Kapex or accessories for CMS

[cliffp]

I have a TS55R, MFT/3 and CMS with TS55R insert and am wondering whether to buy some accessories for the CMS such as extension tables (side and or outfeed), sliding table and LA stopper (rip fence) or whether to buy a Kapex. I mostly make furniture as opposed to house refurbishments, decking etc. Any advice gratefully received!

 

[Tinker]

I have an ATF 55 and 1 each of MFT older tables and an MFT/3.  Also a CMS.
I have a Hitachi SCMS that I seldom use.  I can, with a little care, do anything with my ATF 55/MFT/3 combo that i can do with the SCMS.

I have all of the items you have mentioned for the CMS and they make all the difference between being just another table to being a great table for my small shop.  I don't have the TS insert for the CMS, but have seen how well it works with just a TS 55 mounted.  I don't think you would go wrong in building on your CMS before going for a Kapex.  If you do a lot of furniture, maybe the Kapex would be a better buy for you.  If just weekend warrior, then i stick with the CMS first. 

Tinker

 

[Kev]

From a furniture perspective you are likely to want to rip timber down to very specific sizes and that's not the domain of the KAPEX. Based on what you're saying I'd focus on the CMS. All that said, I'd be lost without my KAPEX.

 

[cliffp]

Thanks for the replies Tinker and Kev.

I had been moving towards buying accessories for the CMS but saw the good deal on the Kapex that Powertool supplies are offering and have noticed that the Kapex is one of those tools that most people rave about. This led me to think of buying the Kapex now and seeing what my future needs are after I have got used to the new setup. I was hoping to read some recommendations for the accessorized CMS setup and Tinker has helpfully provided that. At the moment I am therefore leaning towards an enhanced CMS.

 

[Peter Fish]

Hi Cliff
I have a couple of new and unused still in the boxes extension tables for the CMS if you are interested let me know
Cheers Peter

 

[alkaline]

...dear friends...

...if I understand well what you need...
...cms and not KAPEX is not a solution for you...
...when I remember our beginnings...
...We used to divide large area materials this table and one saw HOLZHER...
...and what is also important material for furniture use the most...
...I believe the difference Festool propaganda is less than satisfactory results for most large-scale cutting of materials...
...and at the cost of extensive accessories cms you have a decent Format stationary saw...
...Anyway, every penny spent for KAPEX is a good investment even if you do not use every day...

...Please excuse my English...

[wink]

 

[cliffp]

Thanks Alkaline. If I understand you correctly you think that for the cost of many CMS accessories (both extension tables, Rip fence, sliding table  = £637 at cheapest prices) I would be better off buying the Kapex? (cheapest price = £930). Or were you saying that adding the CMS accessories gives me a decent stationary saw?

You obviously think that the Kapex is worth buying in any case.

 

[alkaline]

...There is a question KAPEX or CSM system...
...They are two different issues...
...Kapex utilize well as cabinetmakers...
...Were extensive sawing go a different route than the purchase of additional accessories CSM...
...I'd buy at something like this, maybe second-hand (see figure)...:...

...Mobility CSM system has an advantage if you build furniture at the customer...Not in your workshop...

...all the best for your next steps...

 

[cliffp]

My local diy store has a saw like that. I don't think it would fit in my garage!

 

[alkaline]

...excuse me my friend...
...I understand from the context that is designed place garage...
...the garage is therefore a good partner CSM and its expansion makes sense ...

...all the best to you...

 

[cliffp]

Thanks a lot for the advice Alkaline, I also enjoyed looking at your photos - it made me think I ought to get on with my next project...