Combining MFT/3 + CMS + Kapex w/stand into 1 workstation - ideas?

[JGlover]

Hello FOG!

Longtime lurker...have a question on shop setup. I have a rectangular shop off my garage - but 2 of the 4 walls are "in use" and not really able to have power tools against them (doors, util sink, 3 electrical panels, etc). The best place in my shop for anything that may involve longer cuts, say anything > 4ft long, is the dead center.

I have my MFT/3 setup there, and use the TS55 and OF1400 on the table often. I am going to buy both a Kapex and a CMS (which one? part of the question) in the near future.

I know that all 3 "stations" would be best in the center of the shop, given that they all could involve longer cuts at times. But space is not unlimited. I am trying to come up with some setup - for some reason i felt they should all attach, though i have no justification for that - where all 3 stations would support each other (not for stability, but for extra work surface). However it seems that with the CMS-VL i would have a situation where a fence is perpendicular to the MFT fence and/or an attached kapex fence. With a GE, i could avoid the fence issue, but the length of the 3 stations would be problematic.

My current thinking is to have a MFTmini with Kapex attached to the RIGHT of the MFT/3, thinking that the MFT surface would be flush with the kapex cutting surface, acting in place of the extension wing. To the left of the MFT would be the CMS-VL...but would have fence issue.

I may be describing it all poorly, but in general, the question is this - does anyone have a creative setup or an idea for one, where i can put these 3 stations together,  keep all work surfaces level, and avoid fence perpendicularity (wow)?

Add in further the goal - not mandatory - of using just 1 CT.....and, you see why i am looking for ideas.

Note I am a hobbyist who is unlikely to need portability.

 

[peter halle]

First,

Welcome to the FOG!  Interesting first post.  Of what you have described I would go with the CMS GE.  Without the extension table installed (install it only when you need it, it takes seconds to do) the length of the GE is less than 5 inches longer than the VL.  I would also only mount the sliding table parts when needed also.That way you could keep the router fence on and just shift the table forwards and backwards to get the fence out of the way.

In case you haven't seen it, here is link to the comparisons between the two CMS systems:  http://www.festoolcms.com/router-table/models/comparison/

I can't wait to see what others suggest.

Peter

 

[semenza]

    I can confirm that the MFT/3 is the same height  as the Kapex table surface when the Kapex is on the Kapex/MFT. I have used the MFT/3 for a Kapex extension. They are not right next to each other in the picture because I needed to leave space to go in/ out the door. Picture exaggerates  the space , it is only about two feet.

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Seth

 

[sancho57]

kapex on the kapex MFT table and the Mft and CMS are all the same height. Thats the beauty of the system

 

[tjbnwi]

If you get the UG wings they will work on all the units. Some day I'm going to get an extra set of brackets so I can "join" the work surfaces/tables.

Tom

 

[Kodi Crescent]

TB, I think you just sold one of those Kapex carts!

I'd been thinking I could make my own extension wings, especially for $800 or so, but the ability to extend the table outfeeds may sway me to open my wallet.