Broke a 5mm domino bit today

[sprior]

I make a couple of pieces for a friends home theater set up today joined entirely with dominos.  In the middle of making a domino hole in the face of a sheet of 3/4 walnut plywood for the project the tip of the 5mm bit broke off - fortunately I had a spare.

Is it common to break a bit like that due to some fault in technique?  I've only had the domino 500 for about 4 months so I'd be surprised if I had exceeded its normal lifespan.  I have used my CT26 for every hole and try not to feed too quickly.

 

[Brice Burrell]

While not common, you aren't the first to have this happen.  If the bit has only seen little use call Festool, they might be willing to replace the bit.   

 

[sprior]

I'd think if I was pushing too fast the bit would break closer to the tool, this broke right at the tip, wasn't even sure it was broken at first.

 

[epicxt]

I had the exact same thing happen to me on the first project I ever did with my Domino over a year ago. Plunging into red oak making some panel door parts and the tip of the bit snapped off. I was plunging slowly with the dc hooked up and using the same technique as I use now. I figured it was the luck of the draw and thankfully the local Woodcraft store agreed to stay open for an extra 15 minutes so I could drive over and get a few more bits. That was the first and only time it happened to me.

 

[Kevin D.]

Easy is the method.  It's not the same as a drill bit, and because it augers blindedly it needs exceptional feel and care.  

Take it easy ploughing.

 

[Sparktrician]

I'd think if I was pushing too fast the bit would break closer to the tool, this broke right at the tip, wasn't even sure it was broken at first.

Listen to the sound of the motor as you plunge.  If the sound changes drastically, you're plunging too fast.  A minor change in sound is perfectly normal, but not a significant change. 

 

[sprior]

I've tended to error on the side of timid plunging the Domino because I assume if you plunge too fast you risk the tool wiggling on you, so I don't actually think I've been plunging too fast.

In any case I called Festool and with no fuss at all they're sending a replacement cutter.

 

[RONWEN]

Plunging with too aggressive feed is BAD however plunging too slowly also prematurely wears the cutter -- as with most cutting tools there is a "sweet spot" where the tool is happiest.  [tongue]

 

[Sparktrician]

Plunging with too aggressive feed is BAD however plunging too slowly also prematurely wears the cutter -- as with most cutting tools there is a "sweet spot" where the tool is happiest.  [tongue]

Listen to the sound of the motor.  If it's happy, you'll hear the "Ahhhhh..." as you plunge the bit. 

[poke]  [big grin]

 

[TinyTiger]

I had the same experience - the tip of my bit broke off when plunging.

 

[Van G]

Did the same to a pair of 5mm when building patio furniture of Ipe. Haven't broken another since so I wrote it off to the Ipe.

Went through a dozen jigsaw blades as well!

 

[cgmojoco]

Did the same to a pair of 5mm when building patio furniture of Ipe. Haven't broken another since so I wrote it off to the Ipe.

Went through a dozen jigsaw blades as well!

This sounds familiar.  IPE is wicked on steal and even carbide.

I broke a 5mm CMT brand domino cutter on oak and have sworn never to buy a non-Festool branded cutter since...at least as long as the Festool branded cutters hold up and/or are readily replaced if faulty by Festool.  So far so good and I've put 100's more mortises with the Festool branded cutter than that CMT cutter...without fail.

 

[missionman]

I have broke the 5mm bits before.  One snapped in half and one the end sheared away.
Larry

 

[ward]

I make a couple of pieces for a friends home theater set up today joined entirely with dominos.  In the middle of making a domino hole in the face of a sheet of 3/4 walnut plywood for the project the tip of the 5mm bit broke off - fortunately I had a spare.

Is it common to break a bit like that due to some fault in technique?  I've only had the domino 500 for about 4 months so I'd be surprised if I had exceeded its normal lifespan.  I have used my CT26 for every hole and try not to feed too quickly.

I have broke a bit, and embarrassed to say I did not notice it right away because i did it right our of the box and was working end-grain in northern white oak and likely (in retrospect) working a bit fast as i was very excited to be using this awesome tool. Once i figured it out and also had an extra bit, I've never broken another again. I think it's a learning curve or really bad luck. Who knows? I'm grateful i've generally experience superlative service from Bob and Zack and the folks in Indiana. there is nothing like experience. I learn as i go, and ideally make different mistakes, experience different, new problems.

Hang in there, you may get an extra bit if you ask nicely.