Router/ table

[jimmy986]

I am considering a Festool router. Not sure if I want to spend the money as I have a good craftsman but being able to use it with my ts guide rail would be a plus. And I got it with the LR 32 instead of the standard so that would be a nice use. What is a good router to start with? I build small furniture so it would be used for dados, grooves, edge profiles, etc.

I have also been looking at the CMS router table that would attach to my MFT 3. I have a small shop so having it attached seems nice. How much does it limit the MFT 3? I assume it gets in the way a bit. I have another more traditional work surface so it may not be a huge deal but I'd like to know. Also, for a router table that doesn't even involve storage, it seems like a lot.

Why are these tables so much in comparison? Are they that much better? Is it the portability? I don't do onsite work so I may be better off just getting a cheaper router table. How easy is it to attach Festool routers to other tables? I've only done hand held routing so I'm not familiar with the tables.

 

[peter halle]

Jimmy,

Honestly for an all around router I would go for an OF1400 that will support the 1/2" shank size.

Fitting a Festool router to a table is easy.  Just not a manufactured one and not if you want to use it with one of the premium router lifts. 

The CMS table is a premium product.  Unfortunately here in NA we can't get all the modules thru Festool USA to enhance it's versatility.  So as just a router table it is a premium price not out of line with the total cost of the competitors.

Adding or removing a router to switch from table to hand held is a three minute or less operation.

I would really suggest that if you decide to go the CMS route you reconsider the VL versus GE decision.  Having the 4 legged one really gives you more flexibility in layout situations in your shop.

Peter