Bridle Joint made with the Domino

[ROb McGilp]

Hi,
I know it all looks rough, but it took me all of 10 minutes! Maybe I'll try a larger version and post it later.

This is a bridle joint made using the 4mm Domino cutter in a piece of Radiata Pine.

The first pic shows how I set up for the correct cut depth. The actual workpiece is 12mm thick, so I used a piece of 20mm thick timber to provide registration and allow cutting to the correct depth. So the actual cut is at 20mm+radius of cutter.

Obviously you can do this with other cutters and to other depths (say a 28mm deep cut with a 6mm cutter on 18mm thick timber).

Once you have cut the rebates you cut the trough. In this case the measurements were 20+half the depth of the workpiece.
Then just match them up. You may need to do some minor chisel work, but not too much.
In this example, I was left with about 0.01mm at the top of the cut for the rebates. You can see that in pic 1. I was very rough in my cleanup, which shows in the finished joint.

I see this as being useful in situations where you are making a picture frame 28mm wide x 18mm deep or more and as a novel way to approach box lid joints.

Regards,

Rob

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Interesting approach... but I think it can be cut cleaner and just as fast with a Leigh FMT.  Ah, yet another justification for one....too bad the prices just increased....

Best,
Todd

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I remember years ago when my neighbor got his Kreg Jig after seeing what it could do for me in my shop. It was a good investment for him, but I began to notice how the ?newness? of the tool caused him to try to use the tool way beyond its usefulness, and he began using it for every conceivable task under the sun. I saw this same thing happening when Domino first came out too (as well as many other tools over the years). 

I think it is great to see new ideas for the use of a tool, but this actually exceeds the usefulness of the Domino. It would be different if the male and female cuts were integrated with the same settings, but the set-up is hit-or-miss on positioning and thickness. Furthermore, the radial sweep of the cutter is going to leave non-straight shoulders, which is also evident in the pictures. For this type of joint to be useful, the interfaces need to be tight, and I don't believe this is where the tool will be useful, and is why there are large gaps in the pictures.

 

[justinmcf]

hi rob, i dont own a domino, but it is next on my hit list. i personally would never use the domino for this type of joint, but if it works for you, good on you!
i prefer to cut this joint by hand with a japanese pull saw or if i have a lot to cut i would use my leigh jig.
for furniture making, i would consider your work as unacceptable. however, if you are looking for the rustic look, well then it is perfect.
regards, justin.

 

[Tezzer]

I remember years ago when my neighbor got his Kreg Jig after seeing what it could do for me in my shop. It was a good investment for him, but I began to notice how the ?newness? of the tool caused him to try to use the tool way beyond its usefulness, and he began using it for every conceivable task under the sun. I saw this same thing happening when Domino first came out too (as well as many other tools over the years).  

I think it is great to see new ideas for the use of a tool, but this actually exceeds the usefulness of the Domino.

Its blokes like Rob who push his thinking to the limit with his tools, Domino included. Some people love to sit back in their little comfy zone and play it safe pretending to know all, they are the ones who never seem to get anywhere. Not sure which category you fit into, but 10 out of 10 to Rob for innovative thinking.

It`s staggering he has shown an idea that has two people criticising it because it could be achieved better and quicker elsewhere. I cant speak for Rob, but maybe our Domino ideas should stay this side of the equator as they dont seem to be appreciated here.  

And what are all the other "use the tool way beyond its usefulness, and he began using it for every conceivable task under the sun. I saw this same thing happening when Domino first came out too " you are refering to? Have you some examples?

 

[score0matic]

In Responding to this thread  I feel like Tevy, in Fiddeler on the Roof

I remember years ago when my neighbor got his Kreg Jig after seeing what it could do for me in my shop. It was a good investment for him, but I began to notice how the ?newness? of the tool caused him to try to use the tool way beyond its usefulness, and he began using it for every conceivable task under the sun. I saw this same thing happening when Domino first came out too (as well as many other tools over the years).  

I think it is great to see new ideas for the use of a tool, but this actually exceeds the usefulness of the Domino.

You're right

Its blokes like Rob who push his thinking to the limit with his tools, Domino included. Some people love to sit back in their little comfy zone and play it safe pretending to know all, they are the ones who never seem to get anywhere. Not sure which category you fit into, but 10 out of 10 to Rob for innovative thinking.

It`s staggering he has shown an idea that has two people criticising it because it could be achieved better and quicker elsewhere. I cant speak for Rob, but maybe our Domino ideas should stay this side of the equator as they dont seem to be appreciated here.  

You're right too

I think the issue at hand is Rob demonstrated an original way to make substandard results with a very expensive power tool, thus bringing on the criticism.  Now he said very first that he is only 10 or so min in to exploring this idea
before he snapped some pics and posted for us.  Now I am ALL about modifying tools and exploring new uses to expand capability but I think It is safe to say that Festool users expect  better results.   In other words there is allot of work to be done before presenting this as a "how to", that other users will appreciate.

Rob do you think you can build a jig to turn your idea into a faster and more consistent process?

Craig

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

I am not really attacking Rob or his thinking and experimenting, just saying that I think there is a better and faster way to make the joint in quantity.

