As most of you know, I have a nice working relationship with Festool. While they are no longer a sponsor, they do give us great tools for our giveaways throughout the year and they also provide me with tools for review purposes. This gives me a unique opportunity to show you how the tool works so you can decide if it’s worth the investment.
I’ll be honest, I have an unhealthy addiction to the green and black. Or is it a really dark blue? And I know I’m not the only one with this affliction! But even if you’re not quite prepared to pull out your credit card just yet, you can at least enjoy the eye-candy of a well-made machine. Not me….the CMS! So here’s a first look at the Festool CMS Router Table.
My goal with this presentation was to show you the three primary functions of the table: edge profiling, end-grain routing with the sliding table and miter gauge, and bearing routing. The system performs well in all three areas but here are a few things that caught my attention, for better or worse.
Sliding Table
The sliding table is the bees knees. Anyone who has used a sliding table on a tablesaw knows how useful and accurate these things can be. They slide along effortlessly with friction-free motion, resulting in the cleanest and most secure cuts possible. So imagine that same concept on a much smaller scale at the router table. Just like at the tablesaw, the slider isn’t a necessity, but it’s a heck of a nice add-on.
Bearing Routing
One thing I do a lot of in my shop is pattern routing, so anything that makes that process easier and safer is a good thing. Festool includes a separate dust shroud/guard that attaches right to the table and is very effective. Keep in mind that this is a feature that most router tables, to my knowledge, don’t even offer. If you want something like this, you would normally have to make it yourself. Additionally, they came up with a nifty alternative to the traditional index pin. Instead of having a few inches of space between the pin and the spinning bit, Festool gives you a long plastic arm that nestles into the bearing of the bit. This gives you continuous support as you smoothly transition from the support arm to the bit. I am not exaggerating when I say that using a bearing-guided bit has never felt safer! I was quite impressed with this simple feature.
Dust collection
Is anyone surprised that their dust collection is second to none? I’m not. This is just something that you come to expect from Festool. Because the unit collects the dust from above and below, dust collection is about as close to perfect as you can get.
Vibration
This is something I noticed immediately when I first fired up the router: the system has very little vibration. I don’t know if it’s the rubber feet or the little rubber tape strips under the table top, but something is eating up that vibration. I’m not sure how much this ultimately impacts the quality of the work, but less vibration is always a good thing. Get your minds out of the gutter you heathens!
Micro-Adjustment
This isn’t a negative so much as a missed opportunity. The primary fence has a big old adjustment knob at the back that can be used to push the right side of the fence in and out. This is incredibly helpful when you need to use the router as a quick make-shift jointer. Of course with respect to the road warrior crowd, that’s a killer feature. But to the shop woodworker, it’s a missed opportunity. Sure, some of us might use our router as a jointer, but the vast majority of us already have a jointer. It’s too bad the micro adjustment can’t be applied to the entire fence as well. This could have given Incra a run for their money in terms of micro-adjustment. Instead, it’s a very cool feature that I’ll never use.
Portability
The router table comes in two forms: one that attaches to an MFT Table and one that is stand-alone. The version I received was the stand-alone. Because the table is on its own folding stand, you have to expect a little movement. However, the unit never felt unstable in any way. The system is compact and obviously weighs considerably less than a comparable shaper or traditional router table. If stability is a major concern for you, you might consider the MFT-attached version as I hear it is more stable.
*Update*
The Metal Bar
Within a few minutes of posting, several folks pointed out the potential obstacle created by the metal bar that holds the featherboards in place. I didn’t provide much commentary about this primarily because I felt it was just too soon. Many safety features initially feel like they are in your way until you learn how to work with them. Tablesaw guards and jointer guards (especially European versions) tend to create a similar situation. So I really didn’t want to pass judgement too soon. Time will tell. I should also point out that in the video, I was using one of my tablesaw push sticks. Clearly not the best tool for the job, but it’s all I had access to at the time.
It’s Your Call
When I mentioned I would be doing a video on the CMS, I immediately received questions asking how it compares to other comparable router tables on the market and whether it would be worth the typical Festool premium. I am not really prepared to answer this right now as I have only worked with the system for a few days, using test pieces for the sake of demonstration. I’ll know a lot more in six months. Even then, I may not be able to tell you if it is “worth it” for you. Similar to most tools in the Festool lineup, some will find the feature set and quality-level irresistible and invaluable while others will simply balk at the price. Welcome to a phenomenon I like to call, The Festool Polarization.
