CMS-GE versus CMS-VL

[jeh]

I have never seen the VL in person, but have seen the GE so I am hoping some of you can fill in blanks for me.

Assumptions:
I don't need the mobility of the GE. It's nice, but not something I would use except very rarely.
I like the larger table on the VL.
I am going to use the UG extensions for in/out feed.
I have an MFT/3 to connect it to.

Are there any other advantages to having the VL besides table size?

Is the VL connected to an MFT/3 more stable that the standalone GE?

On the rare occasion where I might take it to a job site is it easy to level up with the MFT/3?

Does the dust collection hose connected fence work fine and stay in? It looks like it might need some way to hold it in place since it hangs off the side.

Anyone have the VL and regret the purchase?

Thanks in advance for your insight.

 

[RC]

Well, I got the GE first and the VL later when I realised how expensive the extension tables for the GE are and how crappy the Festool router fence is. Got the VL and an Incra LS25-positioner set to go with it. It rocks.

You can't use outfeed extensions with the VL so use another saw horse or UG extension for that.

Also the better Festool fence is a bit dodgy i.e. Its not self aligning nor repeatably adjustable -> thats why I went Incra.

JMB will say he hates the VL due to its setup time and the need to carry both an MFT/3 and the VL to a job site.

As long as you are mainly shop based you should be well served with a VL.

 

[Grasshopper]

I have a VL en route. I liked that it is more stable when attached to the MFT (and supposedly stabilizes the MFT too.)

Seems to me like the VL is a great option when shop based.

Others can chime in here too as I haven't used mine yet.