CMS Micro Adjust and other Suggestions and Question(s)

jonmannyb

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Joined
Aug 17, 2014
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I saw a question, but can't seem to locate it on the usage of the Woodpecker Micro Adjust in conjunction with the Festool CMS.  In my case, I just recently picked up the CMS-GE Set (P000111).  It's taking sometime to get used to, but I love it.  Here's some pics of how I combined the 2...  But before I post the pics, I have a few suggestions and a question if anyone can answer it:

36MM HOSE NOZZLE:  My 36mm hose nozzle has gotten loose through time.  I was just about ready to buy a new one until I realized I could switch it out with the hose nozzle that comes with the CMS.  It works out, because the nozzle acts as a male piece when used with the CMS and not it's normal female function; hence, the loosening of the rubber is irrelevant. 

BEEFIER CMS:  I've seen complaints on the rigidity of the base of the CMS.  Considering the price point, I can't say I blame the haters, but that's the price you pay for shop grade results with portable tools.  My solution would be to simply build a box on casters to replace or compliment the base.  Put it on top of the box when in the shop, and use the CMS legs when in the field.  The whole reason the CMS has movement in the legs is that there is no "triangulation" (this is the building block concept of a truss and light-weight construction), which essentially is the fix that the MFT cross brace provides.  By building a box, you not only provide extra storage in your shop, but your base no longer wobbles because it's now a monolithic cube that doesn't allow for movement.

FRONT FACE CRANK???:  It was at a toss up between the Jessem Router table and the Festool CMS.  In the end I chose the Festool because I wouldn't have to buy a new router motor (could use the 1400 that I already own - also sold my old Porter Cable to get it, so no longer own a standard router), and I didn't want to loose the portability that all Festool Tools offer (plus the sled alone was worth it!!!).  The one compelling thing that the Jessem offers is the side face crank.  Aside from looking really cool and mimicking the functionality of a table saw or legit shaper, the side crank actually offers a great purpose in allowing to plunge into the midpoints of a work piece, which is actually what I needed to do in making the Micro Adjust jig.  DOES ANYONE HAVE A SUGGESTION ON HOW TO USE THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE CMS HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT TO JERRY-RIG A SIDE OR FRONT FACE CRANK??  Thanks all.

Okay, here are the pics:

P.S.  I forgot to mention, aside from all the scrap oak I used, I also picked up one Kapex / KA-UG connecting bracket.  Intended for the Kapex, it fits perfectly on the CMS.  I only picked up 1, but I now plan on picking up 2 more and a t-track to come up with some sort of contraption so that I can mount feather boards on the CMS top when the provided feather boards can't work; i.e., when the work piece needs pressure against the fence, but the poll of the CMS feather board is in the way. 
http://www.multiblades.com/kapex/ka-ugbracket.html

 

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I guess a flex shaft similar to the Dremel could work to attach at the bottom of the height adjustment and reroute to the side with a bracket where you add the Festool crank!?
 
What holds the KA-UG connecting bracket in place in the v-groove of the CMS? Could you please post a picture of the underside of that bracket as it is installed on the CMS?

Thanks

RichK
 
Hey RichK,

The profile of the CMS is the exact same die cut as on the end of the Kapex.  So this attachment intended for the Kapex will work just as well for the CMS.

Jon
 

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