What I can tell you with confidence is that this unit is every bit as capable as other router table systems we know and love already. Do the extra features justify the extra cost? Well, that depends on how much you value those extras. But rest assured, as with all Festool products, this unit is designed with precision and safety in mind and is made from high quality components. It also integrates seamlessly into pre-existing Festool setups.
Marc,
That was an awesome review, and it looks like a fascinating offering from Festool. Thanks for taking your time to review.
This would be a huge asset to anyone that needs a portable router table system and seems loaded with great features. It’s expensive, but as with everything else Festool, appears well built, well engineered, and well thought out.
I’m not quite convinced that this is worth it, or provides an advantage in a shop setting though. Currently I’m using the Incra LS system with Wonderfence in my shop, and all the pieces are first rate as well in manufacturing, precision, and features. For example, shimming out the outfeed fence is just as easy on the Wonderfence, and the LS positioner makes the fence much easier to adjust, and make cuts much more repeatable than on the Festool CMS. In addition, the Incra LS system has great joinery applications that the Festool can’t accomplish. The entire Incra system, including a 27×43 table, plate, fence, and other items, would cost around $500.
I know in the past you’ve used the TS fence system and wasn’t a bit fan, but in terms of routing, I’ve been nothing short of impressed.
The one thing compelling to me regarding the CMS system is the sliding fence, which is a great alternative to a coping jig. The Incra system does feature a right angle fixture, which is a similar idea, though I think the Festool is better suited for use as a miter gauge type application.
Lastly, regarding dust collection, I’ve outfitted my Incra system with a product called the “dust router” from keen products. Essentially the rubber cup collects the dust in a similar way to the way it’s built in to the OF1400; it hugs the area around the bit and ports it out of the router before it has a chance to fall through. It then tees off to a fence attachment, and I have it hooked up to the wonderfence. I think it’s a vast improvement compared to any router table cabinet type enclosure.
The beauty of the Incra and Dust Router combo is that you can use virtually any router that you own, as long as you can secure it to the plate. This is a huge plus if you don’t want to get an OF1400 or OF1010. The insert rings are as easy to change as the CMS, and every component of the system is very well built, usually right in the USA. The dust router itself can be used with almost any brand router plate, or router, so it’s an easy add on accessory for any shop user that has a router table setup.
For someone taking this on the road, like you said, it’s a no-brainer, it seems like an incredible system that would make any job easier, safer, and faster.
Thanks again for taking the time to make this review, it was informative and fun to watch.
Thanks for a great website and videos!
Having had the CMS system for almost a year now here are my two cents:
If you are just looking for a good router table and if you are in a shop working and do not have to move it around there are other systems that does not cost as much and that will perform just as well in most respects. They may be better in some respects (incra fence?) but worse in others (sliding table, dust collection?). They are likely to be cheaper.
The big selling point for me was that I have a small shop (2.7x5m) and simply cannot get a whole bunch of separate machines in there. With the CMS system I get one unit that is a router table, a table saw and a jigsaw table all in the same space. There is also a belt sander module that I do not have (yet). So for my purposes I do not think there is anything comparable out there.
The system works like a charm. Simply lift the router table out (leaving the fence on) and put it on a pair of consoles on the wall, lift in a TS75 mounted upside down in another aluminium plate, lock in place, plug in the plug-it cord and dust collection and go (same withe the other units). It is done in under 30 seconds. The precision and quality of all units is what you would expect (just like the price tag and the dust collection… only have to pay for the leg stand, sliding table and extensions once though).
The sliding table is great. Love it: makes cross-cutting, end grain routing, compound miters etc a breeze – safe, clean and accurate cuts. Also, someone above asked about dados in the middle of a large workpiece: I have an extension table to the right (would be behind the router fence in the video) with the micro adjustable table saw fence – so no problem. I don’t remember how much space you get between the router table fence and the bit, but there are two sets of holes to mount the fence in so it is more space than Marc’s video might suggest, but not enough for a really large workpiece (look carefully when he lifts the fence off and you can see the two sets of holes in the video at 2:45).
Would I prefer separate, high-end, cast iron units. Sure, but I do not have the space and short of that the CMS is hard to beat.
