully equipped with a charger and two batteries - while you work with one, the second can be charged, which gives you power supply for the whole day.
2. Easy replacement of accessories with a folding clamp.
3. It is possible to change the head on the latches to the angular one.
4. The battery has a steel clip for hanging the tool on your belt.
5. One-touch battery replacement.
6. The LED illumination precisely shines at the cutting site.
7. Convenient for one-handed operation.
8. The plunge knife is inserted without protruding parts (the blade will be the outermost side point), so the depth of the cut at the corner of the material is not limited.
9. Well-chosen weight distribution with gearbox on one side and battery on the other.

— Cons of AEG OMNI 18C LI-202BKIT1X

1. There is no soft start system.
2. When cutting on the ceiling, your hands quickly get tired and it is inconvenient to manipulate due to the protruding battery.
3. The cost is much more expensive than the network analogue.
4. There are no head attachments with a gearbox and disk rotation like an angle grinder.
5. When turned on for a long time, it overheats, so you need to give it time to cool down.
6. There is little room for rest with the second hand and it is not rubberized.

Conclusion. Renovator comes with two batteries with a capacity of 2.0 mAh, which does not require additional investment. Thanks to an oscillation frequency of 20,000 kol/min, it will easily cut metal or wood edges, plastic, and a spacious, durable bag will allow you to carry it with you.

Dewalt DCS355N

A powerful battery renovator, not inferior to 300 W mains models. It has a wide start key with a lock and a press lock. The case is equipped with numerous rubber pads that reduce vibration.

+ Pros of Dewalt DCS355N

1. A motor without brushes heats up less and lasts longer.
2. Bright LED backlight.
3. It turns off immediately if it accidentally falls out of your hands.
4. Easy installation of saw blades by pressing the lock.
5. The speed is adjusted by pressing the trigger, so you can quickly adjust the progress of work depending on the density and thickness of the part.
6. It copes well with cutting windows, trimming skirting boards, and cutting grooves.
7. Cuts plastic like paper at 20,000 vibrations.

— Cons of Dewalt DCS355N

1. It comes in a box, and you need to decide where to store the supplies.
2. The kit does not include a battery or charger, which will require additional investment.
3. A flat battery, attached perpendicular to the body, makes some manipulations with its protruding part difficult.
4. Of the indicated 29 attachments, the set actually contains only three files, and the rest are sandpapers for stripping.
5. The cutting elements included in the kit quickly become dull and it is better to immediately buy others.
6. He saws very loudly.
7. In order for attachments from other manufacturers to fit the width of the slot, it is necessary to additionally saw them with a grinder.

Conclusion. This type of renovator is best for gating walls in a house or apartment for wiring. Thanks to the battery, this can be done even in a room where there is no electricity. Brushless motor technology eliminates overheating and promotes increased performance.

Types of concrete work and attachments for them

The convenient design of the renovator can be successfully used for various works in inconvenient places. The multitool is especially effective when performing the following construction and repair work:

• cutting to size tiles;
• sewing dried seams between tiles;
• removing melted paint, glue, foam and plaster;
• gating of a concrete floor for supplying communications;
• grinding concrete in awkward corners and inaccessible narrow places for coating;
• removal of old linoleum and screed;
• cutting soft coverings in place.

The most popular renovator attachment among professional builders is a half-circle disk with diamond coating. It makes the work of conducting communications (concrete cutting) neat and easy. Even a novice builder can grout the seams between the tiles and cut them to size with high precision and without chipping.

• A scraper allows you to scrape paint and remove dried mixtures instead of a chisel without much effort in the most inconvenient places.
• triangular-shaped sanding plate cleans the surface of the screed in corners and narrow areas from dried cement mortar, paint or glue residues.
• A shortened spatula removes unnecessary or old putty on the walls, and a double-edged knife helps to cut linoleum or other material.

Modern renovators often include up to 40 different attachments to make construction and other manual work easier. Studying them carefully can make your work much easier.