I LOVE this tool. I just upgraded from the previous model (MSXE 636-2 variable speed). I won't go into why this tool is so great because everyone else has already done that. Instead I'm going to compare this tool to its predecessor.
PROS:
This is now a perfect tool. Fein has elegantly fixed the minor gripes I had with the previous generation of the tool. My gripes were 1. Blades slipping and 2. Slow blade-changes using the awkward hex-key that always felt like it was about to cam-out and ruin the lock nut. Both issues have been neatly resolved by the new design. The new star shank on the blades completely eliminates any possibility of slippage, and changing blade, or repositioning it to get into a tight spot no longer requires a trip back to the tool box to get the hex wrench. I LOVE this feature. FEIN ALSO ADDED threaded holes on the body of the tool which function as hard-mount points. This allows you to attach small accessories such as a fence, a depth gauge, a rail guide etc. You can also use the hard-mount points to bench-mount the tool (so you can bring small or delectate work to the tool). This opens up a lot of flexibility on an already very flexible tool. I also like the more ergonomic shape and rubber grip on the new design.
CONS:
None to speak of. The new machine is a tiny bit louder than the old one, perhaps due to the more powerful motor, although it's louder even on the lowest speed setting. To be honest I'm just trying to find SOMETHING to say on the con side. It's really a perfect tool.
OTHER COMPARISONS:
At first I thought I had a slight preference for the larger speed control dial on the old tool, but again he NEW design is ultimately better because the smaller dial (on the tapered rear-end) allows for a more compact dust collection system and a slimmer profile overall. I do actually prefer some of the aspects of my old unit's metal case & divider system. The new case can actually hold more stuff but it doesn't organize the contents as well as the old case did. You can still buy the OLD case, but I'm sure I can easily make the new case as functional as the old case by adding some little dividers etc. The new blow molded tray is more durable, and there's more space allocated for the cord (which is welcome). If FEIN had put a divider system in the new case, it would have been a perfect redesign in my opinion. Perhaps Fein is trying to keep these GERMAN MADE tools made in Germany by cutting costs (instead of going to CHINA like many others have done). If the cheaper, simpler, divider-less case is part of that profitability strategy, I forgive them. I'm handy and so are you (that's why you're reading this review), so I'm going to quit complaining, and get busy customizing the case with dividers to suit my personal needs.
BLADE COST:
As you may know, the blades for this device are somewhat expensive but Fein is now group-packing blades for meaningfully lower cost than before. Basically 3 packs for the price of 2, and 10 packs for the price of 6. This helps. So now I can keep ONE blade of SEVERAL types and yet affordably buy SEVERAL blades of the ONE type I 'consume' regularly. I've recently also seen aftermarket blades on eBay which are cheaper than the FEIN blades, but I've never actually tried them. For all of the trash-talk, I'm always impressed with the longevity of the wood/metal E cut blades.
A FAVORITE TOOL:
This is definitely one of my favorite tools, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Everyone who watches me use mine buys one for themselves. I could write several pages describing all of the things I use it for.
If you own an older model, an upgrade is worthwhile if you use the tool with ANY regularity. The upgrade cost me a mere $100 because I sold my old one (with blades & accessories) on eBay.
If you upgrade not only will you be doing yourself a favor, but you will be making your previous model available to someone else who can't quite afford a new one, or who hasn't yet made the plunge.
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