Author Topic: Please Help!! MFT3, CMS-GE and Incra LS (Read 3106 times)

thedevme · « **on:** January 09, 2019, 03:53 PM »

I am a new lover of Festool and first-time poster. (darn that felt like I was in a Festool AA group lol) I got my first hit of the green kool-aid in Oct/Nov and I already have two MFT3 tables, Domino 500, CT36 and just purchased the CMS GE Router Table. As I was getting excited for the table that comes tomorrow I started to see posts on GE vs VL and using the Incra LS system. I am sorry if there is a clear post for this but I am trying to figure out if purchase the Incra LS can and how do I use it. I have found old posts that talk about it but none of them have images as they seem to have been lost when the DB changes happened. Can someone please share how they are using an Incra LS or other similar stuff with an extra MFT3 table or anything in between. Because after coming here I felt like I should have bought the VL instead. If this has been discussed please point me in the right direction but I have searched the forum for days. The closest thing I have found is this - https://blog.xuite.net/yyf3576891/twblog/181976280 But this seems super custom. I would prefer to use my MFT3 table instead if possible or something else.

GarryMartin · « **Reply #1 on:** January 09, 2019, 05:29 PM »

Start here...

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft-with-router-table-incra-ls-and-precision-plate/
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/sysport-cms-mft-(work-in-progress)/
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft-upgrade!-incra-ls-positioner-incremental-system-vs-table-saw-fence-on-mft3/

thedevme · « **Reply #2 on:** January 09, 2019, 06:03 PM »

Thanks @GarryMartin the last two links were actually what I was talking about - I see them saying it can be done but none of the pics are appearing. The first link is the only one I feel in concept would work but I was hoping that someone actually did it so that verify before spending money.

GarryMartin · « **Reply #3 on:** January 09, 2019, 06:12 PM »

Are you referring to using the Incra LS with the CMS GE or with the VL? I personally have the MFT/3 and MFT/3-VL setup with the Incra LS and the Precision Dogs Precision Plate and can confirm it works and is indeed an awesome setup. Mine is paired with the Incra Wonder Fence.

thedevme · « **Reply #4 on:** January 09, 2019, 07:14 PM »

I am looking for a set up similar to yours but with the GE. I ordered online from toolnut and I don't want to have to return it for the VL. I was hoping to do a similar setup to yours but with the GE using an extra MFT table or whatever.

simonh · « **Reply #5 on:** January 10, 2019, 03:22 AM »

I have the MFT/3 CMS-VL and Incra with the precision dogs. I posted a picture here of my MFT with two CMS-VL based attachments (non Festool tools) that I can rotate the Incra LS 90 degree to switch between them:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/compatibility-of-mft-and-cms-edge-accessories/msg564911/#msg564911

I think your issue with the CMS GE will be how to attach it to the MFT/3 so it remains parallel to the Incra fence. The CMS-VL attaches to the profile on the MFT and once tightened down is fixed.

GarryMartin · « **Reply #6 on:** January 10, 2019, 03:26 AM »

Unfortunately the GE has a different table profile to the MFT/3 and so you cannot connect the two easily.

One of those links discusses uses 80/20 profile aluminium extrusion to create something that you could attach the Incra LS positioner plate to when using the GE, but I haven't seen it done in practice. The other option (which I think I've seen but can't now find) is to put the CMS GE (with legs folded) on a stepped base that also holds a folded MFT/3 and use the base to maintain necessary alignment.

I have the CMS GE as well as the MFT/3-VL and find them useful in different scenarios, but I have only used the Incra LS with the MFT/3-VL.

infer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 10, 2019, 04:13 AM »

You can easily attach the Incra ls to the CMS GE using a kapex crown stop. As for the MFT/3 GE connection I have no idea.

infer · « **Reply #8 on:** January 10, 2019, 04:18 AM »

Closer view.

Vondawg · « **Reply #9 on:** January 10, 2019, 05:49 AM »

That’s a great set up!

thedevme · « **Reply #10 on:** January 10, 2019, 10:44 AM »

@infer That is a great setup thank you. What size Incra LS are you using?

infer · « **Reply #11 on:** January 10, 2019, 11:34 AM »

LS super 24. I am waiting for a second Kapex stop to bridge the two and get more space between the fence and blade.

thedevme · « **Reply #12 on:** January 10, 2019, 05:43 PM »

Quote from: infer on January 10, 2019, 11:34 AM

LS super 24. I am waiting for a second Kapex stop to bridge the two and get more space between the fence and blade.

When are you getting the 2nd and did you see a pic of this or just something you thought of?

Reiska · « **Reply #13 on:** January 11, 2019, 04:55 AM »

You can see my Incra LS + MFT-VL setup in the pictures of my sysport build

http://festoolownersgroup.com/member-projects/my-take-on-a-sysport/msg521635/#msg521635

It's mounted with the Precision Plate to the MFT/3 from https://precisiondogs.us/

Love my setup and would have a hard time shelling the excess cash on the extension table for the CMS-GE I have as well to be able to do the crown-stop installation shown above.

