Really Silly Question - 1400 freehand vs CMS

[Gordon Bombay]

So this is probably a ridiculous question, but I am wondering what the major advantages of the CMS vs freehand routing. I have the edge guide and track adapter.

I realize that a router table is particularly helpful for raised panels, but with the CMS, raised panel bits are typically too big to fit in the CMS. Is it just speed/production for the CMS? I am a hobbyist/weekend warrior, but haven't found a particular need for the CMS yet. Was wondering what I am missing.

Thanks!

 

[grbmds]

Don't have the CMS, but have a couple of comments -

First, I find router tables, in general, very useful. Whether it is the CMS or Incra or even a homemade router table, you can do things with it that you just can't do using a router hand-held. The OF1400 may be compatible for mounting only in the CMS, though. For example, edge routing a narrow piece just isn't safe using a hand-held router (in my opinion). I use my router table for dadoing, putting profiles on edges. I find tables with good fences are much more accurate than handheld routing. Just depends on what you want to do with a router.

Second, I have used the CMS in a Festool class to do raised panels. Raised panel bits come in horizontal and vertical. The CMS will do a great job with a vertical raised panel bit, which I believe is considered much safer anyway than a horizontal bit. Lee Valley, for example, sells a great vertical raised panel bit. Of course, you can do raised panels on any router table, not just the CMS.

If you are considering buying the CMS, though, I'd do some research on router tables. My guess is that you may be able to get another manufacturer's router table with a lift and a quality router (another brand) for less than the CMS would cost you and probably get results that would satisfy you. Anyway research it.

 

[ear3]

There are certain router bits that should only be used in a table (with a couple of exceptions if you're working with a larger router like the 2200) -- raised panel bits and lock miter bits for example.

There are times when you want to go table rather than handheld on a standard bit, e.g., small or narrow pieces, template routing, or if you have to batch out a lot of similar cuts. 

Although I don't own the CMS, from talking to others I would only recommend it if you're going to be doing site work.  For the price of that table you can get a top of the line setup plus a dedicated table router and still have money left over. 

 

[nickao]

This is a nice forum, but unlike what some people claim, this is not a woodworking forum, this is not a router or sanding forum or a cabinet building forum, its a Tool forum, Festool.

If you want  to learn abut all type of routing sign up for the router forum:
http://www.routerforums.com/

It's not brand specific, but tool specific, all kinds of routing from hand held to table to CNC. You will get the benefit of thousands of people that post on little else but using the router every day. There you might get hundreds of responses, opinions etc. And even there the Festool routers are pretty much regarded as some of the best, especially the OF2200.

 

[Flatsawn]

Gordon,
What Dovetail says is true you can pick up a lot from a more dedicated forum on woodworking particulars however,  I'm glad you asked because I almost always learn from what may be considered silly questions. Sometimes those questions will lead to some very interesting subjects.
Dovetail didn't mean to discourage your questions he was just pointing out an alternative source.
Thanks for your question.

Mark

 

[Tom the Remodeler]

In my opinion, router tables fit into the same class of tool as table saws, particularly as they relate to my mantra of "Take the small thing to the big thing".

So, if I'm going to break down a sheet of plywood I'll use a track saw. But, if I need to rip face frame material then I'll take the material to the table saw.

For routing, I'll use my OF1400 free hand for routing large, heavy or long materials that would be difficult to feed through a router table. On the other hand, there are definitely materials that are so small that they would be difficult to adequately secure for safe free hand routing, in which case you're better off taking them to the router table.

 

[Gordon Bombay]

Thanks very much for the feedback and advice guys. Sounds like the main advantage of a router table (any type) is for smaller pieces and batch production. I had not heard of that other site, so appreciate the feedback on that. I'll check that out too.

I really enjoy this forum both for its discussion of festool tools as well as the general woodworking advice and feedback. Thanks again.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Router table = small shaper. You might need to research the shaper.

 

[Cheese]

"Take the small thing to the big thing".

I like that...I like that a lot.  [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

 

[RKA]

Thanks very much for the feedback and advice guys. Sounds like the main advantage of a router table (any type) is for smaller pieces and batch production. I had not heard of that other site, so appreciate the feedback on that. I'll check that out too.

I really enjoy this forum both for its discussion of festool tools as well as the general woodworking advice and feedback. Thanks again.

Yes, but just to reiterate what Edward said above (in case it didn't make sense), it's also helpful/required when using large bits that hog out material.  The bit manufacturers will even tell you to only use a particular bit on a router table.  The router is fixed and you can use the fence/table, featherboards, push sticks, etc. to control the stock you're feeding through and keep your fingers clear of the bit.  Otherwise you risk the bit grabbing and either a kickback (with a spinning bit) or the piece you were attempting to cut ends up airborne.