CMS extension for MFT 3 - in North America

[Cannuck]

Now that I've seen the thread for the CMS extension for the MFT3 and Router module insert, I really would like to see this in North America.  That alone is a compelling reason for me to buy an MFT3 and OF2200! 

I can't tell you the number of times I cringe and struggle with bringing my Freud router table out to run some wainscotting or rail and stile pieces for a custom built-in.  What a pain in the butt.

This CMS setup with the MFT3 would seriously enhance my life.  Come on FestoolUSA - get it certified. Please 

I don't want to have to wait until the time I'm in UK or Spain to  get one.

 

[MichaelTurri]

So, say we'll be getting the MFT/3-VL sometime within the next 12 months (ie by Holiday shopping season 2012).

In the meantime, however, I think you can actually BUILD one with parts from EKAT. From my limited interaction with EKAT, it seems as though you usually can't buy EVERY part to build the actual product, but this looks pretty comprehensive to me.

Even if you CAN build one, however, you know you'll be paying a big premium. The switch subassembly alone is $177.02 with the rest of the components at $592.43. That would be a grand total of $769.45.
The Brits pay £375.60 for the MFT/3-VL (US$602.02 on 11/5/11).

But that's just the beginning. Let's examine some pricing differentials:
Brits pay £451.20 for the TS55 ($723.19) versus the $525 we pay. 37.8% premium.
Brits pay £553.20 for the MFT/3 ($886.68) versus the $595 we pay. 49.0% premium.

So, if we assume that the British MFT/3-VL sells at a 40% premium to what the US unit will cost, we can expect to pay about $430. I assume pricing similar to the KAPEX MFT at $390 (about 50% less than building one by parts alone. Once you factor in the cost of the saw and router insert plates and accessories, that should command the type of premium we're used to paying for Festool products over other market competition.

Thoughts?

 

[mouppe]

Michael,

I'm not sure what you are getting at with your analysis. You cannot buy the parts (or most of them anyway) in North America. So you would have to go to Europe to get them, in which case why not just buy the actual table directly?

Also, the MFT VL is only available with a 240v switch, which is useless in North America if you are trying to plug in your 110v TS55 or OF routers etc.

Of course, you also have to buy the modules, the parts for which are NAINA.

People have been waiting years for the CMS to cross the Atlantic. It isn't going to happen any time soon- if at all. Best to make alternative arrangements!

 

[b_m_hart]

Yeah, this stuff is purely a vanity purchase for people in NA at this point.  Festool isn't interested in getting it past the UL it seems.  If they were, it would have been done years ago.  I asked when we would get this over here back in the spring of 2008 when I bought my first festools, and the answer was "SOON!".  The answer today remains "SOON!".  Interestingly enough, entirely new tools have been presented to, and passed by the UL, so the only thing I've been able to conclude is that they simply refuse to change their designs to get it approved by the UL.  Of course, I don't have any of the story, and I'm sure insiders will be happy to set me straight.

Given the clamoring for these goodies on this board over the years, you'd think that they'd have eased up on their reseller partners and allowed the sale to NA folks over the internet (by at least overlooking that part of their reseller agreement)...

It's spendy kit, and I'd scoop it up in a heartbeat - but I really am not interested in paying for the air fare and international shipping.  I could just pick up a decent hammer saw / shaper and throw it in my garage.  Of course, it's hard to carry around if I ever wanted it to be mobile, haha.  Lots of us are frustrated by it, but it isn't changing any time soon.  I'd love to be proven wrong, but I'm long done holding my breath.

 

[MichaelTurri]

Hi Richard,

1) They actually DO stock all the parts for a MFT VL in North America, with a 110V switch! I found this when searching through EKAT for some MFT/3 parts and called Festool NA parts department to confirm. Apparently, they do this for folks who have brought them over or who are desperate to put one together. EKAT is down right now, but I'll provide the link ASAP.

2) Festool IS working on UL for the modules. They're clearly aware that they're leaving big money on the table, so to speak. It is just a long process.

3) I created this analysis to decide whether or not to build the damn thing myself, part of which was to project a retail price point for the product if/when it actually launches in NA. That and, apparently, I had too much free time on my hands waiting for my Festool equipment to arrive from Bob Marino

 

[MichaelTurri]

b_m_heart

Designing new products from the onset to meet international standards is easier than retrofitting existing ones. I also think Festool was waiting to get some indication of interest from posts like these. That's what I would do, anyway.

 

[mouppe]

Hi Richard,

1) They actually DO stock all the parts for a MFT VL in North America, with a 110V switch! I found this when searching through EKAT for some MFT/3 parts and called Festool NA parts department to confirm. Apparently, they do this for folks who have brought them over or who are desperate to put one together. EKAT is down right now, but I'll provide the link ASAP.

2) Festool IS working on UL for the modules. They're clearly aware that they're leaving big money on the table, so to speak. It is just a long process.

3) I created this analysis to decide whether or not to build the damn thing myself, part of which was to project a retail price point for the product if/when it actually launches in NA. That and, apparently, I had too much free time on my hands waiting for my Festool equipment to arrive from Bob Marino

Thanks for that info Michael. I was unaware that you could buy those here. Personally I think it is way to expensive for what it is.

 

[MichaelTurri]

Hi Richard,

1) They actually DO stock all the parts for a MFT VL in North America, with a 110V switch! I found this when searching through EKAT for some MFT/3 parts and called Festool NA parts department to confirm. Apparently, they do this for folks who have brought them over or who are desperate to put one together. EKAT is down right now, but I'll provide the link ASAP.

2) Festool IS working on UL for the modules. They're clearly aware that they're leaving big money on the table, so to speak. It is just a long process.

3) I created this analysis to decide whether or not to build the damn thing myself, part of which was to project a retail price point for the product if/when it actually launches in NA. That and, apparently, I had too much free time on my hands waiting for my Festool equipment to arrive from Bob Marino

Thanks for that info Michael. I was unaware that you could buy those here. Personally I think it is way to expensive for what it is.

No problem, Richard. At the price of assembling it from parts it is way too much money. Even if it drops by 40% - 50% like my analysis suggests, you still have to buy the insert, extension table, fence, etc. It will still end up being $1k it seems, or 2x the Kreg Precision table. I mean, Festool tends to be 2x+ so that makes "sense."

 

[MichaelTurri]

Hey! So as you all no doubt have seen, the CMS is coming to North America in October.

http://www.bobmarinosbesttools.com/cms-vl-mft-3-router-table/p/P00109/

The timing of my analysis seems spot on (ahead of Holiday 2012) but my pricing estimate of $1k was 30% low. Wishful thinking I guess  :

Who's planning on buying one of these?