To CMS or Not to CMS that is the Question I have for Thee

[SoonerFan]

I am a home owner and woodworking hobbyist.  I want to build some cabinets and am in need of a router table.  I have almost entirely switched to Festool and thus looked at a CMS.  Being in the US I am limited to just the router insert by rules.  The CMS could certainly handle everything I need and probably lots more.  I researched lots about the CMS here and watched lots of videos on Youtube.  After all the research I was sort of set on a CMS so I went to my local dealer.  While looking I also checked out a Kreg table/fence/etc and a Woodpeckers table/fence/etc.  The Kreg setup was about $1000 cheaper and the Woodpeckers was about $500 cheaper although functions and were not identical.  Then the sales person (who also had lots of Festool kit) mentioned he bought the Kreg table, has had it for three years and that it could handle everything he needed.

I left without a table and a decision to make.  So fellow green kool aid drinkers what would you do?  Stick with the CMS?  Buy something else, save the cash and maybe even buy another router to leave in the table?  This would allow me to keep my OF 1400 for handheld routing.  If detouring away for the green kool aid any suggestions on tables?

I think my Festool kit is terrific but wonder if a CMS is over kill for me thus I am hoping y'all have some suggestions. 

Thanks.

 

[Jaybolishes]

I've never regretted getting the cms-ge.  I'm like you in that I make cabinets and projects for myself.  I've redone about 6 whole apartment kitchens making cabinets and islands using this setup and many other projects.  It's made my quality and speed for making frames and such so much better and it's not cheap, but man is it easily portable and still solid to work with.  Its definitely a great tool.  People have said it has short comings but I don't think there are any given what I was doing before I bought it.  I also enjoy using it which makes working a little more tolerable. There's a number of great features with the fence. The sliding table makes routering stiles and cabinet doors easy.  The rotating arm that holds the wood down and tight to the fence works very well.  The dust collection being able to put collection above and below the table is a huge benefit to keep dust down.  This setup is expensive for a reason, if you can afford it its advantages outweigh buying something cheaper.  The way I look at it is buy the right thing once, and you'll enjoy it forever. If you go cheap you may wish you got the thing you wanted forever.  But you need to figure out if the machine does what you want it to do.  If you own the 2200 the set comes with everything you need to hook it up.  But don't do it what ever you do, it voids the warranty Good luck with your decision.

 

[grbmds]

I own the Incra table/positioner fence with the Master Lift. It is extremely accurate and precise and I find that I can get the exact depth I want and can position the fence the exact distance I want it from the edge of a piece for a dado. Plus, the Incra table in one of its sets, is capable of doing all the box and dovetail joints you could want plus a few variations that I never really thought of before getting it. I think it's an amazing table. I looked at the CMS (both types) along with a number of other tables (General, Woodpeckers, Kreg, plus making my own). I think the CMS is a great table (having experienced it firsthand at a Festoon class) and wouldn't hesitate if I were a pro who takes his power tools with him to the site. It is very portable. However, I will never be sorry that I bought the Incra table, fence, lift, and Porter Cable router to mount in the table. It has extreme accuracy and will do whatever you need it to with the right router mounted.

 

[Dane]

I've pondered the CMS for awhile and it seems to me that its primary advantage is the portability.  I've seen many threads where folks swap the fence out for an Incra, so the fence must not be that revolutionary, so then it seems to be just a really expensive router top with folding legs...unless you want to use the sliding table- which is a nice accessory, but also available in other products.  Dunno, I decided to save 500.00 by going with a secondhand Incra fence with a woodpeckers top and a triton router.  Put that cash towards a domino, which is truly unique and revolutionary.

 

[Billedis]

I purchased the Sommerfeld table about 6 years ago and am totally satisfied.  Bill

 

[KescoNY]

i own the CMS GE and the CMS VL  I absolutely love it mainly because of the whole system integration.  I would love to integrate the incra fence to my VL.

Does anybody have a complete parts list for the incra fence setup for the VL?

