CMS or ??? router table

[Knotbob]

I've been looking at a Wood Rat but I'm not sure my left brain can handle it.

 

[Svar]

I'm not sure how much I like the idea of the dust being sucked through the router lift casing? Am I missing something? 

I could never understand it either. All that +heat buildup and router motor living in a cloud of dust. Most modern routers have aftermarket dust shrouds that are no different from what Festool offers as standard issue (except OF2200, which is unique) and every bit as effective. Even if you can't buy one you could make it from couple pieces of acrylic glued together. I made those myself, they completely enclose the bit virtually eliminating dust problem. Certainly easier than building a cabinet.

 

[rnt80]

I have the CMS and while I really like some of the features, with my latest job I've been introduced to some of the shortcomings of the CMS.  This weekend I had to route approx. 25' of walnut with a raised panel bit.  While the 1400 will spin a bit that size the CMS is not designed for bits over 60mm (which it says on the fence but I was unaware of when I bought the system).  As such I had to remove the centering ring for the 1400 and use sacrificial fences in order to push the material out since the bit is too wide to fit in the opening in the fence.  I took multiple passes with the bit to get to the profile I needed but even with doing that the router bogged down quite a bit - it would no doubt be different if I had the 2200 in there.

 

[PreferrablyWood]

Had time to look at the incra system. Seems pretty good, but the dust collection did not seem as effective as the Festool solution. Also you'll miss out on the modularity/portability.. The incra fence seems pretty attractive though, if it smallest version of the fence could be adapted to the CMS it could be a nice though not very pretty solution..

It seems quite nicely priced out, as the Festool accesories like the dual hose, the table extenders, fence add up to quite alot.

What I'd like to see is a kit with the OF 2200 or OF 1400 routes plus CMS with all router specific, accesories and the bit box, competitively priced this would make it easier to make a decision...

PW

 

[GarryMartin]

I can't wait to see someone post images of using an Incra fence with the CMS.  It shouldn't be hard to adapt with an extension table mounted to the extrusions (probably will have to remove the cord holders).

mattfc already did something with the CMS-VL

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/sysport-cms-mft-(work-in-progress)/