The Festool Vecturo OS 400 Multitool has been in my arsenal for several months. This is a completely different type of multitool than you may have used before. I have a lot of experience with oscillating multitools, both corded and cordless. The new Festool Vecturo goes the high-end route, but with a defined carpentry angle. The closest tool to compare to Vecturo is Fein SuperCut (with the same attachment). This is the tool you will use most often in commercial auto windshield replacements. It's the perfect choice, with plenty of power and an extra-wide arc to get the job done fast. However, the Festool Vecturo OS 400 Multitool set includes some innovative add-ons. These make them ideal for very precise cuts in both entry and undercut applications.
The Vecturo OS 400 comes in a Systainer 2 box with some accessories included. We'll cover some of these very unique items in more detail later. The "kit" includes an adapter that allows you to use two depth stops as well as position the plunge tool. It also includes some extra accessories. The Systainer also includes a plastic cover to give you extra space to store blades and other accessories.
Editor's Note: The test scores in this article have been updated to reflect the Vecturo's performance in our Best Oscillating Multitools review article.
Build Quality and Design
The Vecturo has the expected switch, located on top of the tool. You also get speed controls and a nifty detachable power cord. For blade replacement, you don't need any tools. Simply lift the clamping lever and push it forward to remove the clamping element. The clamping elements are suitable for Festool fittings as well as some new fittings from Imperial Blades. Of course, it also fits any Fein SuperCut product. It will go all the way down into the tool until you re-tighten the clamping lever to secure it completely. It's a very easy-to-use system that gives you confidence that the blades won't move or fall out. Of the tool-less systems I've used, this is one of the easiest.
(Accessories are also color-coded. Yellow for wood, red for general-purpose blades, and blue for metal.)
Once the adapter has been fitted to the Festool Vecturo (it comes pre-installed on the "kit" version), you can connect positioning aids and depth setting accessories. For positioning aids, you simply line up the arrow on the accessory with either arrow on the adapter. Next, push it firmly into place. Then rotate it to either side, at a 90-degree angle, and it snaps securely into place.
At this point, you can press the green positioning button on the front of the tool and rotate it to any of 7 positions (in 30º increments). The positioning aid is set up for plunge cutting, which is really unusual. In fact, I haven't seen this on anything that isn't a router. If you purchased the standard Vecturo, you can purchase the Vecturo Depth-Stop and Plunge Base Set (500251) separately for approximately $169.
cut-in
Generally, when you're cutting in with an oscillating multi-knife blade, the accuracy of the cut is largely up to you. There's a lot of room to drift — in every direction, really. There is a magnet on the base of the plunge cutting positioning aid. It does attract the plunge blade and make it flush with the metal base. This allows you to make very precise and reliable cuts.
Of course, the blade can continue to swing sideways if desired, but it prevents any back and forth movement. This is perfect when you need to get the perfect corner or unusual angles or shapes when you are cutting finished hardwood lumber or material. This is a sophisticated accessory that is very easy to use. It changes the way you think about cutting anything that requires precise shape.
use depth stop
The two straight depth stops are connected in almost the same way. They all require the use of depth-gauge adapters. After sliding on the adapter, you can use the green positioning button again to rotate it as needed. The depth stop adapter fits both plunging and depth stops. Both can be installed by loosening the green matchstick. What makes this shoe unique is that it gives you a nice wide area to use as a guide when making long cuts with the round blade or when you need to cut along walls or trim pieces. It also rotates with the blade as needed. You can start the cut in one direction, then gain extra clearance by finishing the cut from the other side.
Quick Specs and Features
- Motor: 400W
- Swing angle: L/R 2º degrees (total 4º)
- OPM: 10,000-18,500
- Blade change system: FastFix quick release lever
- Cable: 13' Plug-It Cord
- Weight: 3.5 lbs. (1.6 kg)
- Included accessories (OS 400): Universal Blade, 500129, Systainer 2
- Included accessories (OS 400 set): Tool-less adapter, depth stop (500160), insert base (500161), universal saw blade (500129), wood saw blade (500128), log saw blade (500139), everything Tank Toolbox 2 Attic
The Festool Vecturo OS400 starts very smoothly and quickly, and instead of artificially slowing it down, it simply cuts off the sudden inrush of current associated with starting the powerful 400 watt motor. It also prevents tool jump when you use the plunge positioning aid.
I immediately tested deep stop. It helps me limit the depth of cut when cutting drywall. I need to avoid cutting so deep that I touch some of the wires of the box I'm cutting. It works well enough, but it's largely unobtrusive — mostly because it does its job efficiently. However, the really interesting accessories (besides the positioning tool) are the depth-limiting shoes. The shoe does a good job of guiding the cut when simulating cutting along a 3/4" oak floor (which you would do when cutting a floor vent).
straight cut hardwood
As it turns out, owning the shoe—as it is—would make you worry more about the accuracy of the cut than the depth of the cut. You basically set it up however you want, and then turn your attention to making clean lines. It's super easy to make nice, straight cuts, even on hardwoods. The plastic guard affixed to the round wood cutting blade did come off after a while of use. This didn't bother us, we quickly threw it away and continued cutting.
Using this method, I can make longer cuts than I thought possible or practical with a multitool with a round blade. So I did the job faster and more precisely than I could with a conventional blade cutting through the entire square manhole. As for technique, I prefer that the shoe and blade are slightly angled so that I can hold the tool more comfortably from an upward angle. This is much better than my previous attempts with 90º positioning of the blade and shoe.
cut into square
The Plunge Base seems especially good for cutting a square post in the bottom treads of wooden stairs. This works fine for new construction, but is more appropriate if you keep it as it is and just replace the columns. To test this, we took a piece of 5/4 tread and drew a square for our post. Then we grab the drop-in base and attach it — an easy process.
The Festool Vecturo cuts fast. Even through hard oak, it gets into the woods quickly. Just a few lifts are all it takes to ensure the wood chips will escape the hole and allow the cut to continue. Outside of the initial cut, the OS 400 clears the cut path itself. Moving the tool along the cutting line is a simple motion, just slide on the plunge base and drop the tool again.
The cut-in base is also handy for cutting out rear access points on tables. I need to clear some computer cables. Not only does it let me make a nice straight cut, but it also makes it easier for me to control the tool from point to point when I'm making rectangular manholes. I was impressed with the virtual elimination of the blades "roaming". You've probably never experienced a multitool this way. It's clear to me that Festool has taken an oscillating multi-tool and turned it into a precision tool that woodworking professionals will find very useful.
epilogue
There's so much to this tool (especially in the Set edition) that it's hard to criticize anything. Never before has anyone added a plunge guide to a multi-tool, which takes this tool to a whole new level. The Festool Vecturo OS 400 really lacks only a few things. First off, the tool doesn't have a dust collection option — admittedly a tough one to add, especially when it comes to attachments.
We asked Festool to come up with a solution for this. If you're concerned about dust and keeping your workplace clean, you'll need to use a secondary vacuum while cutting, or look for other solutions. Additionally, the positioning aid has no visible depth gauge or depth stop. This would be a great feature. It will provide a way to limit the cutting depth of this very useful accessory.
The Festool Vecturo OS 400 Multi-tool retails for approximately $425 for the base tool (with the Vecturo tool box 2 housing and blades) and $575 for the complete tool set, including the upgraded Vecturo with the "loft" compartment Tools Tool Box 2, Depth of Cut to Prevent Cutting – Cut Positioning Aid, and some extra blades and accessories.
For more information, please see the Festool webpage.