Festool CMS Router Setup

[Just F Me]

Hi ya'll  [big grin]

Anyone here own the Festool CMS router setup?  I'm thinking about buying one before the end of the year as I need to spend some money to get rid of the profit in my business  [big grin]  or else the stupid government of CA uses my money for stupid crap.

How do you guys like it?  What do you not like?  I've watched the various youtube videos and it looks like a nice setup.  I have a OF1400 router.  I'm just wondering if I should get the one that attaches to the MFT/3 or not...hmm?

 

[peter halle]

I really like my CMS GE setup, although I admit to not using it as much I would like - especially right now.  I am a proponent of having the four legged version versus the VL especially if you have a small shop and ease of movement is a consideration.  You might be doing one thing on the MFT and then need a quick route on another piece.  To possible have to undo a setup on the MFT to do the route would be disruptive.  Just my thought.

Peter

 

[Kev]

I've got GE and VL setups .. the VL setup will let you adopt an Incra fence down the track for increased repetitive precision tasks.

It's pretty good, but you could get a little frustrated with the fence depending on your intended application (hence the VL Incra option).

 

[Slartibartfass]

I guess if space and money is no issue having both would be ideal.

In a more stationary environment go for the CMS-VL with the MFt/3. Gotta love the LS Positioner....

If you need mobility the CMS-GE is the way to go.

I have the CMS-VL setup and eventually will get the CMS-GE if I can find some room to be used for other CMS modules.

 

[Stone Message]

I agree with Peter and would recommend having a separate set of CMS legs for the CMS-OF. The extra advantage then is that you can position the CMS-OF unit in relation to your MFT3 if you need outfeed support. Also, I now have my CMS-OF available to provide extra support when I am using my Kapex. It is all about flexibility.

Peter

 

[tjbnwi]

Fence adjustment is the worst part of the CMS. Many here have posted solutions to the problem.

Even with the fence issues, the CMS is a really nice router table.

Tom

 

[Just F Me]

I know one thing for sure is that the Domino 500 will be purchased this year so I can write off another $1000 bucks.  Maybe even a Kapex and another MFT/3 for fun. 

I agree with many of you, I think I would get the free standing CMS is the better buy.

 

[Just F Me]

Fence adjustment is the worst part of the CMS. Many here have posted solutions to the problem.

Even with the fence issues, the CMS is a really nice router table.

Tom

what kind of issues does the fence have?

 

[tjbnwi]

Repeatability and it is time consuming to remove one of the hold down bolts, then loosen the other when swapping bits.

Other than those two things the fence is excellent.

Tom

 

[Woodwork Wizard]

The CMS router table is a completely brilliant table, what makes it so good is having the OF2200 installed as the dust extraction is excellent compared to when the OF1400 is installed.

Having a good look at the CMS such as how the height adjuster works I think the CMS router table was designed more to have the OF2200 in it rather than the 1400 or the 1010. What's more I have never had a problem with the switch overheating and I've done stacks of routing with the 2200 in the CMS and it always works splendidly. OF2200 plugged in to table switchgear, table to extractor, never had a problem. I love this set up. 

 

[Stone Message]

The CMS router table is a completely brilliant table, what makes it so good is having the OF2200 installed as the dust extraction is excellent compared to when the OF1400 is installed.

Having a good look at the CMS such as how the height adjuster works I think the CMS router table was designed more to have the OF2200 in it rather than the 1400 or the 1010. What's more I have never had a problem with the switch overheating and I've done stacks of routing with the 2200 in the CMS and it always works splendidly. OF2200 plugged in to table switchgear, table to extractor, never had a problem. I love this set up.

I absolutely agree - with the OF2200 the CMS is a winner. The fence is a little awkward because, as mentioned elsewhere above, you need to keep unscrewing the fence fixing screws but eventually you get used to that.

Peter

 

[Kev]

Repeatability and it is time consuming to remove one of the hold down bolts, then loosen the other when swapping bits.

Other than those two things the fence is excellent.

Tom

A big YEP yo that! ... but quality can't be faulted.

 

[wow]

Can anyone tell me the dimensions on the CMS insert, or point me to a link where I can find it for myself?

I am CONSIDERING the CMS as a future purchase. I know Festool offers several additional modules beside the router module. I also know that many of them are - SURPRISE! - NAINA, but one of the things I'd want to do is be able to install a custom insert on occasion for a specialized situation.

For instance, I might wish to install a portable band saw module, which Festool doesn't offer. I am capable of creating an appropriate insert to do so, but I need dimensions of the insert opening to determine if it would even be possible?

TIA for any information or links.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Wow

It appears to be 578 x 320 mm but I have not checked mine.

Here is the link where the info came from:

https://www.festool.co.uk/Products/Accessories/Pages/Detail.aspx?pid=570251&name=Module-support-router-CMS-OF

Peter

 

[wow]

Peter:

Thank you for that!

Any chance you or someone can get me a thickness dimension, i.e. what thickness plate would be needed?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sancho57]

The CMS is  very good router table . To me the plus's are, the way it integrates with the festool system. Its the same height as the MFT so you can use it as a out feed table for example., Dust collect is awesome compared to other router tables I have owned/ used. The way it also integrates with the rest of the CMS modules is a major plus.

The only draw back I find that is significant is the fences inability to accommodate huge router bits, such as large raised panel bits, there is a size limitation.
I tried adding a sacrificial fence on it yesterday and it flexed in the middle between the 2 sides. What I think will work is to make a fence out of wood, MDF, Plywood etc that can mount to the table and the bit can cut into and you dont have to worry about damaging it like you would your aluminum fence.

Both types have their advantages and disadvantaged. If I had a small shop I would consider the one that mounts to the MFT. However (someone correct me if Im wrong) the sliding table wont work on that one. The sliding table is a big plus if you ask me.
But it easy to move if mobility is necessary such as putting it in a van for site work.

The stand alone you can move where you want in your shop, you can use the accessories with it such as the sliding table out feed table etc.

Using the 2200 is a major plus . But since you cant use it in NA in the CMS, I cant tell you that Ive never hdd a issue with the switch,and I would get the 1/4 " collet for it.

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Ron,

I feel that in a small workshop you are better off with the stand alone CMS as it can be tucked in a corner when not in use, collapsed down if need be or even hung on a wall. As someone, perhaps in this thread, said - having the CMS-VL on your MFT3 makes it bigger, more awkward and difficult to change from one task to another.

Will I see you at D&M on Sat 11th?

Peter

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I'm curious. For all those people saying that you have to remove thumbscrews to change router bits, or that the fence is too narrow.....have you not loosened the Fence Limit Screws?

I've never had to remove the fence to change bits, and I've used the largest panel raiser that can fit in the table where it almost touched the green ring for the OF2200.

[attachimg=1]

 

[Stone Message]

Rick is spot on - I kick myself for not realising the same thing as I had to adjust mine when I did the panel raising demo.

Peter

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Rick is spot on - I kick myself for not realising the same thing as I had to adjust mine when I did the panel raising demo.

Peter

Oh don't kick yourself Peter. After all, real men don't need to read no stinkin' manual.  [tongue] [tongue] [big grin]

Teehehehe.  [big grin] Page 22 of the CMS Supplemental Manual.