Advice about CMS modules and parts

[GarryMartin]

I have the below for my CMS with OF 1400. Not that I've got round to fitting it yet...  [embarassed]
http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/wixey-remote-digital-readout-with-fractions-102mm-4.html

Photos are from [member=5085]mattfc[/member] I believe, but are missing from earlier posts due to "PhotoGate" losses...

 

[pntlindsay]

Hi Javier,

I have been using a CMS setup with TS55, router insert and jigsaw insert for at least 4 years and it is great setup.  The CMS/TS55 is capable of accurate work, albeit with a lot of fiddling round with the fence.  The jigsaw insert works remarkably well and the router is fantastic.  However the biggest drawback of the system, particularly when you doing a lot of work is the swapping in and out of modules.  Whilst it goes not really take long it can really disrupt the flow of a project.  This is particularly the case with the saw and the router.  For this reason I have just purchased a Dewalt 7491 tablesaw and I leave the CMS setup with the router.  The combination works well and has really sped up my work. I have the tablesaw aligned with the CMS, so I can use it as outfeed support if required.  The Dewalt is a nice saw, with a fantastic fence.  With good quality blade it cuts at least as well as the CMS.  The crosscut fence is a joke, I have replaced it with an Incra 1000.  I know you have limited room, so the CMS may have to meet all your requirements I just wanted to make you aware of the swapping issue.  Good luck.

 

[JavierMoreno]

I hope the above helps you coming to a choice on your CMS shopping list.
Please ask any questions you would like. I'm more than happy to help if I can.
I'll post some pics from my phone later.

Hi [member=25539]SMJoinery[/member] (Scott), thank you very much for your wise advices. I have done some changes to my initial list based on your ideas. I would like to see your pics.

 

[JavierMoreno]

I have the below for my CMS with OF 1400. Not that I've got round to fitting it yet...  [embarassed]
http://www.machine-dro.co.uk/wixey-remote-digital-readout-with-fractions-102mm-4.html

Photos are from [member=5085]mattfc[/member] I believe, but are missing from earlier posts due to "PhotoGate" losses...

Very informative. Thanks!

 

[JavierMoreno]

I just wanted to make you aware of the swapping issue. 

Thank you for you advice. It's clear that the swapping issue and the fence are some of the Achilles heel of the CMS. The second is easier to solve than the first in small workplaces.

 

[SMJoinery]

I hope the above helps you coming to a choice on your CMS shopping list.
Please ask any questions you would like. I'm more than happy to help if I can.
I'll post some pics from my phone later.

Hi [member=25539]SMJoinery[/member] (Scott), thank you very much for your wise advices. I have done some changes to my initial list based on your ideas. I would like to see your pics.

Javier.
Your more than welcome. I spent many hours investigating what the CMS could do for me and I'm not disappointed.
I would say again that whilst the Incra fence looks great and perhaps even part of a "perfect" set up I have found the TS75CMS with the angle finder fence as accurate as my dewalt saw is. I calibrated and set it up on initial set up and cannot fault it.
My intention was to purchase the CS fence but so far haven't found a need.
This is the only photo I have available at the moment as I'm away on holiday and not back in the workshop until Thursday morning. You can see the TS75CMS, VB fence and MFT out feed. On top of the drawers at the back is my CMS OF parts.
Cheers.
Scott

 

[bertv]

[member=43849]JavierMoreno[/member]  Regarding the cyclone set up for a CT, the DD specifically designed for that can be bought her:http://www.gereedschappro.nl/overig/ultimate-dust-deputy-cycloon-voor-op-een-festool-stofzuiger/2510
I think that shipping could be fairly cheap, seeing you are living within the EU-boundaries.

I have been following this thread with interest, because I have a MFT with VL, with TS55 and jigsaw modules and am thinking about extending to a router insert as well.
The TS55 in the module works great (I have another, newer TS55 for use on the MFT and elsewhere). I have the VL50 fence and have no issues with it (you need to learn how to operate it properly). Also the sliding table, which I hardly ever use with the fence/protractor, but it is convenient for supporting larger pieces.
The jigsaw module is hardly ever used because it honestly scares me (I have a Trion).

