Comparison Arsenal GM-200EK vs Makita BTM40Z

— Rotary engraver. A tool designed mainly for engraving and using a rotating working head for this. However, engravers can also be used for other types of work — drilling, cutting, grinding, etc. In fact, they are hybrids of drills and grinders with low power and compact dimensions (both the tool itself and the working nozzles).

— Impact engraver. A type of engraving tool in which percussive action is used for processing. Such models have a narrower specialization than the rotary engravers described above; they are practically not used for purposes other than engraving and embossing.

— Renovator. A specific type of hand tool, which is closest in design to grinders. The key difference is the principle of operation: the nozzle of the renovator does not rotate during operation, but vibrates finely at a high frequency. The variety of nozzles themselves is very large, which allows you to perform a wide range of work: grinding, cleaning, cutting, sawing, etc. Most of these models, however, lose out to specialized units like electric saws or electric jigsaws, however, with relatively simple work of a small volume, the renovator may well replace several tools at once. In addition, such tools can be useful in difficult cramped conditions, and the accuracy and accuracy of processing is often higher than when using the same saws.

— Multitool. In accordance...with the name, this variety is the most versatile and diverse in terms of equipment. The design of the multi-tool includes the main unit and several removable heads, by changing which you can turn the tool into a drill, renovator, jigsaw, etc. On the one hand, it is convenient — it is easier to carry one universal unit with you than several specialized ones, despite the fact that the power and performance of such devices can be quite high. Also note that if necessary, additional heads can be purchased separately. On the other hand, the mentioned versatility is rarely required in fact, and the tools themselves are expensive. As a result, it is often easier to purchase individual specialized models than to shell out a "round sum" for a multitool or look for additional interchangeable heads that are not sold everywhere. Therefore, there are relatively few models of this type on the market.

— Electrochisel. A tool designed as an electrical analogue of a conventional chisel used in joinery, carpentry, and woodcarving. In electric chisels, the blade vibrates at a high frequency; due to this, such a tool can be used not only for removing a layer of wood, but also for chiselling, similar to a chisel (and, unlike a conventional chisel, without using a hammer). As working nozzles, scrapers (see "Nozzles") of various shapes and widths are used; in some models, the number of nozzles in the kit can reach one and a half dozen.

The electrical power consumed by the tool during normal operation. Usually, the characteristics indicate the power at the maximum speed / frequency of movements of the working nozzle.

Usually, the higher this indicator, the more intense the tool can act on the material being processed, the better it is suitable for difficult conditions (large volumes of work, hard materials). At the same time, note that high power significantly affects energy consumption; in mains-powered models (see below), this puts strain on the wiring, and in battery-powered models, it requires the use of bulky and heavy batteries and significantly reduces battery life. Yes, and this parameter significantly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool itself. Therefore, it is worth choosing a model according to power consumption, taking into account the specifics of the work for which it is planned to be used: for example, it hardly makes sense to purchase a high-performance professional tool for minor repairs around the house or in the country.

Specific recommendations on the optimal power values, depending on the type of tool and the purpose of its use, can be found in special sources.

The speed of rotation of the working nozzle provided by the tool. Some models have a fixed rotation speed, others allow you to adjust it within a certain range (see "Number of speeds").

For different types of tools and types of work, different values of this parameter will be optimal; therefore, it is worth choosing taking into account the tasks that are planned to be solved using the tool (it is best to consult with special sources). We note only a couple of general patterns. So, for engraving on relatively soft and pliable materials (wood, glass, soft metals), high speed is not required, but for hard and difficult to process (steel, precious stones), a high-speed tool is better suited. But when drilling, note that for the same power consumption (see above), more revolutions, usually, means lower torque values. That is, here “high-speed” tools are better suited just for soft materials, and low-speed tools are better suited for hard and heavy materials.

The vibration frequency of the working head, provided by the tool in the renovator or delta grinding mode (for more details on the modes, see "Replaceable heads"). For different types of work and different materials, the optimal frequency values \u200b\u200bwill also be different; therefore, when choosing, it is worth consulting the reference literature or a specialist and making sure that the selected model will provide the required number of oscillations.

In some models, this parameter can be adjusted - this makes the tool more versatile.

Oscillation angle of the renovator nozzle; indicated both for the actual renovators (see "Device"), and for multi-tools with the appropriate nozzles.

Initially, this parameter is usually measured from the middle position of the nozzle; accordingly, the total amplitude will be 2 times greater — for example, for a model at 1.5 ° it will be 3 °. Note that the standard values of the oscillation angle in renovators are 1.4 – 1.6° and rarely go beyond these limits. In some models, figures of 2.5 ° and even more are given; however, most often this means that the manufacturer did not indicate the deviation from the middle, but the overall amplitude.

In general, this parameter is not critically significant: different models of the tool do not have any particular differences in the angle of oscillation, and other characteristics affect the capabilities of the renovator.

The diameter of the collet provided in the design of the rotary engraver (see "Device").

A collet is a specific type of fastening: a split sleeve, the “petals” of which can be compressed and unclenched by twisting / unscrewing the clamp. For a number of technical reasons, this mount is considered optimal for engravers. In order to properly install the working nozzle in such a tool, it is necessary that it fits the diameter of the collet (to be more precise, the mounting size of the nozzle should not exceed this diameter).

Note that there are several standard collet sizes. The most popular is 3.2 mm, but there are other options. And some engravers can be equipped with several mounts of different sizes.

