Any expereince with Festool CMS-OF Router Module?

[AndyCorleone]

Hi, anyone have the CMS-OF  Router Module I had only see a few review and doesn't look too promissing.

1)Is the fence strong enought without play?
2)what about the router installation how long takes? 
3)What about he Saw Module how long takes to install the TS55?

Thanks

 

[festoller]

I have been thinking about the router module (OF 1010) in combination with the MFT 3 extension for quite some time, but compared to other router tables even with lift and fence you?ll end up paying a premium for the complete Festool module. Additionally you?ll find Festool routers all over the forums, but if it comes to router tables it?s usually about different manufacturers. Of course this might change as soon as the modules are available in the US.

While I think most of the Festool equipment is worth the premium, I am not sure about this module. If you already have the Base or MFT 3 extension or plan on buying several of the modules it?s of course a different story. I don?t!

1.The fence is aluminum and seems quite strong. I don?t think you have to worry about play.

2.Set up should not take longer than 5 minutes, although if you intend to constantly switch from module to guide rail it?s probably better to have a second router. Then of course a different router and table manufacturer is definitely cheaper and more suitable.

3.Probably the same, not longer than 5 minutes, but in my opinion if you can?t do it with the TS55 or TS75 in combination with the MFT you should rather think about a table saw instead of the module.

For now I use my OF 1010 in a simple router table similar to the Dakota DK2009 at Rutlands?s and it gets all the tasks done. I would however consider buying the Festool modul if they have a special offer or if I could get a cheap used one. The usual Festool system compatibility is of course tempting. If however I run into a cheap table router offer first, I might consider buying a second router instead of the module.

 

[justinmcf]

hi andy, i just got a cms-ts75 delivered last night. it came in 5 boxes. ts75 in a systainer. anyway, it took me about 1 hour to set it all up. i am pretty slow, when it comes to setting up machinery for the first time!

the ts75 will stay mounted in its module permanently. and it takes me about 30 seconds to take the module out of the table. the process is simple. undo 2 screws and it lifts up.

i am waiting for 2 brackets to be shipped to me next week. they hold the sliding table to the main table (cms-ge). very frustrating! i want to see how accurate it cuts, but i will have to wait a few more days!

i cant give you any advice about the router module, as i do not own it......yet.

i will post more when the table becomes functional  with the brackets next week.

regards, justin.

 

[paul_david_thomas]

I've had the CMS table for about 2 years and used it combination with a TS55.

It does not go in as easy as I would like it to, and I'd say, putting the new riven knife (however it's spelt) and ties to keep the power on takes about a minute. Even if it took two or three I would not care.

My main CMS requirements were, small, portable and accurate. It is all three of these.

I have just taken delivery of the router module for my OF1400 - same on as you would use on the OF1010.

It's sturdy, seems pretty accurate and dust collection on a 36mm hose seems just dandy.

If it's sunny tomorrow (Im in the UK and it's been bloody raining like forever) I'll do a review and post it...

Paul.

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Andy,

Just out of interest... Are you in the UK too, and were you recently selling some festool stuff on a uk wood working forum ? Name rings a bell...

Paul..

 

[AndyCorleone]

Andy,

Just out of interest... Are you in the UK too, and were you recently selling some festool stuff on a uk wood working forum ? Name rings a bell...

Paul..

Hi Paul, Yes I just sold all my Big machinary and a few Festools. Looking forward for you Router Table review. What you had before your actual set up?

 

[justinmcf]

hi paul, with regards to your cms and ts55. you mention the riving knife. do you find there is a lot of play with the riving knife even though you tighten it up with the allen key. i have found the riving knife (ts 75) can be moved or shaken up to 3 or 4mm (left to right).
i was worried about this, so i got my trusty old ts55 out, and the riving knife also seems loose.

regards, justin.

 

[Wim]

I have the modules for the TS 55 and the OF 1010 for the CMS table and for they are perfect. I never needed the OF 1010 freehand and on only a few cases I needed the TS 55 with the rail. It was not cheap when I bought it but it was worth every penny to my feeling. You can work very accurate with this system

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Justin,

Their is a little bit of movement in the knife, but only a real small amount, and that's just fine by me. I'd say about 2mm. Just make sure, after removing the normal knife you blow out any dust or contamination where the knife is screwed down - so it sits where it should sit.

I have to admit, using the CMS and the TS55 is the only time I wish I had a TS75.... And, again, only in a few situations, not enough to warrant a purchase of a TS75 - as much as I would like to !!

Paul

 

[justinmcf]

thanks for the advice paul. i have been playing with the cms today, i was gutted that there was 2 brackets missing but i was still able rip some hardwood. happy days!
i was able to set the scale perfectly, well, its within 1/10th of a millimetre, and thats good enough for my eyes.

so far, i am impressed with the setup, dust collection is fantastic, it is solidly built and reasonably easy to move, i will buy the wheels for it, or maybe make my own.
any advice you can give me would be appreciated.

btw, with regards to asking other members where they are from. i agree with brice who mentioned that people should state on their profile which country they are from. i think its a great idea, and wish more people would do it.
they dont need to state which town or county, just the country would be enough.
i am originally from northern ireland but now live in gods country, australia.

sorry for rambling on, all the best,
regards, justin.

 

[paul_david_thomas]

Justin,

I "was" going to have a play today... But, all my gear is over the road in a house I am refurbishing I thought, on a sunday I would not disturb them... I am pretty sure I have been getting everyone up at 7:30 for the last few months... Oops...

The CMS router module is pretty well built and bloody heavy when it's all installed into the CMS unit. The dust extraction when I've used it is great... Moving from 27mm to 36mm did make a big difference...

Paul..

 

[paul_david_thomas]

I've used this set up to make a load of wedges up for packing out door frames/false walls...
[attachimg=1]

Please ignore the fact I've not got any protection on the table saw...

Moving the slide on the left is sooooo smooth....

I'll also use this sort of set up if I need to run large pieces through the CMS router.