CMS GE vs. CMS VL - help me decide..

[Iceclimber]

So I'm gonna buy a MFK/3 and a CMS. I like doing things right the first time so I'm thinking of adding the LS positioner right form the get go.

My question is this, is the LS positioner really a upgrade with regard to the CMS or is the CMS perfect the way it is. Some of my concerns are compromised dust extraction and not being able to use all the accessories that come with the CMS sets.

Next question is GE or VL. I like the idea of the VL attaching to my MFT/3 but i have not used it so i just think i liKe it but will i actually in practice. I also like that the VL is the same depth as the MFK. On the other hand not ever being able to set it up without the MFK could become a big regret? Im not really mobile nor do i plan to be however its far from impossible as i do work with my tools and also or make money with them from time to time just not very often as i try and avoid it as i kinda got burt out on the trades..

I have read all the threads regarding the topics. With hugely expensive purchases as they are when you buy Festool input from people whom have already used the tools really eases the mind.

Thanks again...

 

[festup]

I have the GE. I have room for it in my shop. Seems like the VL would be in the way on the MFT. I'm not too impressed with the fence. It's dust collection is great, but I think it should be more precise for what it costs. I seem to have problems keeping the fence at 90 degrees to the table. Don't think we should even have to consider retrofitting the LS.

 

[Runhard]

I just bought the CMS-VL set and the LS Positioner with wonder fence and precision plate, I highly recommend them all. The LS Positioner is on sale for $379 at incrementaltools:

http://www.incrementaltools.com/INCRA_LS_Super_System_25_Range_p/ls25wfncsys.htm

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]
[attachimg=3]

 

[Pixel]

So I'm gonna buy a MFK/3 and a CMS. I like doing things right the first time so I'm thinking of adding the LS positioner right form the get go.

My question is this, is the LS positioner really a upgrade with regard to the CMS or is the CMS perfect the way it is. Some of my concerns are compromised dust extraction and not being able to use all the accessories that come with the CMS sets.

Next question is GE or VL. I like the idea of the VL attaching to my MFT/3 but i have not used it so i just think i liKe it but will i actually in practice. I also like that the VL is the same depth as the MFK. On the other hand not ever being able to set it up without the MFK could become a big regret? Im not really mobile nor do i plan to be however its far from impossible as i do work with my tools and also or make money with them from time to time just not very often as i try and avoid it as i kinda got burt out on the trades..

I have read all the threads regarding the topics. With hugely expensive purchases as they are when you buy Festool input from people whom have already used the tools really eases the mind.

Thanks again...

You have a dilemma choosing, I have both systems and I will explain the dilemma I had.
I needed a saw setting up in the roof of my property and as it is a 20m walk up a stone spiral staircase it was too dangerous to try and carry my CS 70 saw table and i didn't fancy the idea of hosting a £1500 machine up the outside. Having hoisted an MFT up there I was sold a VL and a saw module to take a TS55 saw by my local Festool dealer down here in France, the VL is fantastic and stabilises the MFT, however the saw module sounded tinny and very noisy giving the impression it was a bit of a DIY makeover and trying to keep a parallel cut was hit and miss. I later bought the Router module for the VL and this was superb but using the bench meant i had to keep taking it out and putting it back in. I then bought the GE table for the router but found i was pushing the table around the room whenever I was asking the router to chew out a lot of timber in one hit.
Now I believe I have the best of both worlds, as the GE cannot be fastened to the MFT with the connecting bars I fitted the VL to the GE or to a CS 70, the VL is now attached to both the MFT and the GE and would take 2 men to move it.

A very long winded story I know but my advice is buy a GE and a VL together they are brilliant especially when they are connected to a MFT

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I'm looking at getting the CMS in a few months if all goes well. I think I'll just go with the CMS GE with it's extension table, and the side extension table for use the TS 75 module..

Another users has made a setup where he uses a Woodpecker prescision fence attached to the CMS GE top, so with that he has overcome the issue of setup. I'll just make up my own jig for squaring the fence..

I think I'll go with keeping the CMS GE separate from the MFT 3 as I want to keep it free for other duties..

I'll be working on a solution for stabilizing the CMS GE either attaching it to the wall, using brackets and weights on the legs.. When funds allow I may also get the CMS VL but I'll wait until I see how it goes with the CMS GE alone..

 

[Iceclimber]

Thanks for the info guys.

That setup is sick i am jealous. Im in the usa so i dont think i can get the saw insert. I will be using the CMS soley as a router table.

It kinda sounds to me like buying the VL basic and the Incra LS is the best option. Correct me if people think im wrong. Being a stationRy shop os what im looking to build a router table that slides Rpund the room sounds terrible. Also the slop in the fence sounds terrible. I dont know why but i would just have assumed the fence system on the CMS router table was dead nuts on. If to get perfect you have to go with the incra then that sounds best.

Question can you still use the sliding extension table with the LS. Also how compramised is duat collection with the LS vrs. the stock CMS router table.

Thanks for all the help. Im pulling the teigger pn this tomorrow. Big day!

 

[Iceclimber]

What are peoples thought on this.

A MFT/3 with a MFT basic attached together and the VL router table on one end all using the Incra LS. Correct me if im wrong but would this not free up enough space to use my MFT/3 for sheet goods without having to take all kinds of shit apart.

