CMS router insert

[gasman]

I wonder if I could ask a technical question of the Festool experts..... I will be buying a CMS soon as a new router table. There are lots of options because of the imminent introduction of the OF2200 here in the UK...... So I could get the whole package (CMS + router insert) + OF2200 (FES 570264) for ?915+VAT, or the whole package with OF1400  (FES 570258) for ?798+VAT...... both tempting. However my local dealer is doing a deal on the 'old' router insert and OF2000 router saving quote a bit.
So, my questions are:
1. What are the differences between the 'old' and 'new' router inserts for the OF2000/2200? I hear that the new one has the height adjustment from both above and below. Any other differences?
2. Do both the 'old' and 'new' router insert accept other 1/2 inch routers? It looks like you could clamp anything below that router insert
Thanks in advance
Gasman

 

[Christian93117]

Gasman,

Thanks for your question. Since we are not selling the CMS in the US, we don't know enough about it to answer your question. We will cehck
with Festool Germany and get back to you. Just give us a couple of days.

Regards,

Christian

 

[Loz_S]

Well, if you want an opinion from a Festool user instead of an employee....

DO NOT buy the old OF 2000/OF 1400 CMS/Basis table insert.. It's crap!

The new CMS OF 2200/1400 can only be an improvement but I'd want to see it up close before I consider buying it.

The old version has a wobbly screw thread thingy which "holds" the router height in position and it is an appalling design that is very, very poor in operation. The router clamps are also poor, consisting of four metal feet which are barely long enough to hold the router (OF1400 in my case) down on the plate.

Personally, I wouldn't care if the dealer was giving away the old version I would wait for the new version and inspect it carefully before buying. I replaced my router insert with a home made table insert using some Woodpeckers accessories and an Incra fence. However, being a Festool mug I'm tempted by the new insert simply because it has an above table height adjustment. Definitely want to see it at my local store before I order though...

 

[gasman]

Thanks for the advice - in fact I have also only just realised that there is no mitre fence, featherboards or sliding table included - all those are extras which will take the price of the router table to over ?1000 - which even by Festool standards seems ridiculous when you compare it to others
Thanks for your words - I look forward to the 'official' view though
Gasman

 

[Christian93117]

Gasman,

Here is the information Germany sent:

-------------
The main difference between the new and the old insert is the height adjustment above the table.
The new baseplate can take the OF1010, OF1400 and OF2200 routers, but not the OF2000.
The old baseplate does not work for the OF2200.
The baseplates are only made for Festool routers and Festool recommends not to use any other brand router
with the Festool CMS.
------------

This is what I got.

Since you are about to buy a CMS, I guess you are not from the US. I recommend to get in touch with a Festool
dealer in your country or with Festool in your country directly to get more details. The Festool subsidiaries selling the CMS system do know a lot more about it than we currently do in the US.

Regards,

Christian

 

[gasman]

Thank you for your prompt reply, Christian
I wish that we in the UK had such a friendly cooperative CEA to ask questions on a forum. The UK website always seems to be 2 paces off the pace compared to yours
Best wishes
Gasman