We got a chance to see the new Bosch MX30E Multi-X Oscillating Multi-Tool up close and personal back in July when we attended Bosch’s Media Event. This is a corded model, but it boasts a tool-free accessory blade change lever/mechanism that is certain to be popular as it works with all of Bosch’s existing accessories. Bosch is selling it in three configurations, including the MX30EC-21, MX30EK-33, and the MX30KEL-37 depending upon the accessories you want included. The MX30E joins, rather than replaces, the Bosch MX25E and the Bosch PS50-2A Cordless Multi-Tool models. As you might expect, this move sees Bosch continuing to grow and diversify its already impressive line of Bosch oscillating tools, OIS attachments, blades, and accessories.
Of course, what makes the MX30E special is that it’s the first Bosch oscillating tool to utilize a toolless accessory change lever, bringing it up to speed with products from Fein and Porter-Cable. The tool-less blade change is one of the greatest advantages when using an oscillating tool as it helps you to work faster and the tool becomes all the more versatile. Not only can you switch accessories, but you can also easily readjust their angle to fit your application without having to reach for an Allen wrench, which may or may not still be attached to the tool or power cord. Also notable is that Bosch’s new Multi-X tool-less system doesn’t require you to remove the center pin when changing accessories as the Fein Top Multitool does. When it comes to misplacing parts during a job, I need all the help I can get.
The Bosch MX30E is also the most powerful of the Bosch Multi-X line, coming in at a rating of 3.0 amps. We don’t know of any similarly-price products that beat this level of power. The speed of oscillation on the MX30E can be smoothly adjusted from 8,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute (OPM), so it’s great for both delicate and heavy-duty applications. Bosch also includes something it calls Constant Response Circuitry which maintains a constant oscillation speed even when the tool is used for more aggressive applications.
Like the Bosch MX25 Multi-tool, the MX30E uses a reinforced gear housing which reduces vibration and allows you to hold the tool more comfortably over longer periods of time. There is an ample amount of rubber overmold in all the right places, so holding the tool in various angles and grips is both possible and convenient. Bosch has an optional OSC003 dust collection kit that will enable the MX30E to be utilized in more sensitive applications and jobs where you simply need to control the number of airborne particles (for example in lead-safe remodeling applications or simply when working indoors in a home whose occupants may appreciate the extra care and reduced clean-up).
The Bosch MX30E Multi-X oscillating tool is available in three different kits (currently there is no option to purchase the bare tool):
Bosch MX30EC-21 Kit ($199)
- OSC138JF Japanese-Tooth Wood Saw Blade
- OSC2RSC Rigid Scraper Blade
- OSC312F Wood/Metal Saw Blade
- OSC312RF RIFF Grout Blade
- OSC112 Wood Plunge Cut Blade
- SDP001 Sanding Pad
- 15 Wood and Paint-Sanding Sheets
- Accessory Box
- Soft carrying bag
Bosch MX30EK-33 Kit ($249)
- OSC138JF Japanese-Tooth Wood Saw Blade
- OSC2RSC Rigid Scraper Blade
- OSC312F Wood/Metal Saw Blade
- OSC138MF Metal Saw Blade
- OSC312RF RIFF Grout Blade
- OSCC3DRF Carbide Grit Rasp
- SDP001 Sanding Pad
- 25 Wood and Paint-Sanding Sheets
- OSC112 Wood Saw Blade
- Accessory Box
- Hard Carrying Case
Bosch MX30KEL-37 Kit ($299)
- OSC138JF Japanese-Tooth Wood Saw Blade
- OSC2RSC Rigid Scraper Blade
- OSC312F Wood/Metal Saw Blade
- OSC138MF Metal Saw Blade
- OSC312RF RIFF Grout Blade
- OSCC3DRF Carbide Grit Rasp
- SDP001 Sanding Pad
- 25 Wood and Paint-Sanding Sheets
- (2) OSC112 Wood Saw Blades
- OSC34 Wood Plunge Cut Blade
- OSC34F Wood/Metal Plunge Cut Blade
- OSC214C Caulk Blade
- Accessory Box
- Bosch L-Boxx Systainer-style Hard Carrying Case
The new MX30E series of Multi-X Multi-Tools looks to be solid products that will do well in the market. We’re especially pleased that Bosch released them in the three configurations, with $199, $249 and $299 price points. Of note, the baseline MX30EC-21 kit comes with five cutting and scraping accessories and 16 sanding accessories, the MX30EK-33 steps it up to seven cutting, scraping and grinding accessories and a hard case, and the MX30EL-37 brings 11 accessories and the L-Boxx Systainer-style case. The EK-33 and EL-37 kits also come with 26 sanding accessories. Look for the Bosch MX30E kits to be available right away via authorized brick-and-mortar as well as online dealers.
