CMS-VL users? (The router table set that connects to MFT/3)

[Grasshopper]

Any CMS-VL users out here on the FOG who love their table?

I've tried to search and found mostly negative opinions on the VL version due to portability.

As a home user, the VL appeals to me as it seems much more solid when connected to the MFT/3. Also for a shop footprint extending the MFT/3 a little vs. adding a 2nd table with a freestanding CMS seems like a space saver in my garage setup.

Either way, the VL set is ordered and en route, so I suppose I made my decision.

I am just surprised how little information there is online with others using the VL (the one video I found on YouTube seems to show how heavy it is connected to the MFT/3, in a negative way. I'd guess if you didn't need portability this would be a plus).

I've tried hard to find posts where other people show how they use their VL with limited success (excepting seeing a couple users here who significantly modified theirs which is way out of my league).

Are their any VL folks here on the fog who are loving their VL's and would care to show their setups?

 

[adugas]

HI I made this base for my unit this summer, still need some details and extra drawer slider, but i was able to use all the available wall space directly behind it to store all accessory's when not in use. This unit now store all my systanors and have open my garage up more so can actually work in it.

Cheers

 

[RC]

I'm very happy with my MFT-VL + Incra LS25 SuperFence set. Pics -> http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/mft-upgrade!-incra-ls-positioner-incremental-system-vs-table-saw-fence-on-mft3/msg329413/#msg329413

 

[Grasshopper]

Thanks for sharing.  Both setups look great!

Does having the CMS connected on the right make it hard when cross-cutting sheet goods with the TS55?  I was thinking about trying the left side of the MFT/3, but wasn't sure (i've only ever seen the VL on the right side). 

 

[Kev]

Nothing wrong with the VL base ... just a matter of preference.

 

[illumicon1]

I have mine on the right of my MFT/3. I just started using the CMS. I've gotten the sliding table level with the table but due to so many different pieces that make up the top including the module I don't know if I'll ever get a completely flat surface. That's the only thing I find annoying about the unit. Others have posted they upgraded the fence but I haven't gone that far yet.

Scott G.

 

[adugas]

I have all the attachments for my CMS-VL and I run into the same problem of having to move everything around when needing the MFT table for sheet goods. It became frustrating so found some old hangers and made a simple shelf to to hold everything out of the way but still easily accessible when needed.

Cheers

 

[Slartibartfass]

Just have 2 connected at the short side. That shoud create enough space without interference. Done that myself.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Grasshopper]

Looks great. Thanks for sharing.

I have all the attachments for my CMS-VL and I run into the same problem of having to move everything around when needing the MFT table for sheet goods. It became frustrating so found some old hangers and made a simple shelf to to hold everything out of the way but still easily accessible when needed.

Cheers

 

[Sparktrician]

One thing to remember about the CMS-VL is that you can't use the extension tables for infeed and outfeed functions as you can if you use the CMS-GE. 

 

[Grasshopper]

Thanks again for the replies.

Why do y'all suppose there aren't really any videos, reviews, or other info online regarding the VL?

I'd love to see more with this in action.  From what I can tell it is as good as the freestanding option (except for portability and possibly expansion for out feed etc.).  But as far as function, it ought to be identical.

If so, why is the "net" so silent on this option?

Most of my Festool education is from watching how others use their gear, and trying to "model best practices" (nice way of saying copy  )

 

[adugas]

Thanks again for the replies.

Why do y'all suppose there aren't really any videos, reviews, or other info online regarding the VL?

I'd love to see more with this in action.  From what I can tell it is as good as the freestanding option (except for portability and possibly expansion for out feed etc.).  But as far as function, it ought to be identical.

If so, why is the "net" so silent on this option?

Most of my Festool education is from watching how others use their gear, and trying to "model best practices" (nice way of saying copy  )

I agree, im in the same boat as you, learn as you go I guess  [tongue]

 

[Grasshopper]

By the way, I read your signature (about your greatest fear when you die is your wife selling your tools for what you said you paid for them) to my wife and she laughed pretty hard!  [smile]

Thanks again for the replies.

Why do y'all suppose there aren't really any videos, reviews, or other info online regarding the VL?

I'd love to see more with this in action.  From what I can tell it is as good as the freestanding option (except for portability and possibly expansion for out feed etc.).  But as far as function, it ought to be identical.

If so, why is the "net" so silent on this option?

Most of my Festool education is from watching how others use their gear, and trying to "model best practices" (nice way of saying copy  )

I agree, im in the same boat as you, learn as you go I guess  [tongue]

 

[adugas]

I finally made some simple solution for storing while not in use,  it works for me  [tongue]
Cheers

 

[jeh]

I am after one of these for the larger table size and additional stability. I am thinking I could fabricate another set of legs to mount it to the wall or make it portable though the plan is to keep it on my MFT that I use for assembly and clamping for routing.

I have a custom MFT that I cut on and a full size tablesaw so it won't get in the way.

Another way I am looking at it is from the perspective that every other router table I have looked at cost almost as much, I'd have to use a non-Festool router, and they are not portable.

I do wish there were videos of it in use. The dealers around me only have only have the GE.

 

[jeh]

One issue I have with the GE is the extension. The ones I have looked at are never level. When you combine that with having to level the sliding table I can see slit of time wasted. With the VL and maybe the GE you can use the UG's for in and out feed. Don't know if they are more finicky to level or not.

 

[Grasshopper]

I got my VL yesterday.  Wow this thing came packed very well!  It is like Christmas over here.

 

[jeh]

Once it is setup and you have given it a try give us some feedback. I'd like to know if you are happy with going with the VL over the GE and if it is easy to get it leveled up with your MFT.

 

[Frank-Jan]

One issue I have with the GE is the extension. The ones I have looked at are never level. When you combine that with having to level the sliding table I can see slit of time wasted. With the VL and maybe the GE you can use the UG's for in and out feed. Don't know if they are more finicky to level or not.

I don't have a CMS of any kind, but I do have a cs70, and the extensions look like they mount in the same way. If they're not level it's because nobody bothered to install them properly when first mounted.
You only need to adjust them once, when mounting the brackets, after that they will remain properly alligned  when you reinstall them.

 

[Iceclimber]

Only got it set up and passed one board through it so i cant say how much i do or do not like it. I will say i am not thrilled with the fence. It seems to me Festool could have easily made something waaaaaay more accurate much like the Incra i have yet to even get out the box so not to worry for me but holy Christ what a expensive router table considering!

Don't get me wrong I'm stoked and i would not even think of parting with it. On the other hand i am disappointed the same kind of detail given to other Festools was no given to the fence system of the CMS. Take the price into consideration and even more so.

On the other hand i think setup was pretty easy. Even more so your second time around.  Actually i think its a piece of cake and exactly the kinda attention given to design and function i would expect from Festool. Even on my uneven basement floors ingot the two tables and touter table dead nuts level through the whole system.  Did need to use a couple shims and one or two pieces of 1/2 plywood but its perfect.