Heck, I mean we could throw out our handsaws and use a steak or even butter knife but what would be the point...  I guess I try to use the best tools for the job that I can and have available.  To call this a good idea would be for me to mislead Rob and perhaps others on this board, so I guess I am with Rick on this one.

As the old saying goes "if all you have is a hammer then every problem becomes a nail".

And if I offended anyone, well perhaps you were just looking to be offended.

Best,
Todd

 

[ROb McGilp]

Here's a 6mm bridle joint done again in quick time. This is straight off the domino. No clean up whatsoever. I am sufficiently encouraged by this result to continue work on it. The tenon and mortise are a very snug fit, which could easily be adjusted. I have plunged to the full 28mm and have probably used a little too much pressure, resulting in damage to the tops of the cuts. (Doesn't help if the cutter is dull either. :

I won't post further investigation results as there seems to be little interest. I would say that this joint was offered as a way of thinking laterally about the Domino's uses.

I'm fine with criticism, so long as the person making it has an understanding of the tools I am using and what I am trying to achieve. Please note that the face and back of the mortise and tenon are dead flat. No sign of any "wave" made by pendulum swing.
In my view, if the person making a criticism of this method of using the domino is unaware of how to achieve this over large spaces, their opinion , to me, is worthless.

 

[Holzhacker]

Before going to Lebanon I couldn't imagine buying a Domino. I saw the Domino as an overpriced, hyped biscuit joiner. Since then I am sold on one. Next job that comes along where I need my biscuit cutter, I will be factoring the cost of a Domino into the job.
As for Rob's vision, I think it is pretty awesome. I actually wondered whether the Domino could be used for this. Yes the results at this point aren't impressive in quality. The amount of clean up time of the joints doesn't make the method feasible.
However, if you made the Domino stationary (clamped to the workbench), made some stop jigs and depth plates I think this could actually work really well. Moving the wood across the Domino in a controlled fashion (sliding jig) might really work. A file could quickly square out the round shoulders.
If you continue to work on this Rob please post results, I at least am interested in how it proceeds.
Good luck

 

[Groggy]

Maybe we should form an approvals committee for new ideas.  :

Personally, I like to see new ideas, anything from the obvious to the ingenious. Unless it is dangerous, most people can figure out the benefits for themselves and seeing new approaches often sparks a lateral thinker off on to another tangent entirely.

In the case of the Kreg tool owner, it wouldn't surprise me if he is on another WW group somewhere explaining how he maximised his purchase dollar by using it for applications it was never intended to perform.  ;D

 

[PeterK]

Thank you Rob. I like your ideas and will try them out myself. No doubt there are other ways to do this but this spurs other usage thoughts.

Personally, I think we need MORE people posting "out of the box" ideas like we had in the earlier days of the FOG.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

I guess my real question after reviewing this method again is how useful is a bridle joint that is at a maximum only 28mm wide/deep?  Most situations call for joints in pieces larger than 1 1/8" wide.

Best,
Todd

 

[ROb McGilp]

Todd,
If you take nothing away from the fact that the joint can be made, that's fine.
Others may see the process as useful.
And as I said in the original post, I see a use in the making of picture frames and box lids.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Thanks for posting Rob. As a couple of other guys have said it's good to see new ideas. I'd also like to point out to members who's opinions are one both sides of this thread that the FOG is a friendly place where members share ideas not criticize or be rude to one another. Please keep things positive and constructive when members take the time to share new ideas. 

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Thanks for posting, Rob.  I think it is always good to be curious and test/push the envelope.  Another use for the Domino machine.  How many people have a Domino machine but not a router, or if Festoolies, have not a TS 55, Guide Rail and MFT and a few clamps with which to do the same job?  If the worker had to choose between a a router witha straight bit, and the Domino, wouldn't it be simpler to make the bridle joint using the router equipped with a fence, edge guide or simple custom base made from scraps?

Dave R.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

To add to what Dave has said and think outside the box I guess I could put the Domino in an upright 90 degree configuration and slide the base against the back edge of a Festool track and use it to cut 4,5,6,8 and 10mm wide grooves and dados.  I have not tried this and will likely not; even though it could be done, there are faster and easier ways to do it using more common, less expensive tools.  Besides it might be rather hard on the Domino's cutters too...

Best,
Todd

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi Todd,

I've been making Dados for box bases and rebates for backs of cabinets for years using the Domino, but its a lot simpler than the way you describe. Fast and accurate too. ;D
I wish I had never posted this thread now, I don't think people have taken it in the right way. I won't post anything like this again and will just keep myself to myself.

Regards,

Rob

 

[Mac]

I think that would be a real shame, Rob. I liked reading about your idea, and to me it shows someone that just takes pleasure from playing around with wood, and tools, and wondering what if.  Not enough people like that in the world, if you ask me.

Best,
Rick

 

[ROb McGilp]

Thanks, Mac,

People need to realise that the Domino's role is to dig holes, be they mortises or rebates. If you aren't thinking about what kind of holes you want the Domi to dig, then you're using an expensive and flexible tool to way below it's potential. If you want to just join boards, use biscuits. If you want power to create without buying extra tools, start thinking outside the box.

Regards,

Rob

 

[Tezzer]

start thinking outside the box.

that should read -  start thinking outside the systainer ;D