I have 1000 square foot shop so space is available. I dont want to waste space though as a Saw Stop, drill press, jointer and industrial dust collection system needs to fit in the space. i have already used a good amount of the space so i have to plan at this point.

 

[grbmds]

I've read posts about the Incra LS positioner mounted on the MFT. Having used the MDT with its fence and a guide rail, I'm not sure I see the need for anything else. However, I am considering replacing my router table and read these posts concerning GE vs. VL. The Poisitioner again came into the thread. Can someone point me to one or more threads or videos which would provide me the best explanation and use of the Positioner with the MFT and the VL router table? Before I proceed with a new router table I want to make sure I consider all options, regardless of expense (then rule out any that are just too much money). Thanks for any assistance.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Hi grbmds, Here is a thread on the positioner:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/it%27s-finally-here-the-precision-plate-for-incra-positioners!!/msg310719/#msg310719

Here's a thread using the Woodpecker micro adjust which is what I'd like to use:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/another-cms-micro-adjust-(-using-crown-stops)/msg334929/#msg334929

Good luck on your search!

 

[grbmds]

So maybe a Woodpecker router table/fence with the micro adjust would be a great choice also - a bigger table. While I couldn't use a Festool router (since Woodpecker does not have mounting plates for them),  could use another I already own. Big cost savings, but I don't know what the ultimate result would be  - better than a Festool GL/router combo or the Woodpecker setup? Sorry, I think this might be off the thread topic and I should stop so that Iceclimber gets his answers.

 

[Iceclimber]

Yeah WTF

Football football football.

Im not saying who I'm routing for or i might not get anymore help..

I think i like the idea of two MFT one being the MFT/3 and the VL set with the Incra LS positioner. If i don't like the dust collection on the Incra i am sure i can just sell it.

Only other concern is a setup like this requires access to both sides of the tables so i have to move my 4x8 MDF and hardboard assembly table from its now spot to a spot against a wall.

So can anyone tell me can i join together the MFT/3 and the MFT. And if so will this all make sense with regard to using the Festool guide rail on the MFT/3?

I think if that all actually works and does make sense to people thats gonna be my setup? 

Thoughts on that and ill leave you all alone till impost some pics next week

 

[Iceclimber]

Also what do people do with the MFT's on uneven surfaces?

 

[Grasshopper]

I really wanted the GE.  Ultimately, I ordered the VL and think that was probably the better choice for my space.

I'd expect if portability was a priority, the GE may be the winner.  On the other hand, if it is going to sit in a dedicated shop, the rigidity of being connected to the MFT is an advantage of the VL.  There is a small part of me that wishes I had gotten the GE, but with limited space, I'm excited for the VL to arrive. 

Keep us posted, good luck!

 

[Iceclimber]

Thanks man likewise!

I cant freaking wait its gonna be a big week. I dont think im gonna be able to sleep waiting on a Kapex, MFT/3, CMS, Incra LS and a rotex or 150/3?

 

[PreferrablyWood]

I'm based in Scandinavia, and so after thinking things through I'm probably going to get both the CMS GE, and the CMS VL..

It's different over here because we can have 4 different configurations, so if I go with the TS 75, OF 2200, the Beltsander module, and maybe even the jigsaw module, I can easily envision a workflow where I need to have a couple of tools active at once.

I'm considering mounting the CMS VL directly to the wall with the beltsander module, or using connected to the CMS GE where I could have two tools back to back... Then the CMS GE with TS55 module wouldl be a handy portable solution for kitchen installation trim work or flooring with the sliding fence it could do quick and dirty mitres..

So if you have more than one module to me the price of both the CMS GE and VL makes a lot of sense.

Couldn't you make your own MFT 3 table in the perfect dimensions for the task, to mate with the VL?

 

[Grasshopper]

My CMS-VL is being shipped to me now.

I had considered wall mounting it.  Does anybody know how to do this?  (where can I find a V groove that I could mount into the studs, or is there another preferred method?)

 

[adugas]

My CMS-VL is being shipped to me now.

I had considered wall mounting it.  Does anybody know how to do this?  (where can I find a V groove that I could mount into the studs, or is there another preferred method?)

I was going to make something like this to store the the VL when not in use and give me more floor space. Give me a few weeks and post pictures of what I come up with.

cheers

 

[Grasshopper]

Cool.

I look forward to your pictures.

My CMS-VL is being shipped to me now.

I had considered wall mounting it.  Does anybody know how to do this?  (where can I find a V groove that I could mount into the studs, or is there another preferred method?)

I was going to make something like this to store the the VL when not in use and give me more floor space. Give me a few weeks and post pictures of what I come up with.

cheers

 

[Iceclimber]

MFT/3x2, CMS VL, connector rods for MFT, Kapex, and zero clearance insert all showed up today. Stillwaiting on the hold down kit for the Kapex and the Incra LS super system.

Holy shit do i have a ton of boxes its freaking nuts!

Ill get pictures up but i just cant stand web sites that make you host your pictures somewhere and then do the whole insert image code thing....

 

[GarryMartin]

Ill get pictures up but i just cant stand web sites that make you host your pictures somewhere and then do the whole insert image code thing....

You don't need to do that on this forum.

When you're composing a message, click the down arrow next to "Attachments and other options".

[attachimg=1]

Then select the file you want to attach, and choose how you want it displayed.

[attachimg=2]

If you want to add more pictures, click the "(more attachments)" link and away you go...