lets design the next cms system

Alan m

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Joined
Aug 11, 2010
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3,318
hi there. this is kev fault, he got me thinking.

the cms is due an upgrade.

what would you like it to be

fast mounting and dismounting of tools (of2200 like what jmb did)

i would like the sliding table to be perminently part of the cms, just dolded down on the side out of the way for transport.
special systainer for all the bits and bobs.
 
SORRY  [embarassed]

But you're right - it really needs new thinking.

One approach would be to kill off Precisio and just make it a significant module for the new CMS ... that would at least save me from sitting on the fence!

I was also thinking more about power and controlling speed ... the CMS capable tools should have a separate "control port" that the CMS control plugs into for on/off and speed - that way there wouldn't be any more stupid collars and rubbish with the saws and the cordless carvex wouldn't be a safety hazard!

The standalone CMS unit and the MFT/3 extension unit should be the same thing with a removable leg set.

 
I second the previous ideas about a CMS-universal connector and stand integrated controls for all CMS-devices for speed & power without the loose cabling. Also I find it ridiculous that the CMS-GE self-standing module base doesn't have a suitable connector to connect it to the MFT/3 table - wouldn't want to remove legs to use it with an MFT, but adding a suitable connector that covers the gap at the same time would do me well.

In an evolutionary step I'd like to see a more permanent above table dust collection implementation for saws with a proper hose routing support metal beam from the side rails compared to the current flexible hoses held with a plastic clip to the rail. 

What I really would like the CMS system to evolve to is a more heavy duty machinery that is sturdy, modular and quickly swappable in and out of the table but skip the fiddliness of adapting handheld tools to the modules. They already have the belt sander module that is permanently attached to the module why not expand on that and come up with a line of modules that achieve things that Festool handhelds cannot?

I would like to see proper heavy-duty modules for
- a 300mm planer/thicknesser maybe with the angled blade of the EHL65 idea and a sturdy micro adjustable fence in the CMS-OF fence style. Don't know could this be built so that one blade spindle can do both planing and thicknessing with the somewhat thick edge of the CMS-GE unit (the spindle would need to be rather thick to reach both ways under the table too)
- a table saw module with proper cogwheel driven angle adjustment up front and maybe even a pull-saw functionality like the Precisio has i.e. CMS-Precisio
- a spindle sander (those round ones that oscillate up and down in addition to rotation) module
- a drum sander module for thinning stock
- a scrollsaw module with a high quality (Hegner like) scroll saw mechanics and maybe a neat Festool brushless motor and great dust extraction & quick blade change - table tilt should be implemented like the Excalibur saws do with a tilting saw since the CMS-module cannot tilt
- a 2200W router module with above table controls and no dust issues from above like the OF2.2k has

I wouldn't mind these modules weighing more, but the beef would still in having only one base unit to take up space in the shop and modules you can slide into a module cabinet when not in use. If backwards compatibility with the current CMS-bases should be a priority I can hack using the current powerswitch cable thing as long as the new tools have a speed dial recessed into the face plate or front of the unit under the table at hands reach.

What I'm a bit on the fence even wishing for are the tall machine modules:
- Drill press - how tall is tall enough, should it have integrated vice/table to it, would one save any space really over a dedicated drill press?
- Bandsaw - same questions here - don't think this size of a vertical tool would really save much space

I'd be happy to participate in beta testing any of the above modules in the new system  [wink]
 
I would like to see some improvement to the design. For the cost it is just ok
 
I think that the biggest "improvement" that can be made to it would be to have the next version be available in North America.  We all know that this version isn't ever going to see the light of day over here - at least for the modules we'd all want - TS, OF, jigsaw (probably still the trion at that point, hah), and I agree that a jointer/planer module would be absolutely astounding.  But seriously, the biggest improvement in my mind would be the ability for me to speak to what needs to be improved from being able to have hands on experience...
 
b_m_hart said:
I think that the biggest "improvement" that can be made to it would be to have the next version be available in North America.  We all know that this version isn't ever going to see the light of day over here - at least for the modules we'd all want - TS, OF, jigsaw (probably still the trion at that point, hah), and I agree that a jointer/planer module would be absolutely astounding.  But seriously, the biggest improvement in my mind would be the ability for me to speak to what needs to be improved from being able to have hands on experience...

I think that kind of improvement requires some work on your own part. Perhaps lock up all your lawyers. They're the only reason why we get to play with the CMS and you not. [wink]

PS .. hands of the Precisio!  [smile]
 
Alex said:
b_m_hart said:
I think that the biggest "improvement" that can be made to it would be to have the next version be available in North America.  We all know that this version isn't ever going to see the light of day over here - at least for the modules we'd all want - TS, OF, jigsaw (probably still the trion at that point, hah), and I agree that a jointer/planer module would be absolutely astounding.  But seriously, the biggest improvement in my mind would be the ability for me to speak to what needs to be improved from being able to have hands on experience...

I think that kind of improvement requires some work on your own part. Perhaps lock up all your lawyers. They're the only reason why we get to play with the CMS and you not. [wink]

PS .. hands of the Precisio!  [smile]

Lawyers aren't the problem, they simply work to follow the laws that are written, as they're written.  The legislators (senators and representatives) in this country are where the problem lie...
 