To circumvent the hassle of constantly changing modules I think I will purchase a separate CMS-set with the OF2020, that I probably will use without legs.

 

[JavierMoreno]

[member=5467]Bert Vanderveen[/member], I like the idea of a separate CMS-Set for the router and a VL for the saw.

If you have not got neither, what would you buy first: the CMS-VL or the stand alone CMS?

 

[sancho57]

I recommend getting the one with the legs easier to adj.

Do you know the part number?

Instead of the 1400 I would go for the big boy the 2200.

I thought 2020 might be overskill for my needs, but now I'm thinking again.

Thanks!

U.K. Part number is

495531

That's the one I should of got

 

[RC]

Hi [member=12043]Reiska[/member], thank you very much for you high informative post.

Let me them elaborate the purchase list and, please, let me know if it's OK

1. MFT 3 - VL (495510)
2. Insert module for router CMS-OF (500608)
3. OF 2200 EB-Plus (570251)
4. Insert module for Saw CMS TS55 R (570281)
5. Sliding Table (492100)
6. INCRA LS 25 Range Super Joinery Fence System METRIC

I think number 2 and number 6 are something redundant, but I don't know if I can buy everything of the router insert module except the fence. And I don't know if that will not be more expensive than buy it all together.

You're welcome ;-)

You are correct that the Festool router has become totally redundant for me since I have the Incra SuperSystem. Of course if you are looking at the double base setup suggested then you could maybe save some money and just buy the router fence system from Incra and not the SuperSystem package as that just contains the router specific parts on top of the actual LS-positioner system.

Also to attach the LS-fence to the MFT-3 table you'll need the Precision Dogs attachment plate Precision Plate and according to their web site Incra has changed their fence attachment since I got mine and you are adviced to purchase some kind of an LS-specific connector base as well since they have removed the screw holes which were still present in mine.

 

[JavierMoreno]

Thanks [member=10147]jobsworth[/member]. I din't know that because in Spain Festool website that was not list as CMS extension, but as CS50 extension. 

 

[RC]

[member=5467]Bert Vanderveen[/member], I like the idea of a separate CMS-Set for the router and a VL for the saw.

If you have not got neither, what would you buy first: the CMS-VL or the stand alone CMS?

Depends what you have and what you are going to do next.

Since you already own a TS55R saw and presumably the tracks to go with it, you can probably do most of the stuff a table saw can do with those.

So if you can get a deal on a package Like this one and you are thinking on doing both you might as well take the discount up front as I don't think there is a set for the MFT-VL and any CMS tool.

 

[RC]

Oh, and one more thing came to mind while reading through the other comments about the saw module vs. a real table saw...

Adjusting the angle of the TS55 in the insert is a bit of a pita since you do need to tighten both front and rear knobs under that table or you need to flip the insert over to do the adjustment. Being lazy as I am, I usually end up on my knees reaching under the table trying to get the angle right with my Wixey on the blade and it's a lot less comfortable than a real table saw with a nice crank up front to twist to find the angle.

So as long as you usually cut just normal 90-degree cuts on the saw you're good to go. The moment you start doing more angled cuts and can't batch them out you will be cursing.

 

[bertv]

[member=5467]Bert Vanderveen[/member], I like the idea of a separate CMS-Set for the router and a VL for the saw.

If you have not got neither, what would you buy first: the CMS-VL or the stand alone CMS?

Hard to answer, but I have never regretted buying the VL. It really adds to the MFT regarding stability and functionality, without using up too much space.

 

[GarryMartin]

Also to attach the LS-fence to the MFT-3 table you'll need the Precision Dogs attachment plate Precision Plate and according to their web site Incra has changed their fence attachment since I got mine and you are adviced to purchase some kind of an LS-specific connector base as well since they have removed the screw holes which were still present in mine.

I've recently bought the Precision Dogs plate and ordered the connector base. It's the red plate shown in the attached photo. To my mind, it works better with the Precision Dogs plate as it lowers the overall height of the positioner.

