Festool CMS-GE Router Table (203158)

[salbrechtnh]

I own the CMS-GE router table and would like to find out how other users might keep sawdust from clogging up the on/off switch in the router. I have to use an air compressor to clean out the router every time I use the router table just to keep the router from stopping midway. I have used tie wraps, velcro wraps, small clamps and every other idea to keep the on/off switch in the router from disengaging midway. It is EXTREMELY frustrating.

 

[DeejayK]

I use above and below dust extraction using the two into one grey Festool hose and have zero issues with dust. You don't state which router you are using but it may be that the router switch lock pin is worn but should be easily replaced if you have a look on the Ekat system for a part number and price. It might be worth trying the router 'freehand' with the trigger also locked on and see if it disengages, maybe through vibration

 

[salbrechtnh]

Thank-you for that information DeejayK. I am using a Festool OF 1400 EQ. I have used the 1400 freehand just to test it out as you suggested. It works fine. I love my Festool router table. I wish they had decided to keep the product available in the U.S. I am going to try reconnecting the two port vac arrangement and see if the condition improves. Thank-you again.

 

[Imemiter]

Yes, definitely on the dust collection, but I wonder if you're aren't also falling afoul of Festool's change to the kill-switch in routers made after 2021. Newer routers are designed to switch-off and stay-off in the event of a power outage, making it necessary to reach under the table and relock the on switch any time the CMS's switch has been used to turn the router off. Such joy was mine until I found an older 2200. 

I also really love my CMS-GE. Someone's trying to sell the table saw (w/ a TS75) version not far from me. Someone needs to talk me out of buying it!

 

[salbrechtnh]

Thank-you Imeniter for that information. I will be aware of that condition now and hopefully get this problem sorted out. I found an excellent video on setting up the router table on the Festool Channel.
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It looks like a Festool production and Sedge doing the action part. They never show his face but, it looks like him otherwise.

Sorry can't help on the additional Festool purchase as I suffer from MFTPS. (Multiple Festool Tool Purchase Syndrome) Unfortunately, once contracted there is no known cure; you just have to learn to live with it.  [sad]

 

[salbrechtnh]

After watching the Festool setup video mentioned below, I disassembled my router table completely along with all of the accessories. I cleaned everything completely. I then reassembled the table, router, and all accessories exactly as the video described. I found a few things that I didn't know about in terms of how they worked; including the under table dust collection attachment. (Thank-you DeeJayK.) The table is now operating at an exceptional level and my shop is much cleaner. I still can't understand why Festool abandoned this product in the U.S. & U.K.? 

 

[peter halle]

After watching the Festool setup video mentioned below, I disassembled my router table completely along with all of the accessories. I cleaned everything completely. I then reassembled the table, router, and all accessories exactly as the video described. I found a few things that I didn't know about in terms of how they worked; including the under table dust collection attachment. (Thank-you DeeJayK.) The table is now operating at an exceptional level and my shop is much cleaner. I still can't understand why Festool abandoned this product in the U.S. & U.K.?

One reason is that the UK passed laws that require a tool like a router in this case that has the trigger/switch locked on to not turn back on automatically if there is an interruption of power.  This was done for safety reasons.  So, even if the tool was operated by the power switch, the power switch would cause the interruption at the tool and would then require a user to have to stoop under and turn off the router switch and then turn back on and lock before then using the CMS power switch again.

Besides that, who knows how popular the CMS was - especially in North America - where Festool did not support the other tool modules and not even all the routers supported in the rest of the world.  Then there is the individual's perception of worth whereas it is pricey and in that price range there are all sorts of options.

I love mine, its portability, ability to be folded up for storage or transport, and also the relative ease of switching out my 1400 in a matter of minutes.

Peter

 

[PaulMarcel]

Besides that, who knows how popular the CMS was - especially in North America - where Festool did not support the other tool modules and not even all the routers supported in the rest of the world.  Then there is the individual's perception of worth whereas it is pricey and in that price range there are all sorts of options.

I loved the idea of the CMS, but the lack of other modules is annoying. Whenever I've seen a TS-75 module show up, it's $500, which I can't justify for the very few times I'd use a site tablesaw. As for the jigsaw module, I'd never do enough scrolling to merit that plate.

I know the OF-2200 isn't officially supported in it in North America. Don't recall the reason. I got mine from someone who got one from the first units in NA so it had all the OF-2200 connections.

It seems like its release in NA was really really hampered.

Part of my interest in it was to make other modules myself. This was long before Shaper Origin, but with Origin, making the hole pattern and accurate cutout is a breeze.

 

[bertv]

One reason is that the UK passed laws that require a tool like a router in this case that has the trigger/switch locked on to not turn back on automatically if there is an interruption of power.  This was done for safety reasons.  So, even if the tool was operated by the power switch, the power switch would cause the interruption at the tool and would then require a user to have to stoop under and turn off the router switch and then turn back on and lock before then using the CMS power switch again.

As a matter of fact this rule was a EU one which at the time the UK had to follow. (If I am not mistaken the UK still follows EU rules on standards etc. b/c not doing so would seriously harm their industry's capability to export to the EU. - Sometimes common sense prevails, even after Brexit.)

 

[Sparktrician]

Besides that, who knows how popular the CMS was - especially in North America - where Festool did not support the other tool modules and not even all the routers supported in the rest of the world.  Then there is the individual's perception of worth whereas it is pricey and in that price range there are all sorts of options.

