What's your thoughts on the new CMS?

Rocky

Member
Joined
Apr 8, 2012
Messages
410
Need the Pros and cons.  Thinking about getting a GE.  Thinking it would compliment my Kreg router table...maybe
 
My experience with the CMS pretty much amounts to fiddling with the adjustments in the shop for about a minute and a half, shaking the table breifly, and moving the slider back and forth. Conclusions, I really like the set up and it's portability, it's a super fine piece of kit. My problem with it is that it's not compatible with the 2200. Yes there are ways to get around it so that it works just the same, it just irks me that out of the box it's not compatible, at nearly 2 grand, you'd expect it would be. I would rather have waited for a fully compatible model or not bother. It just irks me.

Did I mention I don't even own a 2200? I still want one though
 
I'd be interested if the entire system was available in NA.  [mad]

Check out that Whisperer Dudes review and read the comments on it.  [eek]
 
Have looked at the review by the Whisperer.  Just wanted input from those that just received their CMS this week.
 
I'm sure you could easily attach your own switch that would work work a vac and the 2200 very easily, and it could be done in such a easy that wouldn't void the warranty. It just seems solly to modify an expensive tool out of the box.
Out is really nice though, and it whispers my name across the wind from time to time, beckoning me to drop the pile on the kit.
 
I was excited to get a close up view.   I got to spend about an hour looking playing and my thoughts are:

Pro's:

1) really cool if you have to be a mobile to a jobsite.  

2) has some nice options.  

3) has the ability (from my views) of getting rid of the fold out legs and attaching to a strong base.  

4) As expected the DC is awsome

5) Fence adjustments are nice

6) Sliding table feature is cool

Con's:

1)  It is too lightweight for me in a tool for a router table.   I pound mine and need some beef so I just found it just wiggles and shimmy's to much for me.

2) Table surface is too small.  I understand why it was done that way (to keep the weight down and keep it portable).   I however want surface area so stuff is not hanging off the edge and requiring supplementary support.    

3) Inserts for the table is plastic.  I prefer metal, but I'm spoiled with my Woodpecker PRL.

4) designed to share a base and use multiple inserts.  Concept similar to the old shopsmith of which I owned.   Only problem with that is the PIA to move and set up.  This is not a problem in fact a pro if you are a contractor needing on-site tool use.   That just does not work for me.  I have a router table with a PC7518 in it thats never been out and the base is in a drawer thats never been used.    

5) Cost.  I'm sorry I love my green machines and have paid premium for all but see the ++'s but to get all the attachments it's a fortune for its function.  Again if you are pro on a jobsite with this requirement might not be the case.  I work in my shop and want a dedicated router table with some beef.   IMO it's still better to buy a good plate build a table and get a good fence system and call it done.  

In conclusion its great for a job site need or if you have no space at all for a shop, but Just not for me.  Give me my 7518 and built table at a fraction of the cost (sorry for the imperial reference)  

The above opinion is based on my personal usage of a router table in a non-jobsite setting as I do

 
GhostFist said:
I'm sure you could easily attach your own switch that would work work a vac and the 2200 very easily, and it could be done in such a easy that wouldn't void the warranty. It just seems solly to modify an expensive tool out of the box.
Out is really nice though, and it whispers my name across the wind from time to time, beckoning me to drop the pile on the kit.

Switch is easy, alread found a Scheider manual motor starter that will work perfect or you could just use a cheaper 20 amp paddle switch. Also check your kits, I guess some of those delivered to the US/ Canada are the European units which come complete with all the goodies to fit OF2200.  ;D

thx
Lambeater
 
It's a very impressive system but without the saw insert I'd never buy it.  With the saw insert it would become a must have item for me.

 
I've checked out both the stand alone version and the MFT add-on and I have to say the videos don't do justice to how well this system appears to be made. The sliding table is very smooth and the overall build quality is what I expect from Festool.

That's kinda where it ends for me on this one. I cannot understand why a router table (without a router)would cost more than a MFT, TS55 and OF1400 combined? Even the MFT version is $1300! At that price the fence should be a world class leader. While I haven't used it, I doubt it's as close to the Incra or even Kreg routing systems in accuracy and repeatability. Even if the saw option becomes available in the US, this is still a lot of money for a modular table.

No doubt they will sell as there are many job site contractors looking for the portability. There are also many of us that buy whatever Festool comes out with just to add to the stable, but I think Festool is pushing the profit margins quite a bit on this one.
 
RonWen said:
The very real (U.S. legal) problem with "modifying" the CMS to accept the 2200 is that Festool has already driven a stake in the ground saying the warranty is voided if the product is modified.  The problem comes with contractors with employees using that CMS -- they will have their gonads in a vise if the employee (or other) is injured using that very dangerous non-engineered modification.   [sad]

It's a good marketing approach by Festool to sell a partial system to contractors (this CMS is great for contractors) initially and then a year or two down the road release the 2200 and or TS modules knowing those original customers will certainly upgrade $$.

The Festool engineers will be working around the clock for the next two (2) years designing a safe 20 amp switch for the U.S.  [smile]

So long as that switch fits the existing model I'll be happy. My CMS otherwise came with all the parts needed for a 2200.

 
I like it! I have had mine for AGES now.

Wasnt to fond of it with the fiddly bits but just doing a simple mod to allow you to clip on clip the router makes using it alot more fun!  As the set up time its 10x quicker! So I dont mind getting it out and using it now! I use it alot now very handy bit of kit  very light easy to transport you can leave your router in and still fold the legs and store it in your van.     Being able to use the UG arm extentions for longer timbers is brilliant.  

Highly recommend it (just DO the MODD!!!)

