Does anyone run 2 CMS-VL attached to their MFT3?

[DirtyOldMan]

Just had the idea of getting another CMS VL and for the other side of the MFT3. Unbolting to switch and moving it to the other side shouldn't be a problem.

I find myself getting annoyed by constantly having to swap out CMS modules. Its fine on the job site but room isn't that critical in my garage workshop.

What are peoples thoughts on this idea? Would the extra room on both sides of the MFT3 be useful, or would I be better off getting a CMS-GE to give myself a bit more room to move around?

 

[Kev]

I chose to get a separate for the second. I figured it gives me more flexibility.

I also purchased a lovely base for the Incra fence that drops into the MFT holes, but I've been a bit lazy sorting that out.

I did ponder two on one for a bit [wink]

I still need to swap for the 3rd module ... I've also considered the sanding module's merits against a dedicated sander and coming out of it undecided [unsure]

 

[DirtyOldMan]

I always have been fond of 2 on 1  [tongue]

There is something about the symmetry of 2 VL's hanging off an MFT3 that really appeals to my OCD self.

I have thought long and hard about the belt sander module but just don't see myself using it and a cheaper dedicated sander would be adequate for my needs. Still have the jigsaw CMS to swap out but I won't use it that often and when I do it would be TS55R that gets swapped out not the OF2200 in the module which is quite heavy an awkward.

Do tell about the Incra fence I am intrigued.

 

[rst]

I'm in process of ordering one to attach to my self made router table (30 X 49 with Incra LS super system....obviously not mobile) or MFT depending on circumstance.

 

[Kev]

I always have been fond of 2 on 1  [tongue]

There is something about the symmetry of 2 VL's hanging off an MFT3 that really appeals to my OCD self.

I have thought long and hard about the belt sander module but just don't see myself using it and a cheaper dedicated sander would be adequate for my needs. Still have the jigsaw CMS to swap out but I won't use it that often and when I do it would be TS55R that gets swapped out not the OF2200 in the module which is quite heavy an awkward.

Do tell about the Incra fence I am intrigued.

Read all about it! http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/it's-finally-here-the-precision-plate-for-incra-positioners!!/

Yeh - OCD seems to drive a lot of my choices too [embarassed]

 

[Kev]

Just as a bit more FYI ... when I was thinking 2 on 1 I was also looking to grab the plate for this as a spare part ... http://www.festool.com.au/epages/tooltechnic.sf/?ObjectPath=/Shops/tooltechnic/Products/495531

(Stupid that you can't get a powered VL with this plate as an option)

Ironically the plate as a spare part is probably as expensive as a CMS PS plate! ... I haven't asked though. I also thought on a nice little MFT format insert for the VL with holes sympathetic to the MFT/3 for alignment (yeh, another think and not do!)

Anyway, this thinking was all in line with the idea of being able to quickly switch an MFT/3 with two VL's attached into a single large flat surface (hence the quickly removable Incra fence).

You can see where this all goes, at some point two MFT/3's joined and an Hammer Saw+Spindle make so much more sense! Even when I was on the edge of that I found out that switching from the spindle moulder head to the 1/2" collet router head on the Hammer is a factory switch over [crying] [mad] ... that stopped me dead (having invested in ~100 1/2" router bits).

The story continues ... so I currently have MFT/3 + VL, CMS GE, saw, router and jigsaw modules and an Incra plate (still haven't made my mind up which Incra to get, but it'll probably be the 25).

 

[GarryMartin]

The blank plate in the CMS Extension Table is not the same size as the CMS plates for the router, saw, jigsaw, etc.

 

[Kev]

Another related thread where Garry Martin spotted the blank insert on the UK ekat site:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-wish-list/cms-suggestions-(some-new-ones-i-hope)/

Hi Garry,

I was just posting this as you chipped in ... so this plate isn't the same as a CMS tool module?

 

[GarryMartin]

so this plate isn't the same as a CMS tool module?

Hi Kev,

Unfortunately it isn't as Lasse noted further down the thread you linked to. I have both now and can confirm that the plates are the same width but the CMS modules are about 10mm longer than the blank plate in the CMS Extension Table.

Thanks for linking to the thread though - I've updated that post with the correct information.

 

[Kev]

That's so strange ... Hans and Dieter couldn't have been talking to each other that day! [eek]