Compatibility of MFT and CMS edge accessories ???

[CutsTwice]

Hi,
I'm about to buy my first MFT/3 with the intention of adding a CMS insert for either a TS 55 or 75 ( I understand that this is not supported and that it will not be easy). When funds allow I will add a CMS-VL to have a "real" CMS insert table attached to the MFT/3.

Here is my question. Do the CMS tables and the MFT tables have the same rails on the edges for attachments? Can I attach a Festool 488451 CMS Miter Gauge to the edge of an MFT table?

I'd really appreciate some guidance on this before I commit the funds.

Thank you.

[CutsTwice]

And an afterthought...will the Festool 497514 KA-UG-R-L Extensions connect to the edge of an MFT (I already have a set of these).

[DeformedTree]

Can't answer everything, but the miter gauge is the same on the CMS and the MFT, or at the very least I don't see a difference at the store.  The extrusion that connects to it may be different (end bevels vs a rabbit on the MFT).

[CutsTwice]

I did some Googling and found that my Kapex extensions will fit the MFT. I'll take one to the nearest Festool dealer tomorrow and make sure. It's a 120 mile round trip though. In all likelihood I'll come home with an MFT/3.

Thanks for the info DeformedTree. That makes me feel fairly confident that things will work. I wonder why I can't find any pictures of the TS CMS inserts milled into an MFT on the Interwebs? Seems like a darned good idea to me for cutting narrow strips on occasion. Is there a pitfall that I am overlooking?

[tjbnwi]

The UG extensions fit both the MFT and the CMS.

Tom

[GarryMartin]

Both the Angle Stop (miter gauge) and the KA extensions fit the profile of the MFT/3. Indeed, the CMS Angle Stop is an identical "head" to the one that comes with the MFT/3; only the length of the aluminium profile is different.

[jarbroen]

I think you'll find that buying an MFT with the intent of mounting a CMS TS module to it will be an expensive and frustrating experiment.

The MFT($600-700) plus the TS module ($400+) already puts you over $1000 and you'll have an imitation of a tablesaw with a really frustrating fence - no micro-adjust, repeat cabilities, ease of squaring, etc.
You would need to spend another $400 or so to get something like the Incra fence - and then some way to attach to the MFT like the precision plate(another $100+).
This also doesn't consider the $500 plus invested in the TS that you'd want to dedicate to the module.  It's not quick nor easy to mount the saw in the module and imprecise if you want a bevel.

I say this as someone who had a similar thought, but with the actual CMS-VL, and thoroughly researched this experiment. 
I now have the MFT/3 and CMS-VL(no TS module) and I'm super happy with the setup.  I can easily do thin rips on the MFT or use parallel edge guides for longer pieces.

I guess what I'm getting at is asking what are you trying to accomplish and is your proposed idea the best way to go about it?
If you need quick rips with portability there are lots of tablesaws that would be quicker and easier to use for the same or less you would invest in the MFT with dedicated TS module.
If you don't need portable and have some space you can get even better tablesaws for not much more money.

I do think the CMS-VL with router is awesome.  So easy to use and setup and comparable to building your own router table. 
The TS module for the CMS just feels like way too much of a compromise in utility in exchange for portability and the 'system' use.

[infer]

I would skip the miter gauge and add an Incra LS possitioner to a larger custom MFT top. The festool miter gauge fence flexes 2-3 mm on the ends. Or just get a CMS GE and add the Incra LS for an unmatched portable precision.

[CutsTwice]

Good infos. Thank you All.

I have an Incra LS 17 that is attached to an Incra routing table and had contemplated getting another for a CMS setup. Or, getting an Incra TS and making a new table to house a CMS-type setup.

Like many other people, I'm stuck between choosing a Sawstop PCS or some sort of TS solution for cutting strips because either has very good dust collection. If I go with the Sawstop, not only will I need to wait a while while collecting dollars, but I will need to dismantle the island in my shop (big bespoke MFT) and move it elsewhere because the island location is the only space in my basement that will fit the in-feed and out-feed requirements for cutting sheet goods. It is a down draft table as well and I cut a hole in the floor to run 6 inch dust collection under the cement. 'Twas quite a project that I am trying to preserve.



A little voice in my brain keeps telling me to wait for the Sawstop and arrange the shop as necessary. Life would be easier if I was rich.

[simonh]

I integrated my DW745 into a MFT3 / CMS-VL custom setup along with my Jessem Router table.

