CMS centering ring not flush with table

[maxtool]

I have a CMS VL.  When I had problems routing some end grain I noticed the wood is catching on the edge between the centering ring and the table.  The centering ring is about 0.3 mm below the table surface, enough to disrupt the smooth passage of wood. I'm using an OF1400 and centering ring 473809. 

1. Should this be aligned with the table? (Seems like it should be to me)
2. Is this a problem that I can fix/adjust? How?

Thanks in advance for advice!
Mac

 

[nclemmons]

I have had this problem. 

Check to make sure there is no dust under the ring. 

Second lay the ring on a flat surface to see if there is any bow in it that might be causing the distortion. 

Finally, try seating the ring and then turning it to see if it helps to 'catch' and stay flat with a  little friction.

neil

 

[Brent Taylor]

Off topic question, do all 3 rings for all 3 routers come with the CMS kit for NA use? I am thinking of getting one, but I want to use the 2200 in the table. A lot of the work I do needs a 3 Hp router. ( I use a 3 Hp Makita that is 25 years old ) I am looking to lighten the weight I am having to move around, so I was just wondering if all rings are included or are needed to use the 2200?

 

[Iceclimber]

Cant help you with this but i can add having had a similar problem with the CMS VL...

I only chime in as to confirm the possibility that the tolerances may be off slightly from the factory or something damaged so you don't just think it must be me as i did past the 30 day return period while i became familiar with the tool and tried to convince myself it must be me as i am not familiar with the tool or did not have time to screw with it.

When i use my CMS VL without the sliding table my stock gets hung up on a similar lip on the  outfeed side of the table. There is no room for adjustment on this side of the table so i have just assumed it is what it is at this point. Pretty annoying for $1600 but it is what it is live and learn i guess. Just because it is a top of the line brand and cost twice that of the competition does not mean it will be perfect or twice as good. 

Don't get me wrong i love the CMS for the most part, however for the $$$$ we pay for these tools compared to the competition and there is some good router table competition it can be a real let down that Festool lets these minor although very important details slide on equipment that is intended for precision and marketed as far superior with regard to all of the above. Add the fence that is just good enough to the equation and for $1600 Festool came up short imop. Now for a a similar price to the competition i can see these oversights not so much as oversights but the cost of being competitive within the market.

I suggest as i am sure you already have check everything on your end and make sure it is not some minor detail you are missing. Often it can be when you are not familiar with a tool. Then if still under warranty return the table, it is to darn expensive to live with even the slightest of a problem. If  something is wrong I'm sure Festool will make it right.

Good luck....

 

[maxtool]

Thanks all.
I tried looking for something not seated or dust and all seems fine (although actually dust might help as the ring sits below the table surface.  Ring and table are equally spaced around the ring so there is no bowing.  It seems like the centering ring is too thin or the table is too thick. Either situation would be surprising.

Next possibility could be to build up the thickness of the ring. I'm currently using three thicknesses of painters tape.  Seems like something I'd need to do with my old cheap on table but not a festool.

BTW - I have only the 1400 router but rings for 1010 and 2200 came with my kit.

 

[peter halle]

Off topic question, do all 3 rings for all 3 routers come with the CMS kit for NA use? I am thinking of getting one, but I want to use the 2200 in the table. A lot of the work I do needs a 3 Hp router. ( I use a 3 Hp Makita that is 25 years old ) I am looking to lighten the weight I am having to move around, so I was just wondering if all rings are included or are needed to use the 2200?

Although the use of the 2200 in the CMS is not supported by Festool USA (see warning statements in oodles of threads) the bag of the rings is packaged for the rest of the world and does have the rings for the 2200 in it.  Perhaps a recent purchaser can verify to make sure that there wasn't a very recent change.

Peter

 

[Samo]

I have a CMS VL.  When I had problems routing some end grain I noticed the wood is catching on the edge between the centering ring and the table.  The centering ring is about 0.3 mm below the table surface, enough to disrupt the smooth passage of wood. I'm using an OF1400 and centering ring 473809. 

1. Should this be aligned with the table? (Seems like it should be to me)
2. Is this a problem that I can fix/adjust? How?

Thanks in advance for advice!
Mac

I have this problem with the ring for my OF1400.  Haven't used other routers in my CMS-GE yet and the 1400 ring appears to be the most pron to distortion.

Is Festool aware of this issue? 

Does anyone have a OF1400 in the CMS-OF module that is flush with the plate?

Minor issue, but would like answers as well.

Cheers, Sam

 

[Jaybolishes]

The centering ring for my cms had the opposite problem in that it stuck up higher than  the table causing the wood the come off the table 1/16 or more.  I called festool service and they sent me another ring free of charge and the new one was perfectly flush.

 

[maxtool]

That's reassuring.  I will call Festool  tomorrow and see what they an do to help.  I've only ever had one other small problem and they were incredibly helpful.

 

[maxtool]

Talked to Festool today. They are sending me a new centering ring.  I'll report on this after receipt.

 

[Samo]

Thanks for the feedback guys and thanks to Max for starting this thread.

I had forgotten all about that issue on my CMS  [scratch chin]

 

[Samo]

Any follow up Maxtool?

I need to call Festool next week.  Both my adapter rings for the 1400 and 1010 are well below the plate, like a 1/32+.

Thx. Sam

 

[jeh]

Any chance of one of the Festool aftermarket companies making aluminum rings to replace the plastic ones. This would reduce the likelihood of what this user and others have experienced. Hopefully the individuals who make things see this thread.

 

[maxtool]

Update:
As promised Festool sent me another ring. Unfortunately it has exactly the same problem.  However with the spare in hand I was able to grind down one of the rings where it mates with the table from underneath. This allowed the ring to move up further in the table until, after many trials, I got it to fit.
Needless to say I'm disappointed to have to do this and imagine if I ever use another router in this table I'll go through the same issue. Seems like something's amiss here and "trying" new rings or grinding is something I didn't expect from Festool after several years and many superior products. 
However, it is now a pretty good fit and I can move on.

 

[Samo]

Thanks for the follow up Max.

I was afraid that this was going to be the outcome.  I see a trend with this approach by Festool.  I have a CMS-PS 300 that I run my Trion in.  What an awesome tool to have, really love using it.  It also wants to position the tool just below the insert.

I run a OF1010 in my work on door and window hardware.  Using it on a Door and Jamb templates (special install templates also) can be challenging because the insert for top side dust collection is recessed just enough to allow the tool to tip.

I understand the thinking....recessed and no hang ups.  I personally would rather deal will a high spot than have the work accidentally tip.

Regards, Sam