/Magnus
PS I do not find the safety features get in the way much, but then I am from Sweden – saftey first (think Volvo) DS
Nice review, but $1,600 is a lot of money for a router table, actually, $2,100 when you add the 1400 router. I have some Festool and it is excellent, especially the dust collection which is a real asset. German engineering is pretty good and reminds me of Martin Machinery, which has their USA headquarters here in the Charlotte, NC area where I live. Excellent like Festool, but not inexpensive either.
For $2,100 or slightly more I have in my shop have a 3 hp Delta Platinum Edition shaper, which I purchased used for $800. A new Delta 4 roller power feeder which was $829 and a Reliable Tool Panel crafter I purchased off Craigslist for $500. This stuff will serve the hobbiest woodworker for at least a lifetime. The shaper can also take router bits with the router bit spindle if needed.
This setup will run circles around any router table I can think of today. The Festool can fold up and take less space and is certainly the way to go if you have to do this type of work on site . But if you have the space and don’t need mobility out of your shop consider a shaper. In my view it is one of the most productive but least used woodworking tools by hobbiest woodworkers….and that is unfortunate.
Best,
Todd
Marc, an informative review indeed. Love the router table except for the well beat-up issue about the feather board/guard. I was just wandering how stable the whole table is on the legs. I did notice some rocking when you were inserting the cutter. As an owner of a few of the green and black (dark blue) tools I do agree that quality comes at a price and the pleasure of operating these tools is enormous – I know because I also own some el cheapos and the difference is glaring.
Hi Les, I’m the happy owner of the TF 2200 (it includes the OF 2200), I have been using it for about 3 years now and never had any stability problem.
Hope that it helps.
This was an excellent review of a new product- very informative. The video and the body of the article were both good. Thanks for this.
Charlie, Mount Pleasant, TX
Enjoyed your introduction to the new Festool router table.
Is refreshing to hear honest opinions with-out the Company Hype.
The audio, on your videos, is outstanding. Maybe because I live
close to the Hollywood studios and post-production houses, I am
more attuned to something like that.
The engineering of the table seemed good with a couple exceptions as stated by some of the other responses.
The router hold-down clamps looked a little ify to me. They reminded me of the, under-counter, clips that hold down a stainless-steel sink. Unless there is a centering groove for the router, it seems as though it could slip sideways.
Also, the feather-board contraption looked like it could be better
engineered. when you were using the push-stick, it was obvious that the feather-board tightening device was in your way. I think they should be independently supported and adjusted so as to
leave a clear push-thru area for your work piece.
As always, a top notch job of video production.
Good lighting and Camera Work
Excellent Audio
Mighty Fine presentation
————– Jim Lynde, N. Hollywood, CA
Love the “Italian” lamp in the background!!! Fra-Gi-Le! :))) And the table is awesome, of course. Great preliminary review.
Clunky and very expensive.
Marc,
Thanks for the great video and I look forward to your update to this after you have put it through it’s paces. I always enjoy your videos and even if I don’t think a product is right for me I still appreciate the education.
I like what Festool has done here and would like to see more. Sure it’s expensive but quality and innovation come at a price and if you want to pay that price then do it. I appreciate the dust collection and the pin routing support arm is very cool.
Thanks again for the video and I can’t wait to see the new shop.
Jeff
I actually like the featherboard system.
Thank you Marc for being so fast … now is time to connect my trailer with water tank to my FJ Cruiser … drive to the spring and load my under water tank with fresh spring water.
Taking a shower with mountain (heated) spring water is amazing … just think the water in bottles is worse than what I shower with … until I go back to Los Angeles :)
Take care Marc
I wonder if I can get Nicole to pour some bottled water over my head while I clean myself in the backyard.
Marc,
Loved the sliding table feature.
Question. Height, is the table the same height as the new Festool tables?
Question. Router model, I noticed you used the OF 1400, could I use the 2200?
Question: Can this be used in combination with other systems like Incra?
OK man … I hit you enough, great video, thanks for the comment … now I am back to peeling logs.
Have a great day.
Bobby
Hey Bobby! Concerning height, I am not sure but I think so. I had to cut my MFT3 legs down by an inch and my table looks to be about an inch below the router table. So at least it LOOKS like they are the same height. As for the router, I do believe you can put the OF2200 in there as well. I don’t think Incra will play along with the Festool system, unless you are talking about t-track components.
