Baby domino

[pettyconstruction]

Ok,so I just picked up a slightly used domino 500.
What are some of the "must have" things should I look at?

I'm going to get the Seneca plate,but what else?

I have the full kit and the systainer full of bits.

Thanks in advance,
Charlie

Btw I build houses and reno's,but would like to get into cabinet const. also.

 

[ear3]

With the Domiplate and the full Domino set you're basically good to go -- I assume that since you have all the bits you also got the domino assortment systainer.

The only extras that I can think of are the imperial thickness gauge and the handrail fence.  The former is a pretty expensive piece of plastic, and I would only recommend it if you come up with a very good reason why you need, say, a 1/2" offset as opposed to a 12mm one.  I bought the latter second hand because it was listed at a good price, but I have yet to use it.

 

[SoonerFan]

With the Domiplate and the full Domino set you're basically good to go

I agree.  You have everything you need to take advantage of the DF500 except practice.  Enjoy.  It's a great tool.

 

[erock]

Ditto what Edward said.      Domiplate is the only aftermarket accessory needed for the DF500.

Eric

 

[waho6o9]

How about a dust extractor with a dust deputy?

Congrats on acquiring the Domino!

 

[pettyconstruction]

Cool,thanks.
Yeah I got a good deal on the assortment systainer,so I bought them both.

I hear you about practice,I tried it out on some 1/2"ply and made a mess of it,but I think I will get it. Have a ct26,so that's covered also.
Thanks for the help.
Charlie

 

[bertv]

I tried it out on some 1/2"ply and made a mess of it, …

I feel ya, been there too. For half-inch material the Domiplate is an absolute must have. Saved my beans often enough, not to mention quite a few sheets of ply.

 

[Birdhunter]

I'd strongly recommend watching the Halfinchshy Youtube videos on the Domino. They saved me a lot of time on the learning curve.

A sharp pencil to mark mortise locations and a roll of blue tape to identify what goes to what are my only accessories other than the Domiplate.

Some tips I've learned the hard way.....

A neat trick is to sand off the edges of the tenons for use in dry fit ups. Sanding the edges makes it easy to pull them out of the mortises. I mark the sanded ones with a ink marker so I will not use them for a real glue-up.

Everyone develops their own techniques for the Domino, but I like using the narrow setting on one board and the middle (wider) setting on the other board. This allow for some error in drilling the mortises. Remember to change width settings with the Domino running.

A gentle smooth push into the wood works far better than slamming into the wood. This is especially true drilling into end grain.

Make sure the fence is well tightened down or it will drift and your row of mortises will not be aligned. This cannot happen with the Domiplate. However, be careful installing the Domiplate as it is possible to cross thread the screws. I put a dab of light oil of the threads and really ease them down.

I first had a problem with letting the Domino tip slightly as I drilled the mortise. All kinds of bad stuff happens if you tip the tool. I use more pressure on the front of the Domino and a little less on the back keeps tipping from occurring.

Practicing on scrap is very wise.

Lastly, expect a strong urge to buy the 700 to hit you soon.

 

[ear3]

I'd strongly recommend watching the Halfinchshy Youtube videos on the Domino. They saved me a lot of time on the learning curve.

Great advice.  Especially this one, which goes through the cursor calibration:

 

[grbmds]

My advice is to use the Domino; practice with it and make a project or two. Then decide on what else you need to do the type of work you will do with it. The Domino can be a tool that needs no accessories. While it may give you some satisfaction to know the tenon is placed exactly in the center of the thickness of a 3/4" piece of plywood, there really isn't any need for it. Watch the videos online and practice, then think about what else you might need. A set of different sized Dominos with the available Domino bits might be the only other things you need to buy. It's one of those tools that really is a "complete" tool in itself.

 

[Woodenfish]

I agree with grbmds. You can't buy experience, you have to earn it.

 

[Stone Message]

For me the "must have" extra is the Trim Stop (493487) - I use it almost every time I do a project. It also fits the large DF700 if you ever aspire to get one.

Peter

 

[pettyconstruction]

So without pictures,it didn't happen.
Here ya go