Advice about CMS modules and parts

[GarryMartin]

For the money it costs, the CS 70 fence should be better than it is. It doesn't travel easily along the grooves and there's a very specific approach to tightening/adjusting to ensure it remains square. When used with the MFT/3-VL and MFT/3, you'll need to figure out a way to add your own rule and adjust it according to the plate position.

The "standard" fence uses the same protractor head that you get with your MFT/3, so it's usable in the MFT/3-VL and MFT/3 profiles from both the front and the sides (and the back if need be!)

If you square the MFT/3 accurately to the plate in the MFT/3-VL, then you can certainly come up with a "shop made" fence. I considered using an Original Incra Jig to put something together before using the Incra LS Positioner with the Precision Dogs Precision Plate.

 

[DarrenB]

Another thing that popped up: I have the full MFT set with the fence, swiveling guiderail etc.
I'm planning to have a VL attached to the MFT with a TS75 in a CMS with the MFT to act as support table for when I cut larger panels. The MFT fence and guiderail would interfere with that.
I'm also planning tI add the sliding table to the CMS.
Wouldn't the existing MFT fence and swivelling guide rail setup with its limited cutting size capacity be handled by the CMS setup?
If that's the case I could retire the MFT fence and get a nice flat MFT back with out disturbing fences and I would do most of my cutting on the VL.
Or do you see a reason for keeping the MFT fence too?

 

[Gregor]

I'm planning to have a VL attached to the MFT with a TS75 in a CMS with the MFT to act as support table for when I cut larger panels. The MFT fence and guiderail would interfere with that.
I'm also planning tI add the sliding table to the CMS.

I would suggest a CMS instead of the VL:
First job would be to create some boards with triangular thingies at the bottom so you can use them to bridge the void between the MFT and the CMS (both are the same height) by simply dropping them into the V-groves of both. Making that bridge in several pieces allows to use the festool fence (which IMHO isn't that bad as some claim).

Wouldn't the existing MFT fence and swivelling guide rail setup with its limited cutting size capacity be handled by the CMS setup?

Depends on the use case, at times a rail is superiour to a table saw (not 90° cuts along markings).

 

[Coen]

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.

CMS and CS50 are identical; same height, same depth, same width, same side profiles; whatever fits on the sides of the CMS, fits on the CS50, and vice versa.

The problem with the MFT 3-VL is that you can't get it complete with the module and machine and have the same discount. If you get the CMS-GE complete with module and OF-1400 or OF-2200, you save some serious money, like you already noted.

Depending on your local 'used' market, you might want to get the set, then sell the CMS-GE and buy the MFT 3-VL.

On the PS module; I still think they should have the OF module in such a way you can use the PS in it as well. But that's me. I just think €170 for an alu plate is quite expensive.

 

[jbiliter]

Do you really need the CMS?

For a router table a dedicated table may work better. If you coupled a Triton router TR1 (?) to the table it may be pretty good.

I know this is an old thread, but since folks are always doing research on products I thought I'd drop my experience and thoughts here.  Early in my transition to furniture making form carpentry, I bought the Kreg router table set and used the large Triton router in the table.  I never was completely satisfied with the accuracy of the table/fence.  I had to always tinker with the fence to keep square to the table and the jointing offset is nearly impossible to set up accurately.  The fence width adjustment is 6 screws (3 on each side) and depending on how tight you crank on the screws, it effects the co planer of the fence.  The router mounting plate insert started sagging after a while.  I added braces under the table to help keep level with the table.  The Kreg set wan't cheap, but still less than half the price of the CMS.  I was lucky enough to snag a CMS VL off the Festool Recon site. It was worth every extra dollar I spent over the Kreg.  Plus, I have the Kreg table now for simple set ups when routing multiple features on a piece.  What you get with the CMS is accuracy.  I repeat - accuracy.  Once it is dialed in, it holds.  The adjustments are simp.  The sliding table is fantastic and a huge upgrade to traditional router tables.  I paid extra $ for less aggravation, and I get every dollars worth.  I do wish I had gotten the stand alone table vs. the VL which attaches to the MFT/3, but took what I could from the discounted Recon sale.  My next upgrade is to make mobile cabinets for both the MFT/3 and CMS.  When the CMS is attached to the MFT/3, it does take quite a bit of floor space, but that is my only negative.  I do wish the fence on the sliding table had more t track slots for setting up stops and shop built jigs, but I've just neglected to search for and buy an an aluminum fence replacement.

 

[Coen]

You can use the MFT flipstop on the fence on the sliding table. But