 

[bkharman]

i own the CMS GE and the CMS VL  I absolutely love it mainly because of the whole system integration.  I would love to integrate the incra fence to my VL.

Does anybody have a complete parts list for the incra fence setup for the VL?

I will ping the list here a little while later.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[bkharman]

i own the CMS GE and the CMS VL  I absolutely love it mainly because of the whole system integration.  I would love to integrate the incra fence to my VL.

Does anybody have a complete parts list for the incra fence setup for the VL?

Ok so here is my parts list:

MFT/3
CMS-VL
Incra LS25 (I got the complete kit in metric, but you can get your own preference). The 25 is a great size as it allows you to use a lot of the table with the kit.
Precision Dogs Precision Plate

I also outfitted mine with some Jessem clear cut guides, but don't use them too much. I of course have jigs and such for cope and stick and if I need things locked in tight, I have some feather boards and such that I attach to the rails or sliding table.

Good luck and PM me if you have any questions.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[kixnbux]

I do a lot of onsite work. I'm really leaning toward the cms VL to connect to my mft3 with an OF1400 in it. Right now I work with a Bosch table built into my bench in my trailer. It works well but id like a mobile option

 

[KescoNY]

Thanks a lot Bryan. 

I m going to order the incra today. Will post the set up once i receive everything 

 

[Roseland]

If portability isn't a requirement then I'd say build your own.  Buy a top and make the cabinet to support it.
I did that, and incorporated two drawer runners under the top, leading around the back to the fence to keep the fence parallel to the mitre track at all times.
And much as I love Festool, I reckon the Triton routers are better in a table.  They have through the top height adjustment, and when the motor is raised for cutter changing the spindle locks, so you only need one spanner.
Andrew

 

[Birdhunter]

Soonerfan,

I grew up in Norman playing grade school football with Bud Wilkerson's son. My dad was a prof at OU. I'm still a Sooner fan.

I looked hard at the CMS again and again without buying it. If I had to move my router table around, the decision would be easy. I think the CMS sliding table is incredibly neat. The fence is so-so. The lack of a knee operated power switch is a problem. Dust collection looks great.

I built a nice setup using a Kreg table and a Porter Cable motor/chuck. I added a really nice fence and I'm happy.

I like my setup for its large top surface, extremely accurate fence, and solid stability. My dust collection is adequate, not great. The PC motor handles everything I throw at it. I don't use large panel bits. They scare me!

I use my 1400 as a hand held router. It's too nice to hide under a router table.

 

[SoonerFan]

All,
Thanks for the replies.  Very helpful to understand the thought processes of others.  I have researched this some more and am leaning against the CMS.  Portability is not a requirement for me.  If I had to buy today I would likely get a good table and fence (Kreg or Incra) build my own stand and use a PC router.  All in This solution would 50% or less than the CMS.  Saving the cash would help because I "need" a new ETS sander.

Birdhunter,
I thought my time in Noman was great and will always be a Sooner Fan.

 

[narrowboatboy]

I have the CMS and although very good the OF2200 does have a design fault that causes it to twist when trying to raise it in cms.

if you don't need portability then I also would suggest to build your own.

 

[Bohdan]

I have the OF2200 living in a CMS and have never had any problems with the raising and lowering. My only bitch is the crappy fence adjustment so I use an Incra.

 

[Nigel]

I do a lot of onsite work. I'm really leaning toward the cms VL to connect to my mft3 with an OF1400 in it. Right now I work with a Bosch table built into my bench in my trailer. It works well but id like a mobile option

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Mft and VL isn't particularly mobile because you always need the two joined at the hip. That would do my head in.

 

[Scorpion]

If you own the 2200 the set comes with everything you need to hook it up.  But don't do it what ever you do, it voids the warranty Good luck with your decision.

Can you clarify this point?  I don't understand how the 2200 set voids the CMS warranty.

Edit:  my autocorrect thought "insist" is funnier than "I don't". 