I loved the idea of the CMS, but the lack of other modules is annoying. Whenever I've seen a TS-75 module show up, it's $500, which I can't justify for the very few times I'd use a site tablesaw. As for the jigsaw module, I'd never do enough scrolling to merit that plate.

I know the OF-2200 isn't officially supported in it in North America. Don't recall the reason. I got mine from someone who got one from the first units in NA so it had all the OF-2200 connections.

It seems like its release in NA was really really hampered.

Part of my interest in it was to make other modules myself. This was long before Shaper Origin, but with Origin, making the hole pattern and accurate cutout is a breeze.

As I recall, the reason that the OF 2200 was not supported in North America was that the power switch in the CMS was rated to only 13.5 amps and the OF 2200 can draw up to 20 amps at 110 volts.  I have my OF 2200 in my CMS, but using a switch rated to 20 amps that is mounted above the CMS, not hidden somewhere below the deck. 

 

[salbrechtnh]

Hello Sparktrician,

Can you tell me more about the modified mount that you have on the CMS, or maybe a picture?

When reassembling my CMS I added an extension table to the feed side of the CMS. In "making it fit", I had to slide the power switch mounting plate under the table to the left, (facing the table), about 1". Since the mounting plate is in a groove it was an easy adjustment.

Even though the switch is still reachable, it is not as convenient as being on the right side table edge. I am not changing back because I like the feed side extension. The idea of a top mounted switch sounds preferable.

 

[DeejayK]

After watching the Festool setup video mentioned below, I disassembled my router table completely along with all of the accessories. I cleaned everything completely. I then reassembled the table, router, and all accessories exactly as the video described. I found a few things that I didn't know about in terms of how they worked; including the under table dust collection attachment. (Thank-you DeeJayK.) The table is now operating at an exceptional level and my shop is much cleaner. I still can't understand why Festool abandoned this product in the U.S. & U.K.?

So, most importantly, has it cured the issue?

 

[Sparktrician]

Hello Sparktrician,

Can you tell me more about the modified mount that you have on the CMS, or maybe a picture?

When reassembling my CMS I added an extension table to the feed side of the CMS. In "making it fit", I had to slide the power switch mounting plate under the table to the left, (facing the table), about 1". Since the mounting plate is in a groove it was an easy adjustment.

Even though the switch is still reachable, it is not as convenient as being on the right side table edge. I am not changing back because I like the feed side extension. The idea of a top mounted switch sounds preferable.

Check out this post.

 

[salbrechtnh]

Perfect, thank-you.

 

[Sparktrician]

Perfect, thank-you.

I have more photos, if you're interested, as well as data on the switch I chose as well as the reasoning.  PM me your email address and I'll get them to you. 

 

[Cheese]

Even though the switch is still reachable, it is not as convenient as being on the right side table edge. I am not changing back because I like the feed side extension. The idea of a top mounted switch sounds preferable.

I assume your installation looks similar to this?

[attachimg=1]

Also, I'm using the 2200 router with the standard Festool switch. In a very lengthy thread, very long ago, Rick Christopherson was of the opinion that the standard Festool CMS-GE switch was perfectly adequate for 2200 use in the US. Rick is the person responsible for producing all of the Festool Supplemental Manuals and has a close relationship with Festool USA.

 

[HighlandMarine]

Even though the switch is still reachable, it is not as convenient as being on the right side table edge. I am not changing back because I like the feed side extension. The idea of a top mounted switch sounds preferable.

I assume your installation looks similar to this?

[attachimg=1]

Also, I'm using the 2200 router with the standard Festool switch. In a very lengthy thread, very long ago, Rick Christopherson was of the opinion that the standard Festool CMS-GE switch was perfectly adequate for 2200 use in the US. Rick is the person responsible for producing all of the Festool Supplemental Manuals and has a close relationship with Festool USA.

The switch is going to have 1.5mm conductors as we’re not switching an RTS/ETS motor here, that said, with even derating slightly for the conductors bundled between the plugs and the blocks it’s still above 20 amp rating, the safety factor gets close by the numbers, and why I think they pulled it for NA, but it will run safely assuming it’s not daisy chained to 17 6 foot brown electrical cords from grandmas house.

 

[PaulMarcel]

...but it will run safely assuming it’s not daisy chained to 17 6 foot brown electrical cords from grandmas house.

I had a flashback of one of those 6' brown cords likely from grandma's that had one side widened by Exacto knife so the polarized plugs would fit  [eek]

 

[Sparktrician]

...but it will run safely assuming it’s not daisy chained to 17 6 foot brown electrical cords from grandmas house.

I had a flashback of one of those 6' brown cords likely from grandma's that had one side widened by Exacto knife so the polarized plugs would fit  [eek]

[scared] [scared] [scared] [scared] [scared]

 

[salbrechtnh]

Even though the switch is still reachable, it is not as convenient as being on the right side table edge. I am not changing back because I like the feed side extension. The idea of a top mounted switch sounds preferable.

I assume your installation looks similar to this?

[attachimg=1]

Also, I'm using the 2200 router with the standard Festool switch. In a very lengthy thread, very long ago, Rick Christopherson was of the opinion that the standard Festool CMS-GE switch was perfectly adequate for 2200 use in the US. Rick is the person responsible for producing all of the Festool Supplemental Manuals and has a close relationship with Festool USA.

Yes, that is exactly what my installation looks like.