Replacement CMS Router lift

iamnothim

Member
Joined
Feb 5, 2014
Messages
1,436
I did a couple perfunctory searches on this question.  It's been kicked around but has no real solution that I can find.
That being a replacement for the clunky, imprecise CMS router lift.

I was so happy to chuck the CMS fence when I bought the Incra fence and MFT plate that now I can't stand the lack of prescion of the router lift. It would be great if, say, Jessem made a lift plate that drops into the CMS/VL frame.
Like a good ole boy, I can frequently be heard saying nothing.

Wha-da-ya-tink about dismantling the VL and making a Phenol top table?

I have not looked at my table closely.  I probably should have before posting

[attachimg=1]
 

Attachments

  • MFT-1.jpg
    MFT-1.jpg
    1 MB · Views: 2,314
I recently picked up a can of starrett M1.  It sprays on wet and leaves a dry film that won't turn into a gloppy mess when exposed to sawdust.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but if it's as advertised, I'll be a happy camper. 
 
What's your problem with the CMS lift?

Is it accuracy of the lift? Perhaps you can add a digital readout like [member=5085]mattfc[/member]?http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/digital-read-out-on-cmsmft-sysport/

I've got the parts but haven't got around to it personally yet. The photos have unfortunately gone but here's one of them...

[attachimg=1]

Or how about an Incra MasterLift II in a machined CMS PS plate?http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...ft3-vl-custom-insert-for-incra-masterlift-ii/
 

Attachments

  • dsc01020qu.jpg
    dsc01020qu.jpg
    364.2 KB · Views: 2,963
Garry
Thanks O' bunch for the ideas.
First the digital lift reader.  I had one (wixley ) on my planer.  It wasn't very accurate so I nixed putting one on the router.  Presently I use a Starrett combination square.  It works but the action of the lift isn't smooth to get the bit to kiss you the square.
Second the Jessem lift in the CMS.    I've spent time looking into having my CMS top water cut to match the lift base.  Now if I could get the NAINA top plate in the photos I would jump on it. 

I would probably have supports tig welded to the underside
 
I'm not sure if you are looking for an off the shelf solution or more DIY. I used a CNC spindle for my router lift. I can set it accurately on about 1/10 of a mm.

IMG_0585_zpsz3degl2b.jpg


IMG_0577_zpsjm5b3qys.jpg


IMG_0594_zpsshp3f4p8.jpg


The height of the router can be set with an Allen key from the top. The Allen key goes through the hole:

P3298201_zps9avnsers.jpg


See Here for more info.
 
The best solution for me is to have a factory router lift (Jessem, Incra) that drops into the top plate of the MFT/3-CMS/VL.  I have the Incra wonder/super/cosmic fence on my MFT/3 with an adapter plate.

There are all kinds of issues play

Garry posted a link to a gentleman in the U.K. that did just that except the table  plate is NAINA.  It also looks different from the MFT/3.  I'm not so good with metal fabrication hence making a lift from CNC parts would be sketchy.

I thought about putting the lift in one of my MFT/3's.  I'd have need to figure the fence attachment That might be the way to go.  Someone on FOG must have done that before.
Thanks for the help
Luke

 
RKA said:
I recently picked up a can of starrett M1.  It sprays on wet and leaves a dry film that won't turn into a gloppy mess when exposed to sawdust.  I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but if it's as advertised, I'll be a happy camper.

Perfect!!  I love Starrett products
 
What do y'all think about dismantling the VL frame and rebuild it with a new router table top.  The plane of the top must be in the same plane as the MFT/3. It would be tricky for sure.  It
 
Back
Top