 

[peter halle]

If you own the 2200 the set comes with everything you need to hook it up.  But don't do it what ever you do, it voids the warranty Good luck with your decision.
[/

Can you clarify this point?  Insist understand how the 2200 set voids the CMS warranty.

Here is the statement from FESTOOL here in North America that has been posted here many times:

Warning: The Festool CMS System is approved for use with only the OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers in the US and Canadian markets.  It is not approved for use with the OF 2200, nor with any of the CMS modules currently available outside the US and Canadian markets (TS, Jigsaw and sanding modules).  Festool USA does not  endorse the use of these components and will not support them with spare  parts or repairs. The use of anything other than the OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers and their related accessories with the CMS will void the warranty agreement on the entire system for customers within the US and Canada. Festool does not endorse the application or use of any Festool product in any way other than in the manner described in the Festool Instruction Manual. To reduce the risk of serious injury and/or damage to your Festool product, always read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in your Festool product's Instruction Manual.

Peter

 

[Scorpion]

If you own the 2200 the set comes with everything you need to hook it up.  But don't do it what ever you do, it voids the warranty Good luck with your decision.
[/

Can you clarify this point?  Insist understand how the 2200 set voids the CMS warranty.

Here is the statement from FESTOOL here in North America that has been posted here many times:

Warning: The Festool CMS System is approved for use with only the OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers in the US and Canadian markets.  It is not approved for use with the OF 2200, nor with any of the CMS modules currently available outside the US and Canadian markets (TS, Jigsaw and sanding modules).  Festool USA does not  endorse the use of these components and will not support them with spare  parts or repairs. The use of anything other than the OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers and their related accessories with the CMS will void the warranty agreement on the entire system for customers within the US and Canada. Festool does not endorse the application or use of any Festool product in any way other than in the manner described in the Festool Instruction Manual. To reduce the risk of serious injury and/or damage to your Festool product, always read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in your Festool product's Instruction Manual.

Peter

Thanks for the clarification.  I asked specifically because an employee at Woodcraft recommended the 2200 for an awesome setup when I stopped in to look at it recently.  Never researched it otherwise.

So I wonder if they're implying that the 2200 is too strong or heavy of a machine...my thoughts at the moment, I'll go find the other threads.  I'm sure it's discussed.

Thanks.

 

[bkharman]

If you own the 2200 the set comes with everything you need to hook it up.  But don't do it what ever you do, it voids the warranty Good luck with your decision.
[/

Can you clarify this point?  Insist understand how the 2200 set voids the CMS warranty.

Here is the statement from FESTOOL here in North America that has been posted here many times:

Warning: The Festool CMS System is approved for use with only the OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers in the US and Canadian markets.  It is not approved for use with the OF 2200, nor with any of the CMS modules currently available outside the US and Canadian markets (TS, Jigsaw and sanding modules).  Festool USA does not  endorse the use of these components and will not support them with spare  parts or repairs. The use of anything other than the OF 1400 and OF 1010 routers and their related accessories with the CMS will void the warranty agreement on the entire system for customers within the US and Canada. Festool does not endorse the application or use of any Festool product in any way other than in the manner described in the Festool Instruction Manual. To reduce the risk of serious injury and/or damage to your Festool product, always read, understand and follow all warnings and instructions in your Festool product's Instruction Manual.

Peter

Thanks for the clarification.  I asked specifically because an employee at Woodcraft recommended the 2200 for an awesome setup when I stopped in to look at it recently.  Never researched it otherwise.

So I wonder if they're implying that the 2200 is too strong or heavy of a machine...my thoughts at the moment, I'll go find the other threads.  I'm sure it's discussed.

Thanks.

Hey Matt,

I think it is more for the combination of the 2200 and the rating of the CMS switch. Also if you through in a CT in that mix, I believe there are some #s that don't align. There are plenty on this forum that will tell you otherwise, but you have to make your own decision. From experience, I will tell you the 2200 under that table is boss.

I personally use my 1400 as it has plenty of power for my needs.

Cheers. Bryan.