My mate loves it so much decided to get it out of my van set it up and stick his finger in it lol!
 
jmbfestool said:
My mate loves it so much decided to get it out of my van set it up and stick his finger in it lol!

Something tells me you are not feeling quite so guilty now! (not that you should ever have felt responsible)
 
cliffp said:
jmbfestool said:
My mate loves it so much decided to get it out of my van set it up and stick his finger in it lol!

Something tells me you are not feeling quite so guilty now! (not that you should ever have felt responsible)

lol  Well no point dwelling on it.  Hes alrite he will soon be back at work I think well hes said hes going back to work no mater what after 2 weeks so. 

I think one of the builders has asked him to come in couple days to plan/design and sort some stuff out and hes getting paid for it so think hes alrite.

JMB

 
I had taken a couple of reconnaissance  trips to my local toy store.  With the second trip, the thing stuck to my hands and followed me home.  I don't think I will go so far as JMB's friend went.  Even tho i was once a combat medic, I am not that anxious over seeing blood, especially my own.

For me, it will get used only in my cellar shop.  If it isn't solid enough to do my small jobs, I will figure out how to give it some stability.  If it is as solid as my MFT's, it is probably good enough.  I like the dust free operation and the ease with which the fence can be adjusted accurately.  I'm used to something that really throws dust and chips.  i think this CMS will be much appreciated, plus, i will no longer have to keep a large supply of cotton handy to fill my ears as I walk into the house with dust all over me from head to toe.  much of it has a tendency to hed to floor and carpets.  You probably can guess where to noise comes from.  ::) [eek] [unsure]
Tinker

 
I have had mine for a few days now:
I bought the free standing unit with the sliding table and extension table.
It took a few hours to unpack, set up and adjust, pretty straight forward.
I have made a few raised panel doors with it already, and have no problems with stability or table size.
The sliding table is the bees knees in my opinion, much better that a coping sled, for me at least.
I just used it to make a few cabinet door stiles and rails, very smooth.
The overall quality is very impressive, the top won't warp, or rust like the CI on my 1949 Delta Shaper.
I have mounted all 3 routers in it just for kicks, all we're easy to mount, and all worked great.
There is no vibration with any of the routers.
Dust collection? Do I really need to say anything? It is awesome!!
I thought the plastic inserts were a little cheesy as well, but they are plenty strong and easy as pie to swap out, no tools needed. I have the alloy ones for my Woodpeckers lift, but apparently woodpeckers figured alloy wasn't needed, as the ones they make now are plastic.
I was able to change all 5 bits I used from above table with no problem. I just reached under table to lock spindle and used wrench above table. A different operation than on my PC 7518 router table is all.
The feather board gizmos are very different than what we are used to on this side of the pond, but I am already getting used to both in just a few hours of use, and I must say, I like them.
The fence has two mounting points, and is very stout.
It may not be perfect, and it may not be for everyone, but what tool or machine is?
Yea, it was expensive, but after three days of using it, I sure am glad I bought it!
John

 
Mahogany Man said:
I have had mine for a few days now:
I bought the free standing unit with the sliding table and extension table.
It took a few hours to unpack, set up and adjust, pretty straight forward.
I have made a few raised panel doors with it already, and have no problems with stability or table size.
The sliding table is the bees knees in my opinion, much better that a coping sled, for me at least.
I just used it to make a few cabinet door stiles and rails, very smooth.
The overall quality is very impressive, the top won't warp, or rust like the CI on my 1949 Delta Shaper.
I have mounted all 3 routers in it just for kicks, all we're easy to mount, and all worked great.
There is no vibration with any of the routers.
Dust collection? Do I really need to say anything? It is awesome!!
I thought the plastic inserts were a little cheesy as well, but they are plenty strong and easy as pie to swap out, no tools needed. I have the alloy ones for my Woodpeckers lift, but apparently woodpeckers figured alloy wasn't needed, as the ones they make now are plastic.
I was able to change all 5 bits I used from above table with no problem. I just reached under table to lock spindle and used wrench above table. A different operation than on my PC 7518 router table is all.
The feather board gizmos are very different than what we are used to on this side of the pond, but I am already getting used to both in just a few hours of use, and I must say, I like them.
The fence has two mounting points, and is very stout.
It may not be perfect, and it may not be for everyone, but what tool or machine is?
Yea, it was expensive, but after three days of using it, I sure am glad I bought it!
John

John i'm in the same boat as you and I am also glad I bought it. I have a small shop attached to my house so space and dust collection is important. The CMS fits perfect, no need to do any mods as the table came complete with all OF2200 hardware. (except switch size of course).

thx
Lambeater

 
I'll take a look when I can use my 2200, Jigsaw and tracksaw in it; until then, this is just not going to cut it for that price.

Christopher
 
Christopher Robinson said:
I'll take a look when I can use my 2200, Jigsaw and tracksaw in it; until then, this is just not going to cut it for that price.

I wouldn't hold my breath for the jigsaw insert - since it doesn't have any kind of above table dust collection/blower your line get covered under sawdust quickly and you need to have a mains powered jigsaw to use in the CMS-PS insert since the battery models are not compatible with the insert.

Or well, they physically attach to it and work technically, but ergonomics & safety are out of the door with having to reach under the table to the power switch on the jigsaw itself since you can't connect it to the table mains switch and at least with the barrel grip Carvex you can't fit the extractors hose properly between the table and the battery.

Both of the above could trivially be fixed by Festool making a low-height Mains-to-battery-adapter like we have on DSLR-cameras, but it hasn't seen the daylight yet even thou I've put it on the wishlist ages ago...
 
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