[member=40654]Mismarked[/member] Sorry for causing the distress. I usually create a spreadsheet with all the features of each alternative and costs of the various components plus discounts, giving me the whole picture. Admittedly, sometimes that doesn't completely resolve the issues, but it does lay out all the costs and sometimes you will find that you really don't need some features.
When I looked for a router table setup, it was also confusing to me. There are truly a number of alternatives these days, all accurate and easy to use.
I will never be sorry I bought the Combo #3. It will serve all my needs now and into the future. With the Incra Master Lift II, the PC 7518 motor, and the Incra positioner, I find that setup is easy and I have never been more accurate no matter what I am doing. I don't miss the sliding table, but you don't miss what you don't have many times.
I can tell you a couple of drawbacks of the Incra table for me in case that makes a difference . . .
1. If you plan to do box joints . . . Without buying the Incra I-box jig, the box joints fit depends on the tolerance of the straight bit you use. If the bit is ground a few thousandths off (which is likely possible as every company grinds to an acceptable tolerance for their products), it is possible the joint will be slightly loose or slightly tight. Since there is no way to adjust, without the I-box Jig, the end product is what it is. I bought the Whiteside bit set sold by Incra thinking that Incra would have picked the set which matches their products. My first attempt at a box joint resulted in looser fitting joints than I would like. They glued together but didn't really fit tight. If you don't do a lot of box joints, maybe this isn't a problem.
2. The Incra setup excels at dovetails. I have never found anything easier and more accurate (although I'm sure many will say cutting them by hand is better and faster). However, through dovetails require some minimal paring of the tails (?always get confused on tails and pins) because of the way they are cut. The final product is tremendous, but it takes practice at first to get this paring just right.
Other than these 2 things, I find the Incra is really the best and, with the under table collection box Incra sells (with the open table inserts), I believe that the dust collection matches the Festool table operation for operation based on my experience in Festool classes.
Unfortunately the final decision comes down to your situation; what you use it for, what other tools you own, and your space constraints, and maybe cost.
The VL with sliding table is attractive. I like the Festool table. In classes I've taken, it is also easy to setup, use, and the dust collection is great. I just feel the Incra table is more stable and an extremely accurate self-contained setup. I like it especially because I use the MFT completely separate from the router table and the positioner is so easy to use and get an accurate result. That works for me.
Also, as far as price goes, remember that it's likely that you would get a 10% discount based on some current promotion or being a first time buyer. I should warn you that Incra's shipping costs are high, though, and possibly would just compensate for the discount. Even so, when I bought, I found the Incra Combo #3 to be less expensive than the Festool table, even when the PC motor, router lift, and Incra under table dust collection was included.
Good luck.
