AVID POWER Oscillating Tool, 3.5-Amp Oscillating Multi Tool with 4.5° Oscillation Angle, 6 Variable Speeds and 13pcs Saw Accessories, Auxiliary Handle and Carrying Bag

I reached for this oscillating multi-tool to undercut a bathroom door jamb, and it hasn’t left my bench since. The AVID POWER MW146 is a corded, 3.5-amp oscillating tool with an unusually large 4.5° swing and a simple, tool-free blade clamp. On paper that reads like a budget-friendly generalist; in practice, it’s a surprisingly capable cutter and scraper that trades a bit of finesse and refinement for raw pace and value.

Build and ergonomics

The MW146 feels solid in the hand—more “shop tool” than gadget. It’s a bit larger and heavier than some compact cordless models, which ends up being a net positive when you need stability on a long cut or scrape. The red main handle has a slightly rubberized feel, and the included auxiliary handle threads into either side of the head. That handle is more than a gimmick; with a 4.5° oscillation angle, lateral forces are higher than on gentle-swing tools. The extra grip gives you leverage for vertical plunge cuts and long scraping sessions without white-knuckling the body.

Control layout is straightforward: a top-mounted quick-change lever for the accessory clamp and a rear dial for six speed settings. The lever has enough spring tension to feel secure, yet it’s easy to actuate with a gloved thumb. I did find it benefits from the occasional blast of compressed air—dust can collect around the clamp and make inserting thicker blades feel gritty.

As with most corded oscillating tools, there’s no onboard dust control and the cord (length is adequate, not generous) is something to manage. Hearing protection is a must; at higher speeds the tool is loud, and the coarse oscillation generates a harsher note than finer-swing models.

Performance: cutting, scraping, and sanding

The MW146’s 3.5-amp motor and wide swing add up to fast cutting. Undercutting door casings for new flooring with the included semicircle blade was straightforward—set the tool on a scrap of flooring for the right height, pick speed 5 or 6, and let the tool’s weight do the work. Flush-cutting shims, trimming hardwood flooring ends, and notching plywood went quickly. In softwoods and most hardwoods, cut rates are noticeably brisk. The larger oscillation angle bites aggressively; you don’t need to lean on the tool to make progress, which in turn keeps blade heat in check.

On metal, that aggressive swing is a double-edged sword. Cutting a copper stub-out and a few brad nails was clean and controlled, but you’ll feel more vibration than with a premium, fine-swing tool. Keep speeds in the mid range, use a proper bi-metal blade, and avoid forcing the cut. I did a short flush cut on a 1/2" EMT strap; it got done without drama, but you’ll want gloves—blades get hot quickly.

Scraping performance is excellent. The included rigid scraper lifted old latex caulk and stubborn floor adhesive without chewing up the substrate once I found the right angle. Again, the side handle pays dividends here, letting you pitch the head without fighting the oscillation.

Sanding is competent as long as expectations are realistic. The triangular pad and hook-and-loop paper are great for corners, paint prep on trim, and smoothing patched drywall. It’s not a random-orbit sander; use it for detail work or small surfaces. Keep the speed low (2–3) and pressure light, or you’ll glaze paper and heat the pad. The included sanding papers are fine to get started; plan on buying more.

Speed control and the 4.5° oscillation angle

Six speed settings cover a useful range. I ended up using 2–3 for sanding, 3–4 for scraping and plastics, and 5–6 for most wood cuts. The dial has positive detents and stays put. The real story, though, is the 4.5° oscillation angle. Compared with typical 3.0–3.2° designs, the MW146 removes material faster. The tradeoff is more vibration and slightly less delicacy on intricate tasks. If you’re installing a delicate inlay or trimming a brittle laminate, back off the speed and take a lighter touch; the tool can do it, but it favors productivity over finesse.

Accessory system and included kit

The quick-change lever clamps onto standard OIS-style accessories, and the tool’s “universal fit” claim held true with every third-party blade and pad I tried. It won’t accept Starlock-only blades, which is expected at this price. The 13-piece starter kit gets you cutting and sanding immediately: two plunge blades (general and wood/plastic), a semicircle blade, a rigid scraper, a sanding pad, five sheets of paper, and a soft bag. The included blades are serviceable—good for wood and light demo. If you plan to cut lots of metal, budget for a few quality bi-metal or carbide blades; the tool has the motor to take advantage of them.

The bag is basic but appreciated. There’s room for the tool, handle, a handful of blades, and the pad. I’d love a molded case to protect the quick-change lever in a crowded truck box, but that’s nitpicking.

Heat, noise, and vibration

Run any oscillating tool hard for long stretches and the front end will get warm. With the MW146, the metal nose cap gets hot during extended cutting or scraping, while the main grip stays comfortable. After a solid half hour of scraping adhesive, I could feel heat radiating from the head and took a short break. That’s normal behavior for a corded oscillating tool in heavy use, but it’s worth noting if you plan marathon sessions—gloves help, and short duty-cycle breaks keep both you and the tool happier.

Vibration is present—again, a byproduct of the larger swing—but not out of line. The auxiliary handle reduces the perceived buzz, especially in vertical or overhead work. Noise is pronounced at higher speeds; hearing protection recommended.

Reliability and maintenance

Over a few weeks of steady DIY jobs, the tool held up well. I did have one instance early on where, after a dusty sanding session and a hot run, the tool refused to start until it had fully cooled and I’d blown out the vents. Since then, I’ve been more deliberate about three habits: don’t block the side vents while gripping, let the tool idle for a few seconds after a heavy cut to move air through the head, and keep a dust blower handy for the clamp and vents. Treated that way, it’s been reliable.

General maintenance is simple: keep the clamp clean, don’t overtighten the auxiliary handle, and avoid prying with plunge blades—the quick-change system is stout, but it’s still a clamp, not a pry bar.

Where it shines, and where it doesn’t

• Excels at:

  • Undercutting trim and casings for flooring
  • Flush-cutting shims and fasteners
  • Scraping caulk, adhesive, and paint drips
  • Detail sanding in corners and along edges
  • Working in tight spaces other saws can’t reach

• Less ideal for:

  • Large-area sanding (use a random-orbit)
  • Super delicate cuts where minimal oscillation and ultra-low vibration are paramount
  • Users who need Starlock-only blade compatibility

Value and competition

You can spend two to three times more for a pro-brand oscillating tool and get smoother vibration damping, quieter operation, and Starlock blade interfaces. If you’re on a crew that runs a multitool all day, every day, those refinements matter. The MW146 aims for a different target: strong cutting performance, simple controls, universal blade compatibility, and a useful starter kit at an accessible price. On those metrics, it overdelivers.

Recommendation

I recommend the AVID POWER MW146 to homeowners and DIYers who want a fast-cutting, corded oscillating tool without overspending. It’s genuinely capable: the 4.5° swing and 3.5-amp motor chew through wood, handle light metal cuts, and make scraping tasks far less tedious. The auxiliary handle, universal-fit quick-change clamp, and included accessories get you productive right away.

Be aware of the tradeoffs. The aggressive oscillation brings more vibration and noise than premium, fine-swing competitors, and the head will run hot during long, heavy use. Treat it with sensible breaks, keep the vents clear, and use quality blades for demanding materials. If you need the lowest vibration, quietest operation, or Starlock support, look higher up the price ladder. For everyone else, this is a stout, efficient multitool that earns its spot in the toolbox.