The TCO calculation swung me in the VL direction as well as the larger capacity sideways when running my TS55 in the CMS-TS55 module as a table saw.

thedevme · « **Reply #14 on:** January 11, 2019, 01:57 PM »

@Reiska Thank you for posting - yea I bought the CE before I realized but looks like I can do similar stuff with the GE and I have an extra MFT3 table so I can get the extra space from that. I did like some of your other setups you have that I am going to try for ripping narrow stock

thedevme · « **Reply #15 on:** January 31, 2019, 05:47 PM »

I was talking to The Woodgrafter on YouTube about doing this setup and he was so intrigued that he decided to buy and now he is doing a series on using it with the MFT and the CMS. I got a peek at part 3 and I am sold on getting this for my MFT.

You can check out the series here:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4

As far as I know hes the only one that has done a video on this.

bkharman · « **Reply #16 on:** January 31, 2019, 10:52 PM »

Glad to see these posts are well and alive. I have the original plate from Precision And still use it all of the time. Doing this on a VL is a treat. I have done a lot of routing and cutting with my setup and really no issues. I am shop bound so the MFT + VL really isn’t an issue at all.

Look up some of my old threads and reach out if you need more details!

Cheers. Bryan.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

sandy · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2019, 06:18 AM »

While this may be slightly off topic, since you're still in the process of putting things together, as your main concern appears to relate to using an Incra LS Positioner on a router table I thought I'd add a possible alternative to the mix. I purchased an Incra LS17 Positioner and a Rockler router lift in 2006, i.e., well before I purchased my first Festool product (a Domino Joiner) in 2007. I then built a router table using melamine, and while I know that I will receive many comments about that, the fact is that it's worked great for 13 years. I initially posted my setup in 2009 at Home Brewed Router Table.

More recently, I replaced the 2x4 base with a Folding MFT-style Bench with Router Table that is also described at Portable, Folding Workbench With MFT, Router Table, and Other Tops.

The system works great. It's portable. The tops are interchangeable. And, to the melamine nay sayers. My comments and opinions are based on 13 years of actual experience.

Sandy

thedevme · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2019, 10:19 AM »

@bkharman Yes, I am glad that people like @GarryMartin are still here helping us newbies. I ended up buying a CE before I realized everyone preferred the GE but as of now I actually really love my GE. I do not regret my purchase at all.

@sandy There is nothing wrong with your setup just because it's not Festool. I am a new woodworker and for me building a router table is not something I am comfortable with. One of the main things that attracted me to Festool is that it's an entire system. Its why I like Apple - everything works together. Yes its expensive but I am very happy with all my purchases. I haven't bought my LS yet as I am trying to spend a bit less but I will def get one soon as I can now see the benefit.

sandy · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2019, 10:42 AM »

@thedevme
While I can understand that you might not want to build the folding bench prior to getting some experience, the actual router table only requires routing the opening for the lift, and templates are available to do that. It's too bad that Festool apparently stopped making and selling their own MFS Router templates, although others do make similar items. Attaching the Incra LS Positioner is simply a matter of drilling some holes and bolting it in place on the top. As with the version of the base that served me well for over a decade, it was simply some 2x4s that were bolted together. Note that while I used a Rockler lift, you can certainly use a Festool router

thedevme · « **Reply #20 on:** February 01, 2019, 10:53 AM »

@sandy I get it but its not something I want to worry about. I prefer doing projects in my house instead and I love my CMS table so I am happy

. As far as the LS, I can just attach it using a kapex crown stop or on one of my two MFT tables and remove when I am done with it.

DynaGlide · « **Reply #21 on:** February 01, 2019, 11:44 AM »

As someone who has never understood the appeal of the LS on an MFT/3 I look forward to the rest of the video series.

thedevme · « **Reply #22 on:** February 01, 2019, 11:54 AM »

Quote from: DynaGlide on February 01, 2019, 11:44 AM

As someone who has never understood the appeal of the LS on an MFT/3, I look forward to the rest of the video series.

@DynaGlide
I completely agree and since a majority of the pics are gone from posts that talked about this I was also hesitant in spending the money on the LS. After seeing Part 3 I now see the benefit and I am super excited to see Part 4 and how he will use it with the GE since everyone on here says it doesn't work with the GE. I think he really covers the things most will want to know like how long is setup time etc. I also reached out to him about added fence dogs instead of using the default method as well as the 8020 solution for the guide rail.

thedevme · « **Reply #23 on:** February 13, 2019, 10:46 AM »

For those who have not checked it out The Woodwhisperer has posted his 4th video:

It is really good and Kevin Horton made a really good point that the Festool 203457 table extension will allow users with the CMS-GE a simple solution to add an Incra LS Positioner. This last video really shows the power of using the LS with the CMS for anyone who may be wondering like me what its used for. Thankfully I brought it up and he created this series. He will be releasing 2 more videos on how to create joinery using the CMS and the LS. Give him a follow - he is wonderful at responding to comments and questions.

infer · « **Reply #24 on:** February 13, 2019, 12:58 PM »

Just an FYI two kapex stops provide enough rigidity so the LS does not move or lift up.

thedevme · « **Reply #25 on:** February 13, 2019, 01:12 PM »

Quote from: infer on February 13, 2019, 12:58 PM

Just an FYI two kapex stops provide enough rigidity so the LS does not move or lift up.

I remember you saying that - is that on the GE? Are you using the extension table? Can you take a picture of the entire setup please? @infer

infer · « **Reply #26 on:** February 13, 2019, 01:15 PM »

Same exact setup as I posted at the beginning of this thread but added another crown stop.

thedevme · « **Reply #27 on:** February 13, 2019, 01:40 PM »

Ahh sorry @infer - you also have the table saw which I am sure it works great for that.