CMS Router Plate Warped

[prestonvisser]

I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere, but a search only landed me one thread where the problem was briefly mentioned.

Has anyone else had the problem of the CMS-OF Router plate warping?  I got a used CMS-GE set, and the plate lifts up about 1.5 - 2mm in the middle.  The warp is present whether or not the plate is in the base unit.  I can temporarily bend it back straight or even past straight, but then it returns to its warped shape as soon as I remove the clamps. 

I contacted Festool, but they only said that the problem is not common and I would need to purchase a replacement plate. 

I'm curious if anyone else has attempted to straighten/flatten their warped plate and what kind of success you may have achieved.  I am concerned that I will overdo an attempt to flatten the plate and end up damaging it worse in the opposite direction since it has a certain elasticity to it. 

Thanks for any advice!

 

[peter halle]

I might suggest that you get the serial number off of the CMS and contact them again to see if it is still under warranty.  Festool only sells the CMS as a tool here in North America.

Perhaps [member=57769]TylerC[/member] might be able to help out.

Please note that Tyler is not in the office now and is involved in a trade show so if he can help it might not be immediate.

Peter

 

[Svar]

FT should replace it if it's not user's fault (and it's obviously not).

I'v straightened aluminum plates of similar size before. It's trial and error. First, you'd have to bend it at least 10 - 15 mm in the other direction to see any permanent effects. Clamp it such that you can register exactly how much you bend. Then bend, release, inspect, bend a bit more... repeat. And even then it might not end up quite flat, but wavy.

Another option is to screw a couple of aluminum or steel profiles/angles underneath to keep it flat. There's plenty of space, they shouldn't interfere with anything.

 

[prestonvisser]

Thank you, Peter, for the good suggestion.  I called Festool, and the plate is not under warranty.  It appears it was manufactured in July, 2012.

Thank you, Svar, for the feedback and suggestions as well.  I agree that creating brackets for underneath the table and the screwing down through the top may be enough to pull it flat.  I think I may try that out.  If I end up going that route, I'll post an update about how well it did or didn't work. 

Thanks again.