I actually have a couple of CMS-VLs I can attach along with the sliding table. A MW1000 table that I use as an outfeed sometimes. A couple of the Kapex extensions that can also be used depending on what I'm working on. A VacSys which gives lots of options when working with hand tools or sanders, the Lamello etc...

It wasn't a particularly cheap option but as I need something I can move around as I don't have a decent sized permanent workshop space it works well. It's currently setup in a spare room while I make some cabinets and renovations on the house.

[Svar]

I integrated my DW745 into a MFT3 / CMS-VL custom setup...

Very clever, @simonh . Thanks for sharing. Is that a phenolic plate? Did you just bolt the saw under the table or replaced the original DW745 table top entirely? Would be great to see more details.

[CutsTwice]

I integrated my DW745 into a MFT3 / CMS-VL custom setup along with my Jessem Router table.

I actually have a couple of CMS-VLs I can attach along with the sliding table. A MW1000 table that I use as an outfeed sometimes. A couple of the Kapex extensions that can also be used depending on what I'm working on. A VacSys which gives lots of options when working with hand tools or sanders, the Lamello etc...

It wasn't a particularly cheap option but as I need something I can move around as I don't have a decent sized permanent workshop space it works well. It's currently setup in a spare room while I make some cabinets and renovations on the house.

(Attachment Link)

That looks pretty slick. How is the dust collection on that DeWalt with your zero clearance setup around the blade? How is accuracy and repeatability with the Incra fence?

My plan is to start building jewelry boxes for fun with lots of inlays, etc. I feel that a large 3 HP saw with incra crosscut sleds and an Incra fence would be the most accurate option and it should handle any other standard woodworking chores that might come up. But...oh my gosh! What a bunch of money!

[simonh]

@Svar Here's a picture with the phenolic top plate removed from the saw. It is mounted on some Bosch Rexroth (80/20) corner blocks mounted to the Festool profile (I bought longer tracks as the standard CMS-VL is too narrow). The saw lifts in and out. I removed the standard fence system which is only a few bolts so easy to put back on if I want to use it standalone (although I can't imagine it given how nice it is having a bigger support table, easy to attach outfeed, and sliding table) I use the phenolic zero clearance table over the top of the standard table for when I'm cutting laminates or other delicate surfaces. I'm also going to make a cross-cut jig for cutting smaller stuff at 90 degree as the full sliding table attachment can be unwieldy if your just cross cutting some small pieces.

[simonh]

@CutsTwice Accuracy and repeatability with the Incra fence is spot on. I also have the sliding table and replaced the fence with an Incra flip stop fence for cross cuts.

Here's a full picture of my setup which allows most tasks to be done with a little re-jigging around. But it's very compact and manoeuvrable. The MW1000 sat in the corner of the room can be attached for abit of extra space or as an outfeed for the table saw. The 2nd CMS-VL I use for the router table but I also have a Conturo insert too so I can configure the CMS-VL's however I want depending on what job I'm doing.

[PeterJJames13]

@simomh I'd love to hear more about the Incra fencer for the Festool miter gauge. I'm familiar with the positioner but I really like the idea of the sliding table with the Incra attached to the miter gauge. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[simonh]

@PeterJJames13 Here's a couple of pictures of the Incra flip stop fence attached to the Festool mitre gauge.  I used a small piece of the MFT fence to interface between the mitre gauge and the Incra. Then it just attaches to the Festool sliding table with the Festool mitre gauge.

[jarbroen]

CutsTwice - the table you have in your shop looks like a nice setup.  And would be perfect for some kind of tracksaw setup to do narrow rips.  Especially if you already have the LS17.  You could use that as your fence on the offcut side and have the track in a fixed position for the rips. 

[CutsTwice]

CutsTwice - the table you have in your shop looks like a nice setup.  And would be perfect for some kind of tracksaw setup to do narrow rips.  Especially if you already have the LS17.  You could use that as your fence on the offcut side and have the track in a fixed position for the rips.

Yessir! That island was built for use with my TS55 and works very well for breaking down sheet goods and assembly. I'm thinking about building some sort of large jig for cutting strips.

But, now I'm thinking about picking up a Sawstop JSS and building a rolling table to house it. Then I could add a longer LS fence as well as an Incra Miter 5000. This might give me great accuracy and the ability to cut strips without spending $5 grand on a large saw and all the Incra goodies.

Decisions, decisions.