Oh, and I was under the impression that all the lobbyists and industry groups are running the US behind the scenes and funding the never ending bunch of lawyers with ridiculous acts like ACTA and DMCA... Not to even get me started on the stupid knee-jerk reaction laws passed as the result of the terrorist fewer that hinder everyone the world over in airline travel nowadays.

 
i like the idea of pluging the switch into the tool and controling everything from there.
having purpose buit modulales that are perminent rather than can be taken out would allow more complex and table based ideas to be used. all the tools are  designed to be handheld so there are compromises when in the cms.

 
and while they are at it, it can be redesigned for UL approval! [big grin]

yeah yeah, I know................ [dead horse]
 
Alan m said:
hi there. this is kev fault, he got me thinking.

the cms is due an upgrade.

what would you like it to be

fast mounting and dismounting of tools (of2200 like what jmb did)

i would like the sliding table to be perminently part of the cms, just dolded down on the side out of the way for transport.
special systainer for all the bits and bobs.

[big grin] [big grin]

I have been using my new mod and I LOVE IT! AMAZING! 

I dont mind getting my router out and putting it away now!  As before I was always thinking ill leave it in the CMS might need it in the CMS next time but I always end up needing it out of the CMS which then annoyed me!  I think festool do it on purpose  cus I have been tempted to by another OF2200 but now with my new mod im not going to bother! SO HA festool you wont get my money!
 
I wasn't expecting to like the CMS system, but I honestly can't fault it.  For what it is, it's great.  My first 'table saw' was the Triton Workcentre and, whilst I made quite a lot of projects I'm proud of, it turned me right off the 'modular' idea.  Setting up between modes was always a PITA with the Triton, but with Festool there is practically no setup involved.  No re-calibration each time you change modules or take out the attached power tool.  JMB's router upgrade was a great idea, but I don't think it's worthy of a full redesign.  Anyone capable of using these tools, it capable of doing their own upgrade.  If you are hard into the Festool system, the CMS makes a lot of sense.  If you wanted a dedicated tablesaw, then the Precisio fits that requirement, though I've not played with it for more than a few cuts.

I'm obviously biased, but I do think it's a great little system and, like with all the Festool tools, once you get over the price you see the benefits.
 
Don't get me wrong - the current CMS works mostly well, but I wish Festool would implement the heavy-duty modules for those of us who cannot have full blown machinery in our shops like a planer/thicknesser, but can store a rackfull of modules and a single module table with removable extention tables. I wouldn't mind having my current set of very transportable Festool hand powertools to be complemented by an equal set of heavy-duty shop-machine modules in a modular system without the need to swap my hand tools in and out. And no, I cannot store both a Precisio and a CMS-GE base unit anywhere however much I'd like to.

In an ideal world I would have a nice three car garage just for a permanent shop space next to another two three car garages for our three cars and my car repair shop space for taking better care of my dear Lady Bug (VW Beetle 1969)  [tongue]

Ah well, space like that unfortunately does not materialize in this lifetime unless I win the lottery [unsure]
 
jmbfestool said:
Alan m said:
hi there. this is kev fault, he got me thinking.

the cms is due an upgrade.

what would you like it to be

fast mounting and dismounting of tools (of2200 like what jmb did)

i would like the sliding table to be perminently part of the cms, just dolded down on the side out of the way for transport.
special systainer for all the bits and bobs.

[big grin] [big grin]

I have been using my new mod and I LOVE IT! AMAZING!   

I dont mind getting my router out and putting it away now!  As before I was always thinking ill leave it in the CMS might need it in the CMS next time but I always end up needing it out of the CMS which then annoyed me!  I think festool do it on purpose  cus I have been tempted to by another OF2200 but now with my new mod im not going to bother! SO HA festool you wont get my money!

Sorry to tell you buddy - but Festool already has a heap of your money and will probably get a lot more  [wink]
 
I like most the modules, router one is the one I have most gripes with:-

1) Get rid of the crappy thin bendy platic inserts and provide some decent aluminium ones! The ones that come with it are utter cr&p
2) With the router fence, would be handy if it could mount on the edge profile so that I would be square.. just like the fence here on the left
ts55-cms-module-mounting-493359.jpg

3) Also what would be good is that you can adjust the right hand side of the fence with a micro adjuster.. would be good if they did this on both sides
4) Router lift.. its not really up to the job with the heavier routers like the OF2200.. you get yaw if you aren't careful resulting in binding
 
Kev said:
jmbfestool said:
Alan m said:
hi there. this is kev fault, he got me thinking.

the cms is due an upgrade.

what would you like it to be

fast mounting and dismounting of tools (of2200 like what jmb did)

i would like the sliding table to be perminently part of the cms, just dolded down on the side out of the way for transport.
special systainer for all the bits and bobs.

[big grin] [big grin]

I have been using my new mod and I LOVE IT! AMAZING!   

I dont mind getting my router out and putting it away now!  As before I was always thinking ill leave it in the CMS might need it in the CMS next time but I always end up needing it out of the CMS which then annoyed me!  I think festool do it on purpose  cus I have been tempted to by another OF2200 but now with my new mod im not going to bother! SO HA festool you wont get my money!

Sorry to tell you buddy - but Festool already has a heap of your money and will probably get a lot more  [wink]

  [crying]
 
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