- Reverse. Possibility to change the direction of rotation of the working nozzle of the tool. The use of reverse depends on the type of tool and the type of work for which it is used. For example, when drilling, this function can be useful for releasing a jammed drill. And in screwdrivers (see "Interchangeable heads") a change in the direction of rotation is almost mandatory - otherwise it would be impossible to switch the tool from twisting to loosening and vice versa.

- Speed controller. The ability to smoothly change the speed of movement of the working nozzle (frequency of rotation or vibration). The adjustment itself is used to adjust the tool for different types of materials and work - for different cases, the speed is different. But smooth tuning is good because it allows you to set the required speed as accurately as possible - there are no strictly fixed adjustments in such models, and the operator can choose any option from minimum to maximum. True, a certain skill is required for the effective use of such a tool, but this problem can hardly be called serious even for beginners.

- Maintain momentum. A function that allows you to maintain a constant speed of rotation of the nozzle, regardless of the load on it. Without special adjustment, at a constant engine power, the rotational speed inevitably drops with increasing load and increases with...a decrease. And the revs control system monitors the resistance on the nozzle and, if necessary, changes the power in such a way that the rotation speed remains constant. This has a positive effect both on the quality of work and on the service life of the nozzles and the entire tool.

- Soft start. The moment of starting is one of the most difficult in the operation of any electric motor. When the power is connected directly, in the first moments after the start, a high power flows through the windings, which leads to voltage surges in the network; in addition, the beginning of the movement occurs very abruptly, and this is fraught with jerks of the instrument, with the risk of releasing it from the hands with corresponding unpleasant consequences. The soft start function reduces the described troubles, if not to zero, then to a minimum: special circuits limit the starting power and ensure a soft and safe start of movement.

- Brushless motor. The presence of a brushless (brushless) motor in an electric tool. Such motors are noticeably superior to traditional collector motors in terms of efficiency, which makes it possible to significantly reduce energy consumption without sacrificing power; this is especially important for cordless tools (see "Power Source"), where this feature is predominantly found. In addition, brushless motors are less noisy and generate virtually no sparks during operation, making them ideal for working in high fire hazard environments. Their main disadvantages are traditional - the complexity of the design and high price.

— Backlight. The tool has its own lamp to illuminate the place of work. This feature is especially useful when working in low light conditions or in hard-to-reach areas that are otherwise difficult to illuminate. Note that in this case, it is the embedded system that is meant; some models may be equipped with portable lights as separate units, but such lights do not count as lights.

- Display. Own display in the design of the multifunctional tool is designed to visualize customizable parameters, display the battery charge level and display all sorts of related information. The specific implementation of the screen depends on the level of functionality of a specific instrument model.

- Connecting a vacuum cleaner. Possibility of connecting the vacuum cleaner directly to the tool. For this, a special pipe is usually used, one end of which is led to the place of processing, and the actual hose from the vacuum cleaner is connected to the other. Thanks to this, the work becomes much “cleaner”; True, the vacuum cleaner is far from always 100% able to remove sawdust and other waste, but in any case, it at least simplifies subsequent cleaning. The hose nozzle is usually made removable - this allows you to reduce the overall dimensions of the tool in cases where the vacuum cleaner is not needed or is not within reach. Note that before buying a model with this function, you should pay attention to its compatibility with the specific vacuum cleaner that you plan to use.

— Keyless replacement of nozzles. The presence of a clamping tool in the design that allows you to replace working nozzles without using a key. There are many varieties of such clamps, differing in the procedure for use, but they all have one thing in common: the work with the mount is carried out by hand, without the use of keys or other additional devices.

The total number of working attachments supplied with the tool.

The abundance of attachments allows the machine to be used with various materials and for various types of work. At the same time, this parameter significantly affects the cost. Therefore, when choosing, you need to proceed from how important a variety of possibilities is for you - so as not to overpay for extra nozzles that turned out to be useless in fact.

Note that this item is indicated only for engravers (see "Device") - for models of other types, specific types of nozzles are given in the corresponding item (see below).

The type of power used by the tool to perform its work.

— Network. Power supply from a regular household 220 V network. This option allows you to create units of almost any power - within the limits of what can be useful for a hand tool. At the same time, such models, all other things being equal, weigh less and are cheaper than battery-powered ones, and when working with them, you do not need to monitor the battery condition, risking being left with a "dead" tool at the most inopportune moment. Their main disadvantages are dependence on sockets and the presence of a power cord, which limits mobility, can create inconvenience and requires increased caution (so that the cable does not get under the working nozzle).

— Battery. Powered by its own built-in battery. Such a tool is extremely mobile and convenient to use — it does not require a connection to the network, which allows you to work even in the complete absence of sockets nearby. And the absence of a cable has a positive effect on convenience and safety. On the other hand, the power of battery-powered models is generally lower than that of network-powered ones, and the battery itself significantly increases not only the price, but also the weight and dimensions of the unit — modern tools consume a lot of energy, which means that they need appropriate batteries. In addition, the battery life is limited, and after the charge is exh...austed, the battery will have to be charged, which takes time and requires power supply. This drawback in some models is compensated for by the presence of a spare battery in the delivery set (see "Replaceable battery"), but only partly — the second battery increases autonomy, but does not eliminate the need to charge dead batteries. Taking all this into account, you should pay attention to models with such a power supply only if the ability to work without sockets is critical for you.

— Batteries. Models powered by replaceable AA batteries and some of its derivatives. This method of power supply is implemented in low-power tools like compact rotary engravers.