[attachimg=1]

 

[sancho57]

Thanks [member=10147]jobsworth[/member]. I din't know that because in Spain Festool website that was not list as CMS extension, but as CS50 extension.

It's a nice extension better than the one I bought.

 

[Nigel]

  I have pretty much the exact same as on your OP list except I got the 75 and module and I am glad I did as I frequently use the full capacity. I also have the widener extension and reckon it's pretty much essential although I do regularly think of getting the outfeed as well but I can get by with the MFT. As for the of1400 it's a cracking router and I use it for everything including some hefty spindle moulder size profiles. I would also say the sliding table is an excellent addition and can be used for very accurate work. I would also go for a bigger extractor. Anyway good luck with your list.

 

[DarrenB]

Old thread but I'm thinking about a CMS setup similar to the original poster.
I have a fully equipped MFT3 and a separate Dewalt DW745 table saw. I was planning to sell the Dewalt as its fiddly to move around, takes a lot of space and have lousy dust collection.
I was concerned to read that it offers better precision than a CMS with a TS55 saw. If that's true its bad because the Dewalt is no wonder in regards to precision. For example my T-Track is not equally milled.

I was thinking of getting the extension MFT 3 - VL (495510), router module with an 1400, sliding table and the CMS TS75 module.
My plan was to have the VL table attached to the short side of the MFT but occasionally move it to one of the long side of the MFT to cut larger panels. I would have the saw in the VL part and the router module mounted in my home made work bench. If I need the sliding table for the router I will switch the CMS modules in the VL table.

A few questions.

1. If correctly set up will I be able to get the same precision in a CMS+TS55 like in my Dewalt table saw?

2. Can the MFT table be used as extension table to the VL table for very wide cuts? Can I even have the LA50 fence extending onto the MFT table?

3. Is the VL table easy to quickly remove from one end of the MFT and mount on the other side or should I consider the VL table to be a fixed part of my work table?

4. Will the CMS+TS75+standard Festool fence provide a good enough set up to get consistent results similar or better than my Dewalt table saw, without having to re-calibrate the fence and saw everytime I do a cut?

 

[GarryMartin]

1. Yes

2. The CS 50 LA fence is for the CMS GE and Precisio CS 50. If you want to use that type of fence on the MFT/3-VL you need the CS 70 LA which is designed to be used on the MFT/3, MFT/3-VL and the Precisio CS 70. The CS 70 LA fence will allow you to extend on to the MFT/3 table

3. Fairly easy to move from one end to the other, but don't forget it will then be reversed in orientation so the power switch will be at the back/front depending on which end you fit it

4. Yes, although the weak link in this is the CS 70 LA fence. I could never personally get on with it and have replaced it with an Incra fence that I am stupendously happy with

 

[DarrenB]

1. Yes

2. The CS 50 LA fence is for the CMS GE and Precisio CS 50. If you want to use that type of fence on the MFT/3-VL you need the CS 70 LA which is designed to be used on the MFT/3, MFT/3-VL and the Precisio CS 70. The CS 70 LA fence will allow you to extend on to the MFT/3 table

3. Fairly easy to move from one end to the other, but don't forget it will then be reversed in orientation so the power switch will be at the back/front depending on which end you fit it

4. Yes, although the weak link in this is the CS 70 LA fence. I could never personally get on with it and have replaced it with an Incra fence that I am stupendously happy with

Thank you!

Oh so the wider CS 70 fence then... what are the challenges you see in the fence? Is it hard to align and get it square, or is it wobbly? I guess I would use a combination of the CS70 fence over the MFT3 in the rare cases when I need to cut a very wide panel.

Another question I had was whether the "standard" fence that comes with the CMS TS module can be used with the VL extension table or if the V-grooves of the tables will interact with the fastening of the fence?
I guess that is where the CS70 fence would come in?

Would the hole configuration of the MFT3 coupled with the VL extension table connection to the MFT provide good enough precision to set up your "shop made" MFT based fence, maybe using dogs or similar?