Festool router table insert

[score0matic]

Dear Festool 
All I want for Christmas is....

I saw the thread on  the CMS router module.   Most wood workers here don't need or want another router table. A router table insert for the OF line on the other hand would find great acceptance.

Rational:

1. The router table seems to be a ubiquitous American woodworking tool who's use is not understood or appreciated elsewhere,  Much like the Festool system is viewed here ( this assertion is based on observing many discussions in http://www.routerforums.com) and may explain why Festool Germany has not looked into this area with more clarity.

2.The router CMS is unavailable here, and would find only the most limited acceptance if it were.
   2.1 You can get equal or better performance (in imperial measurements) for less money.
   2.2 unless all the other mod's were available as well, there was lackluster response even on this forum.

3 In an earlier thread i was wondering about the OF2200 would be able to mount with its click-lock base.  The general feel (from those who drink the Koolaid) is that it is too nice of a router to "strap" to a lift, or for table work

4. Router lifts and the big PC together are with in $100 of the OF2200

Having a Festool Base-plate/lift that drops into standard (Incra/Woodpeck & Benchdog) sized holes would open up a whole new choice for American woodworkers when it comes time to purchase their next router.  (they have always had the "choice" but now, if they can use the OF 1400 for both (hand and table work) and for about the same $$$ as another router and lift  this becomes much easier to justify to SWMBO. and little do they realize it is in fact a gateway drug for the Hardstuff  8) (quoting Darcy).

Thanks Craig

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I am officially avoiding spending any money on a router table.

That is because I am saving it up for the CMS.

What could be better?  Perfect for in the shop and perfect for in someone's kitchen or on their floor.

It is true, got to be careful, it is a gateway tool for the hard stuff!!

 

[JeromeM]

Rational:

1. The router table seems to be a ubiquitous American woodworking tool who's use is not understood or appreciated elsewhere,  

Interesting how people rationalise their beliefs  ;D

FWIW the 5 new items I bought to start with in the UK 35 years ago were an Elu MOF 96 Router an Elu Circular saw a Startrit Band saw a large router table / Saw table and a Small bench top router table. At the time I knew no other wood workers so was not influenced by them.

I don't think I was unusual and both of the accessory tables were in stock not special order items. YMMV 

Also FWIW all 5 are still in use today and parts for the Elu items are still available  ??? This would strongly suggest that there is still a demand.

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

If the good folks from Festool remember to bring it I hope to see the CMS/router in action tomorrow. If they do, I'll see if they'll let me take photos of it so you can see it in the flesh - those catalogue pictures never do full justice. I recently had to roundover some longish lengths of MDF. In this case I'd have preferred to run them on the table than run the router on the MDF. The results were very good but the router was just on the right side of not tipping over the edge. I like the portable concept of the CMS and the fact you can change what slots into it. It'll be a while yet before I can afford or justify it but as remarked, it is a gateway to other tools and that cannot be a bad thing, eh?

 

[sw1211]

The results were very good but the router was just on the right side of not tipping over the edge.

Peter, one of these wideners will help keep the router from tipping.  There are cheaper (non-Festool) versions available.

 

[Peter Hamilton-Scott]

The results were very good but the router was just on the right side of not tipping over the edge.

Peter, one of these wideners will help keep the router from tipping.  There are cheaper (non-Festool) versions available.

That would have done the job admirably. Something to keep in mind for next time.

 

[spikfot]

If the good folks from Festool remember to bring it I hope to see the CMS/router in action tomorrow. If they do, I'll see if they'll let me take photos of it so you can see it in the flesh - those catalogue pictures never do full justice. I recently had to roundover some longish lengths of MDF. In this case I'd have preferred to run them on the table than run the router on the MDF. The results were very good but the router was just on the right side of not tipping over the edge. I like the portable concept of the CMS and the fact you can change what slots into it. It'll be a while yet before I can afford or justify it but as remarked, it is a gateway to other tools and that cannot be a bad thing, eh?

Be sure to take pictures of the backside of the CMS, it is arguably more important than the front view, and is what Festool leaves out of the pictures in the catalog. If I had seen the photos of the backside, I would not have bothered my distributor to order one for me.

 

[justinmcf]

hi william, i often wonder why festool only show basic photos of their products.
while i was researching the cms, i would have loved to have seen a 360 view of it.

however, i still went ahead and bought it and i have no regrets with my decision.

could you please elaborate why you would not have purchased the cms based on seeing more views from the back?

regards, justin.

 

[spikfot]

hi william, i often wonder why festool only show basic photos of their products.
while i was researching the cms, i would have loved to have seen a 360 view of it.

however, i still went ahead and bought it and i have no regrets with my decision.

could you please elaborate why you would not have purchased the cms based on seeing more views from the back?

regards, justin.

-------------------
Bare with me here, it has been almost 2 years.  In regards to the "backside" photo question:
What I noticed right away was the thumbscrews that hold the fence down to the table, I was expecting something a little less primitive.
There is 1 good microadjuster,  but not a separate one for the outfeed side?
(like I said it has been a long time, please correct me if I'm wrong on any of this) 

other issues in question:
I always use inset rings close to the dia of the bit to restrict the dust into my router motor and improve DC.
I don't like the idea of the small clips that held the router to the base.
There is apparently very little room in which to offset the fence from the bit, something i often do for rebating.
This all pertains to the CMS plate made for the OF2000, the newer models may very well have improved on this original design that i was not so impressed with.