Post edited to include information directly from Festool:
“The CMS and MFT/3 are the same height. You can also use the Kapex UG extensions with the CMS or MFT/3 since they too are the same height, for additional support. The OF 2200 is not UL approved for use with the CMS currently. I don’t know if it ever will be. So, customers may not use the OF 2200 in the CMS and it will void the warranty if they do.”
Hi Marc,
Thank you for this nice video. I’m the happy owner of the TF 2200 (it includes the OF 2200) and let you use router bits with a diameter up to 3-1/2″.
http://www.festool.be/FR/Produ.....F-2200-Set
Thanks again for the videos and keep up with the good work.
I own just about all the festool tools but find it hard to justify the cost of mft’s and tables. This is another example when I don’t know how I would be able to justify, I guess my main beef is I’m not an on site worker most of the time. I am usually an in the shop kind of guy. This one just seems hard…. but maybe some day I might get sucked in.
I would like to have one of these but with one kid in college and another getting ready to go… I will be sticking with my old shop made table.
Like alot of people my first thought was that the bar would get in the way, especially since it got in Marc’s way with his push stick. But after thinking on it for a few minutes I realized that I almost exclusively use a spare piece of wood as a push stick/tear out guard, and would probably never have that problem.
Marc thanks for the video review, got me thinking that at least I need a better router table than the one I have!
Marc, I think it was mentioned that this table has another model that connects to your MFT table. Do you think it’s the same table as yours, only without the legs? Put another way, can you connect your table to the MFT if you wanted to?
There are two models but I don’t think they are convertable. You either have the standalone version or the table mounted version.
Not impressed looks like set ups would take to long. I my self really enjoy my incra system.
It looks like a space ship compared to most router tables.
I’m not beating you up, man, I didn’t intend for you to take it that way.
I just disagreed with you. That’s OK.
Of course Marc’s interests are furthered by doing the video. My interests are furthered by watching the video (I gain info). Your interests are furthered (if you now know for sure the product isn’t for you). If you ALREADY knew that, why did you watch the video, unless you were really bored? If you were really bored, what was the actual cost to you?
Nobody loses. This is good. That’s as close to a free lunch as you’re liable to find.
Am I gonna run right out and buy one? Probably not! I’m a hobbyist, and I need compact tools, but I’m not sure the cost/benefit works for me. But my decision making is now better informed than it was if Marc hadn’t put together this kick-ass forum.
So, thank you, Marc! Keep up the great work!
Lee, I had already said that I was in an uncomfortable position – no need to beat me up any further. I thought my tongue in cheek remark was clear enough – perhaps not.
As far as paying nothing – not true – I paid my time to sit through the commercial just like everybody else. Marc collected from every one of those commercials – that is a true money exchange. There’s no free lunch, Lee. Somebody pays and somebody gains.
Sorry you missed my point – but I got yours. I’ll not post a similar type of message again.
Good Luck to you.
Marc, I kinda got myself in a negative spin on this Festool thing, which is not a comfortable place to be. However, since I am knee deep – then I might as well go for over my head. You said, “… it either has to be affordable or the company has to be willing to supply me with one. ” Well, Marc, if you can’t afford it, there is sure a great chance that most of us won’t be able to either!
I suggest this rule – it is the same one my fifth grade teacher taught us: “If you want to chew a piece of gum in class, then you need to have enough to give a piece to everyone.”
I propose the same rule here – if Festool is going to give you a free tool, then they have to give each of us a free tool also!” ;)
Chuck, I’m afraid I disagree entirely. I don’t have a shop like Norm Abrams. I don’t have a shop like Marc. I probably don’t have a shop like yours.
I come here because I learn stuff. I like Marc’s approach, and presentation, and he seems to do a great job being up front when he gets consideration from vendors.
So you don’t think this tool works for you. Fine! Do you think Marc’s video helped inform that position? Great, then it’s worth more you paid for it (which is $0). If it didn’t, then why grouse about it?
You don’t see the value of Festool’s approach. Cool! Other people might. Can’t we just get along?
haha well not for nothing, but Festool has been quite generous in their giveaways. I realize the get a lot of advertising out of it as well, but quite a few folks have received a nice package on their doorstep for nothing more than participating in the conversations on this site. So I consider that my way of sharing with the class. :)
A thought just occurred to me from the old marketing days … “we have more solutions than you have problems” Sounds a bit like fesstool. I did enjoy your video
I think the same could be said for just about any woodworking tool company, including the hand tool world.
A bit pricey…. I will stick with my Norm inspired. shop built version!!