CMS Router Table vs. Hand Routing With Accessories

[Grasshopper]

I was curious how others use their CMS tables, and when the table makes the job easier than taking the router to the workpiece with accessories.

I have the VL and it seems like every job I have used the CMS for, I could have used the OF1400 along with an accessory to do the same thing, and in some cases without the CMS would be easier.

Am I missing something?

For example, plowing dados 5" in from a piece of 3/4" plywood.  To do this with the CMS, you have to remove the fence, setup your miter gauge as a fence on one side, and plow the dado.  It seems a little unwieldy to move a 24" x 30.5" panel across the table.  Alternatively, setting up the OF1400 and the guide stop on the guide rail seems to be a smooth exercise.  I assume the edge guide would also work in this exercise. 

In the case of a dado set in the workpiece, it seems the router+accessories may actually be simpler than the table.

At least how I approach routing tasks, I find myself trying to find ways to justify using the CMS, but in the back of my mind feel like I'd prefer using the router with accessories.

It is very likely that I am missing something, so I thought I'd see where the CMS shines in your workflows.

 

[monstrol]

Eventually you will need both setups. IMHO you are fortunate to have the CMS already. If I came across a situation where a setup like the CMS was recommended or essential and I didn't have one that would be tough.

 

[nclemmons]

I use the CMS table a lot -

- I feel much safer and less likely to slip up with a table mounted router than with a hand held. 
- Hand held is great for bearing mounted bits that are edge guided.
- For panel raising, cutting dados, rail & stile coping, and most grooves, I like the table better.
-I've also found the table to be usually be better for dust collection.

 

[bkharman]

If you have the VL, check out my threads on adding an Incra fence and Precision Plate, it becomes a game changer! 

So repeatable and very solid. I love my VL setup and can switch things around in minutes.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[sancho57]

All depends. Almost every routing job I've done could of been done freehand. However I look at safety. Though it can be done freehand is it safer using a router table!

Making raised panel doors for example. Brice made a video showing how easy it is using the 2200. He could easily make a raised panel door freehand. But is it the safest method? I'd say no.

I make all of my drawer stock freehand or using a guide rail, can it be done on a router table? Yes But I find it easier and SAFE to do it free hand using a edge guide or guide rail.
So basically , it depends

 

[Grasshopper]

Your setup looks AMAZING!  I can't stand the fence that comes with the CMS…but the Incra looks awesome.

I read through your thread reviewing the Precision Plate, and that was slick!

I have a few questions:

-What does your setup consist of (I could see the Incra LS Positioner 25", and the Precision Plate.  I wasn't sure if it was the "super system" or which you had as I am trying to figure out what I'd need to spend)?

-You mentioned the dust collection was nearly as good as the festool fence.  I had looked at the thread to see if you had a picture of it in action, but I may have missed it.  do you have a photo elsewhere?

-Finally, I have a home-based hobby shop.  I noticed that you don't have the MFT's fence and guide rail on the router setup so I had this question.  I really like the MFT/3, but am not crazy about the MFT's fence.  Does the Incra LS Positioner pull double duty as a good MFT fence for track saw tasks?  and can you keep the provided guide rail intact (just raised up) during routing tasks?  This would help my workflow if I could jump back and forth between cutting with the track saw and routing without having to make a bunch of changes, or taking on and off the MFT/s fence and guide rail.

Does that make sense?

If you have the VL, check out my threads on adding an Incra fence and Precision Plate, it becomes a game changer! 

So repeatable and very solid. I love my VL setup and can switch things around in minutes.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Grasshopper]

Bump-

I'm leaning towards the incra ls super system.

As a router fence, it looks amazing.

I'm concerned that it would be in the way of the mft's guide rail and need to be removed every time I want to use the ts55 (precision plate would make that simpler, but still an extra step).

what do y'all that have the incra ls positioner do when you need the mft for tracksaw duty?

 

[bkharman]

Hey grasshopper.

Sorry for the late reply but Tapatalk didn't let me know there was a quote with my name on it. I am traveling right now (trying to avoid getting stuck in Providence RI) but will write up some bigger details when I get home.

I never use the fence that came with my CMS. I actually should sell it. The quick and repeatable work with the Incra (yes it is a super system) plus the plate make this a very, very good setup.

I will write up more when I am back home.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Grasshopper]

Thank you. I look forward to more details.

I am mostly curious how you use your guide rail and ts55 on the mft (and if you simply remove the incra for those tasks or if it integrates somehow as well).

(As a router fence, the incra looks like a no-brainer. I'm wondering if it also applies in some way to the track saw uses on the mft).

Hey grasshopper.

Sorry for the late reply but Tapatalk didn't let me know there was a quote with my name on it. I am traveling right now (trying to avoid getting stuck in Providence RI) but will write up some bigger details when I get home.

I never use the fence that came with my CMS. I actually should sell it. The quick and repeatable work with the Incra (yes it is a super system) plus the plate make this a very, very good setup.

I will write up more when I am back home.

Cheers. Bryan.