CMS Router Table vs Incra table combo? I can't friggin' decide.

[grbmds]

Here are some pictures of my Incra. It is really just the #3 package with the CleanSweep dust collection box. I plan to add a cabinet with drawers for my router accessories and bits next to the CleanSweep under the table. Hope I did the attachments right. [attachthumb=1][attachthumb=2][attachthumb=3][attachthumb=4]

 

[SittingElf]

What erock said! [big grin]

I am an Incraholic. Their products are as good as Festools and the precision is unbelievable.

Here's an old picture of my tablesaw dressed out using the router table extension from Incra.  I'm upgrading my SawStop later this year and this time I'll be going with a dedicated Incra Router table (#3 with CleanSweep), and using the Incra fence system on both.

[attachimg=1]

Cheers,
Frank

 

[Toolinator]

Your responses have been extremely helpful. Thank you! I'm leaning toward Incra, especially since I found someone local selling their Combo #3 setup.

Now, what about dust collection? I plan to use it for this router table, a SawStop table saw I hope to buy later this year, and likely a planer and bandsaw down the road. Again, knowing I have a small single car space, what do you think the best option is?

Woodcraft folks recommended this General International dust collector: http://www.popularwoodworking.com/woodworking-blogs/editors-blog/general-internationals-new-dust-collector

Any thoughts on a ceiling mounted version?

 

[weekendwarrior]

[member=21412]bkharman[/member], do you keep your VL attached to the MFT or store it separately?  I'm wondering what storage techniques there are for the VL, e.g. what to do with slider.

 

[grbmds]

Why did Woodcraft recommend the General? What characteristics? I've had an Oneida with a cyclone for almost 20 years. Problem is now that I cannot buy a HEPA filter for it but it still does a great job. One thing I think is important these days is whether it's filter is HEPA or not; just less dust escaping. Then, you just need to be sure it's CFM's are sufficient for what you want it to do. As long as you would only be using it on one machine at a time, the General appears to be OK although it could be a little beefier for planers and jointers, depending on what you use for these tools.

As for ceiling mounted air cleaners, those are really only a supplement to any other at-tool collection. I would not work without the air cleaner as there is always sawdust that escapes regardless of how good the collection is at the tool (even Festool vacs). The cleaner should be sized to the volume of air in your shop to replace it with recirculated air about 7 - 9 times and hour (at least that's the guideline I used to size mine).

I guess I'm saying I would recommend both types - at-tool collection and ceiling mounted. That gives you protection by removing the largest part of the dust and chips at the source and keeps the air clear of the finer dust (not completely of course, but almost).

Then, to be sure I protect myself as much as possible I also use a dust mask, especially when I'm using tools which throw a lot of dust off (which is most power tools, but especially table saws, routers, and sanders). Festool collection on their tools minimizes this dust in the air but it's still there.

 

[bkharman]

[member=21412]bkharman[/member], do you keep your VL attached to the MFT or store it separately?  I'm wondering what storage techniques there are for the VL, e.g. what to do with slider.

I keep mine attached to the MFT almost all of the time. I made a little v groove in a piece of wood to attach to a wall or another work surface in case I wanted to take the MFT with me (without the VL). I still have plans to put both the MFT and VL on top of a cabinet, but haven't built it yet.

The slider I just put on top of my wood rack or on a shelf. You can take the table off of the slider in a few seconds with a flat head if you need to break it down more.

I am in the middle of making a cabinet to hold some of my CMS components and will post it up when I am done.

Again, I am a bit of a super fan of my setup... I know it isn't for everyone and it isn't a cheap solution but I love how flexible and seamless it is.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Toolinator]

After much consternation, I went with the CMS.

My rationale was that the my garage is dinky and the storability will likely come in handy, I already have the 1400 and every other Festool tool, and the Incra I looked at was fairly crusty due to being stored outdoors. I went with the combo setup with solo table.

this weekend I will set it up.

 

[Rock]

Keep us posted on how you like it. I'm leaning the same way as you for most of the same reasons as you. Congrats on your purchase.

 

[donwon]

I have to say lots of great discussion here and all good points to consider.

One question I do have is for the Incra table, can you use a festool router or are you purchasing the motor to go with it?  The of1400 has some nice features such as the ratcheting collet that would be missed.

Thanks!

 

[sancho57]

I posted this on another thread but feel it fits here .  I also added a few things more here for this post.

Here's how I look at it.ive said this before because it's what I believe.

Festool is a system. As a systems the tools are designed to work in the system. The tables including the CMS and Kapex when used with a Festool table, stand etc are all set at 900mm. So you can cut long pieces with you Kapex, TS on a MFT etc and cut and slide down the table setting up a ingenious work flow. I set up stations., cutting, , routing sanding etc.nthe CMS is designed to be used with Festool routers and the festools system.
I'm sure the Incra is a nice set up. But is it set up for Festool? Is the height set at 900mm? Can you route something and slide right onto your work table where the next step in the operation is waiting?

Is the CMS portable? Yes. Why is that important to me? Because if I'm working around my own home say fitting a bath vanity and have a " Oh Smack I forgot to make one of xxx.  I can just walk out the nearest door, do what I have to do and walk back in.

I won't have to go all the way to the shop to get sorted. A lot of times I'm helping freinds do things on their home, so I can set up at their house do what I have to do and take my toys home.

Now as far as cost, when you add in the cost of the table, fence, router lift the basic CMS is not that much more. Especially when it has a the best sliding table I've used or seen for a router table that can be set up by a couple of knobs and removed by a couple of knobs... Yes it's extra $$$$ but let's go back to the system, you can get it when Ya want.

Anyway that's my opinion. We're all different, if we were all the same we'd all be driving Chevys right.

 

[Stone Message]

As background, I'm a hobbyist. Apprentice at best. I'm searching for a versatile router table solution for a relatively small shop (single car garage). What will I use it for? Everything. Hopefully some joinery, profiling edges, pattern cutting.

I can't decide between the Incra table combo #3 vs CMS router table. Both seem to have equal pros and cons. I need help tipping the scale one way or another. I don't need portability, I like the idea of building a router table cabinet for more storage and stability. CMS seems to have better dust collection, but the fence seems more of a pain to set up and align.

Any helpful thoughts one way or the other? Am I crazy for thinking CMS isn't the miracle table?

As your space is limited and you already have the OF1400 the answer is simple - CMS-OF. You can pack it away when not needed, take the router out in less than 2 minutes for freehand work and, eventually, get more CMS units as/when they become available.

Peter

 

[vkumar]

I have the incra after considering the CMS.  The CMS is a portable router table.
The incra positioner is a router table with built in jigs for box/dovetail and all kinds of other joints. So theres no need to buy an extra jig for doing those things.  I added some blocks and T bolts to make it attach to my mft.

In your setup is the MFT dedicated to the incra?  In other words do you have access to the MFT functions?  How easy is it to dismantle the incra to free up the MFT and then go back to the incra setup?