CMS OF / Service issue

[gijssom]

Due to a recent, not so positive experience with Festool in the Netherlands I want to contact you guys.

I’m a big Festool fan and I’m using satisfactory, several of their machines. I’m a small entrepreneur and not using my machine very heavily.
I need my machines to be very accurate, that’s why I choose Festool.

The problem I had, was with a planer: HL 850, I bought a few months ago. The infeed and outfeed table were a bit hollow (middle lower than sides), so I couldn’t work very accurate.
Festool in the Netherlands agreed with me about the issue, and I received a new HL 850.

This new machine had the same issues. After several phone calls, a product manager came by and offered me another HL 850. This one was used at Festool trade fairs, he told me. It was obviously used and in a used shape.
This was a no go for me. Eventually, the product manager offered me the cash back option, which I took.

The reason why I contact this forum (is because there isn't a Dutch one) and because I'm experiencing a new problem:

I’m using the CMS system, in which I use the router insert (CMS OF), and my OF 2200 router underneath.

I’m having difficulty getting the fence square on the router table. Although I can adjust the two nylon screws this isn’t working, i.e. for each distance on the scale I have to readjust the screws (over again).
The second problem is about the flatness of the insert. The CMS OF plate is bent, i.e. it is hollow, the middle is lower than the outside. When I push a block of wood, it humps, and hits the left side of the router opening, because it goes down (exaggerated).

I’ve attached two pictures to indicate my problem.

I know the first step is to get back where I bought to product, and  I did that already. They told me the products will go back to Festool.

I don’t want to be a nagging customer. But after my recent experience, can someone help me in finding a good solution i.e. to get me in contact with a service employee / product developer of Festool (in Germany)?

I believe Festool makes excellent products.

Kind regards,
Gijs

[attachimg=1]
[attachimg=2]

 

[Sparktrician]

The issue in the first photo will have to be dealt with by Festool since the insert plate isn't flat.  The non-perpendicular fence is something that is very easy to adjust yourself, once you get a replacement insert.  Look for two white nylon grub screws low on the fence casting, facing down.  Use these to adjust the fence for perpendicularity to the table surface.  Be sure to use the left side of the fence for this adjustment since it's fixed to the casting.  You'll also note two more white nylon grub screws on the back of the right side of the fence.  Use these to adjust the right side of the fence to be perfectly colinear with the left side of the fence. 

 

[Brent Shively]

[member=53281]gijssom[/member]
I will reach out to one of my colleagues in the Netherlands that should be able to assist you with the plate.
Please send me a PM with your contact info.

Brent

 

[semenza]

Gijs,

  Welcome to the forum  [smile]

      Please don't hesitate to post and ask questions or for help on FOG. Though it is a USA based forum it also has a large international community.

Seth

 

[Jonnio]

Hi there, I had this problem when using the of2200. I felt it was a bit heavy and sagged the top down. I switched to the of1400 and find it to be ok. Once the fence is tightened to the top the whole thing is flattened more.
I like the cms, but it is designed primarily for portability and compactness. The 7mm (I think) aluminium top is bound to have some issue for complete flatness at the level you are expecting.
I have not noticed bad results from my own furniture making using this table, but would consider another larger fixed table if I need it more often.
Hope you get satisfaction somehow soon

 

[Sparktrician]

The issue of the plate sagging is an easy fix, too.  When you remove the plate from the CMS stand, you'll note two clear plastic pads on the front and rear contact surfaces of the frame, and neither is in the center of the contact surface.  Get some aluminum (not fabric or paper) duct tape and cut 12 pieces at 50mm x 15mm.  Build up six (one on top of the previous one) on the front in the center and the same on the rear.  This should approximate the thickness of the plastic pads, and will provide support in the center of the plate.  The aluminum duct tape you get in NL may be a different thickness than what we get here in NA, so check it as you go to get the center pads the same height as the plastic pads. 

 

[charley1968]

Thanx for that, Sparky!

 

[gijssom]

Thanks Sparky!

The aluminum tape did the trick.

Got the OF plate back from the (Festool) service department: they told me everything was within fabrication specifications?!

I'm happy there's a forum such as this, with people who think out of the box, and can instead provide real and useful solutions.

The fence still isn't square.. I'm bringing it to a specialized shop where they can square it for me.

I'm really disappointed in the level of service Festool (in the Netherlands) provides. They told me twice now already, that if I'm not satisfied, with their products, I can get my money back..