Anyone have the CMS router table?

[AMC]

I'm wondering whether to trade my Triton router table and Hitachi TR12 router in on the CMS router table. I have the CMS set up as a saw bench with the TS75, and an OF1400, but haven't been able to see a cost benefit in trading in the robust and serviceable (and yes, unsexy) Triton on the CMS router insert. Especially when there's not much of a trade-in available on the Triton.

But not having a workshop, and having to lug out the Triton and set it up alongside the CMS on the verandah when I'm doing a project, is proving a hassle. I'm starting to appreciate the systems approach used on the CMS, to the point of looking carefully at the credit card balance.

Anyone using the router insert (which means anyone outside the US), and how have they found it for user-friendliness, accuracy and dust collection? Any comparisons with other tables you've used? How quick is it getting the router in and out?

(Isn't it a bit paradoxical that a country awash in handguns won't let its populace have the CMS? I spent my youth persecuting the Australian wildlife with guns, but I still can't see how the CMS presents a bigger threat to personal safety than a .357 Magnum.)

Matt

 

[fcraven]

(Isn't it a bit paradoxical that a country awash in handguns won't let its populace have the CMS? I spent my youth persecuting the Australian wildlife with guns, but I still can't see how the CMS presents a bigger threat to personal safety than a .357 Magnum.)

Remember Festool DOES NOT have to get UL approval for any of their tools, Festool chooses to get UL approval :-\. If They had chosen, the could have released all of their goodies here long time ago; moreover, I don't think firearms undergo any UL approval , although the thought is entertaining.

Fred
Who lives in the great state of Texas,
where one can carry a concealed handgun (to most places),
but can't buy a bottle whisky (unless you go to an unsavory part of town),
and you can't buy a beer before noon on Sunday.

 

[Frans]

I've got the router insert for the older Basis system, which is the same as the CMS router insert. Mine is the 5A, which is for the OF1010 router. The 6A is functionally the same but holds the 1400 and 2000. It works fine for me, but I have no experience whatsoever with any other router tables. The only gripe I have with it, is that the depth setting is underneath the table. It would be nice to be able to set it from the top. Dust collection (with a CT22) is good when routing edges, a bit less when routing dadoes. The CT22 fills up very rapidly when routing, though.

I use my router handheld as well as mounted in the table, but I strongly recommend you get yourself an extra router. Mounting it is very easy, but get's irritating rapidly. The same goes for using the ATF55 in the Basis 1A, by the way. SWMBO won't let me buy another, though...

All in all, the Basis system (or CMS for that matter) is very nice when you have to use it onsite, or when you have a very small shop like me (2x3 meters).

Frans

 

[AMC]

Thanks, Frans. That second router issue is a big one. I have the TS75 saw mounted permanently in the CMS, and use the TS55 handheld, which works well. If I went for a second router, I'd probably go for the OF 2000 for our big Aussie hardwoods and the flexibility of having different sized collets. But with the insert, that makes the deal cost around AUD$2000. My Triton/Hitachi setup cost about AUD$600.

Looks like I'll be thinking longer and harder about this proposition. Because I also want the Domino, and the Kapex, and some new handplanes. When does it all stop? My wife wants to know ...

 

[Frans]

Perhaps you could try and find a secondhand one? I do see them every now and then on auction sites here in the Netherlands. I suppose they've got auction sites down under as well.