Re: CMS-OF

[bellchippy]

Anybody got a CMS-OF router table and leg stand, if so is it worth the almost ?800 price tag.

Any information would be welcome.

Thanks

 

[Loz_S]

I have the Basis 5A and Basis 6A table modules which are virtually identical to the new CMS router module.

I bought the 5A, which holds the OF-1000, years ago before I "got serious" and it was a very useful addition to my Basis/CMS table set up. At the time I needed everything to be mobile and the 5A was light and simple to insert and use.

The "upgrade" to the 6A (I just bought the insert plate and reused the fence from the 5A) was a major disappointment. I needed the bigger module to mount the OF 1400 but the height adjusting knob and insert rings were very poor designs. However, the new CMS-OF, which uses the exact same fence as the 5A and 6A, has a vastly improved height adjuster. In fact it is so good I ordered all of the spare parts from the Festool EKat to retro fit it to my old modules.

I am planning a much larger home built router table, using the Festool fence and height adjuster, fitted to an Incra Magnalock insert plate as I believe this will be better than anything I have now. I no longer need a table which has to be mobile and can be folded away so I don't see any advantages in having the new CMS-OF extension.

If I was buying now I don't think I would even consider the CMS-OF, the prices were high when I bought my Basis table but they seem extortionate today and I don't think the module offers so much more than could be put together using a quality router raizer, insert and home made table.... Unless, of course, you actually need a truly mobile router table that can be taken onto a work site or customers home the expense for me is unjustifiable.

Any specific questions; fire away.

 

[bellchippy]

Hi loz

Thanks for taking time to reply, questions i have are as follows.

Being very short of space need a router table of high quality, but also need to move and store elsewhere.

sometimes take on site .

Is the fence straight square to table and independently adjustable.

Is the raising mechanism smooth and slop free.

How easy is it to set up and does it feel heavy, does it vibrate in use.

Thanks

 

[gasman]

I have an old Basis table, but the newer CMS-OF insert together with an OF2200.
I can only say I am constantly thrilled and surprised by how well it poerforms. It is absolutely solid, easy to adjust, the above table height adjustment is super-accurate and a delight, dust extraction is excellent. I have used it for anything from very small 2 mm grooving, up to making large fielded panels with a 95 mm raised panel cutter and it does both very well indeed. I know that people can be sceptical about just how good a router table could be, but I had a quite good Elu router table before which was quite well made and solid and the difference is unbelievable. My 2200 did have to go back to festool as it is usually inverted and the collet locking mechanism jammed with all the sawdust. They have fitted a mod now and it works fine again
Best wishes to you - but I think it is great

 

[Loz_S]

Hi Bellchippy!

Well if you actually need a site router table that folds away, then I don't know of any system that is better than the Festool CMS-OF... at a price of course. You will need a Basic CMS unit plus CMS-OF module or the TF 1400/ TF 2200 set. The MFT/3-VL (I think that's what you meant by leg stand) is merely an extension to the MFT table and can't be used on its own.

I have to say I am extremely picky and I have had problems getting the fence completely square. However, the alloy fences can be very easily shimmed to get them dead square. The infeed fence is micro-adjustable in 1/10ths of mm and is very smooth and precise.

The body of the fence is a horse shoe shaped casting like a small industrial shaper might have which is screwed down to the table in two locations allowing 90 mm of movement. I don't think this is a problem for most people but I miss not being able to micro adjust both fences. If you need to nudge the whole fence forward it can be a real pain. I mounted mine on a sled the width of the table that slides in the T track at each side of the module.

The new raising mechanism is excellent, rock solid and very smooth. It amazes me quite how bad the original one was in comparison. The new version has a detachable handle which can be used above and below the table. There is no above table height lock though, you have to lock off the router handle.

The modules are simply dropped into the table and locked with two turn keys. Very simple to set up. If you have the 1400 or 2200 mounted, they weigh a tonne! Never had any problems with vibration ever. For a mobile table they are rock solid.

Hope that helps!

 

[Forrest Anderson]

I have an old Basis table, but the newer CMS-OF insert together with an OF2200...
My 2200 did have to go back to festool as it is usually inverted and the collet locking mechanism jammed with all the sawdust. They have fitted a mod now and it works fine again

Is there any chance you could you let us have details of the modification - maybe with a photo of it? I'm sure other owners (and prospective owners) of the OF2200 would be interested and grateful.

Forrest

 

[gasman]

Forrest I am afraid I do not know what they did.... but they did tell me it was a part change. Festool UK are, as has been said before on this forum, not the most customer-friendly bunch and to be honest I was delighted to get it back within a week in good shape with the mod. If any Festool dealers know what was done - do spill the beans!

 

[bellchippy]

I have an old Basis table, but the newer CMS-OF insert together with an OF2200.
I can only say I am constantly thrilled and surprised by how well it poerforms. It is absolutely solid, easy to adjust, the above table height adjustment is super-accurate and a delight, dust extraction is excellent. I have used it for anything from very small 2 mm grooving, up to making large fielded panels with a 95 mm raised panel cutter and it does both very well indeed. I know that people can be sceptical about just how good a router table could be, but I had a quite good Elu router table before which was quite well made and solid and the difference is unbelievable. My 2200 did have to go back to festool as it is usually inverted and the collet locking mechanism jammed with all the sawdust. They have fitted a mod now and it works fine again
Best wishes to you - but I think it is great

Hi gasman I notice on the festool UK website they say the Max cutter diameter is 60mm, did you raise the cutter above the
table and clamp on a false table ,or is the hole in the table big enough toto use a 95mm raised panel cutter.

thanks

 

[richard.selwyn]

I've got the old basis with a 1010 router in it.  I admit it was expensive and the replacement even more so, but I still use it even though I have a Felder shaper.  It's quick and easy, the dust collection - whilst not perfect - is pretty good and if I need to I can take it with me on site.  For a quick job on a small piece of stock it is easy to change the bit, move the fence etc. and even after about 5 years, I still find it a joy to use.

If I was starting out again today I'd buy the CMS (if I had the money  )

 

[gasman]

The hole in the CMS-OF is definitely big enough for a 95 mm cutter

 

[Forrest Anderson]

Forrest I am afraid I do not know what they did.... but they did tell me it was a part change. Festool UK are, as has been said before on this forum, not the most customer-friendly bunch and to be honest I was delighted to get it back within a week in good shape with the mod. If any Festool dealers know what was done - do spill the beans!

OK. Many thanks for replying!

Forrest

 

[bellchippy]

Okay guys thanks for your input it was all positive which was what i was expecting.