Calling all experienced Domino users

[Alanbach]

Ok people, I finally pulled the trigger on the DF 500. The recent promotion put me over the top. I also bought an empty Domino Systainer and 6,8 (both sizes) and 10mm dominos. Under this promotion it comes with the 5,6,8 and 10mm cutters.

I like to have my accessory game pretty together. I hate getting into a project and having to stop while I search down something that I need if I should have been able to anticipate the need. That’s where you come in. What else do I need? Please tell me your favorite Domino accessories and those that you use most often or find most invaluable. TIA

Ps. I own a CT 36 but currently I only own the 27mm hose.

 

[RKA]

For sheet goods and cabinet carcasses, the domiplate from seneca is easily the most used.  TSO's stops are on my list for mortising smaller parts.  Kreg quick clamps with seneca 20mm mounting feet to anchor the clamps to my MFT.

 

[deepcreek]

Just bought TSO's BigFoot and love love love it!

Thank you [member=59331]TSO Products[/member].

 

[Chris Cianci]

I agree with the above statements. However if you follow the hand placements taught in Festool training or pay close attention to the Festool and other UTube videos the domino can be used quite successfully right out of the box. I view the accessories as a bonus and add to the comfort of use .  I’d recommend installing a hook ( like the ones used to hang  a bicycle from the ceiling) nearby your work area as it provides a good place to hang the domino while you are working. That way you don’t trip on the hose and pull the domino to the floor. Kreg rapid clamps and or Festool clamping elements assist in repetitive tasks. In the early days I find it’s good to practice a dry run on hand placement, making level contact, registering the fence  etc etc prior to plunging Have fun

 

[JimD]

I recently bought a XL so I am new at this too.  But I have a trim stop on my list of things to acquire.  Seems like it will be handy for narrow pieces.

 

[Alanbach]

I bought the df500 set so I am pretty sure that it comes with the trim stop. I have to look into actual FT accessories a bit more.

These comments have been super helpful for me. I have already ordered the dominoplate and TSO’s Big Foot per some of the recommendations made here and my knowing the types of projects that I have in mind.

Keep those comments coming. I really appreciate the help!

Also. Specifically regarding FT vac hoses. Will the 27mm hose be sufficient?

 

[JimD]

The set comes with the trim stop and also another piece that lets you index off existing holes when doing a string of holes, can't remember what that is called.

 

[Roseland]

+1 for the Domiplate, especially if you make carcasses with a mix of 1/2” and 3/4”.

Andrew

 

[RKA]

27mm is fine (and it's the only one that will fit). 

 

[mcooley]

I will say with all the hours I have on the machine not needing an accessory is a pretty good testament to the tool. However things that are lacking are not offered currently. For example, it would be nice to actually have an ergonomic grip to help when plunging like the Mafell. Also a light for help registering. I might suggest a small rubber foot on the back to stop it from sliding out on you and hitting the floor. But what it really needs is an easier way to custom set depths and the fence. The plastic cams always worry me. All that said you will probably use the tool more or at least as often without the accessories as with them.

But here is a clever accessory for doing small work etc.
https://ramonvaldezfinefurniture.com/shop/

m

 

[Cheese]

I will say with all the hours I have on the machine not needing an accessory is a pretty good testament to the tool.

I'll echo mcooley's thoughts. Just use it for awhile and you'll then know what you need to purchase.

The first thing I purchased was a Domiplate. However I then realized that the thickness of plywood is not uniform so the Domiplate actually bought me nothing.

Seneca then came out with an imperial thickness gauge which I also purchased. However because again the thickness of imperial plywood materials vary so much, the gauge is basically worthless.

So, $150 bucks later, the two above mentioned accessories lie dormant in the Systainer. They're up for sale...

The only extra items I really need to use is the TSO BigFoot and a selection of inexpensive plastic shims that limit the cutting depth.  Just used the plastic shims this week to produce a series of joined boards that had a uniform spacing.
https://tsoproducts.com/accessories/dbf-45-bigfoot-base-support-bracket-for-festool-domino/
https://traxxas.com/search?keyword=3769

 

[Michael Kellough]

Seems like this is the first time I’ve disagreed with Cheese.

I think the Domiplate is very useful despite the variation in thickness of plywood. While the Domiplate can only position the Domino in the approximate center due to the thickness variation it positions the Dominoes absolutely consistently which is far more important.

Without the Domiplate you have to depend on the fence which is susceptible to creeping up the post.

 

[Cheese]

Seems like this is the first time I’ve disagreed with Cheese.

I think the Domiplate is very useful despite the variation in thickness of plywood. While the Domiplate can only position the Domino in the approximate center due to the thickness variation it positions the Dominoes absolutely consistently which is far more important.

Without the Domiplate you have to depend on the fence which is susceptible to creeping up the post.

LOL Michael  [smile]  ...that can only mean 1 of 2 things. Either I'm always right...or your cognitive process is as flawed as mine.  [poke]

I haven't used the Domiplate in more than 2 years. It just really buys me nothing.

And as a born-again  [big grin]  purist, I always wanted the Domino's to be registered in the absolute center of the board/ply. However, after several experiences where I mismarked the proper top surface, I realized that if the Domino was offset a slight amount, say 1-2 mm, the offset was visually noticeable and I was able to join the correct surfaces together without a mismatch in surface height. 

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

I very much agree with the suck it and see approach. I bought my domino machines as the full kit deals with the various Dominos, cutters and add ons etc. I have never had to add any after market items to enable me to use the machines, and I haven’t opened some of the accessory boxes.

These machines are usable straight out of the box, there is a learning curve but, not a big one.
They are a machine that requires a little extra concentration when setting out.
Got to be one of, if not the most innovative power tool out there.

 

[Sparktrician]

Take a class that meets your needs and includes the DF 500 in the curriculum.  You can't possibly go wrong here.  [smile]

 

[Alanbach]

[member=7493]Sparktrician[/member] - I have been looking at the schedule for Greg Paolini’s Festool classes and unfortunately it looks like I have missed them for now. I will keep my eye out for more. I have my eye on the two day General Festool class, what do you think?

 

[Sparktrician]

[member=7493]Sparktrician[/member] - I have been looking at the schedule for Greg Paolini’s Festool classes and unfortunately it looks like I have missed them for now. I will keep my eye out for more. I have my eye on the two day General Festool class, what do you think?

[member=66185]Alanbach[/member], the Festool System Essentials class is a great place to start, if you've never taken a Festool class before. 

 

[Alanbach]

[member=7493]Sparktrician[/member] - Cool! Thank you! I will call them Monday and try to find out more about their upcoming schedule.

 

[Chris Cianci]

I’ve taken several classes from Greg Paolini , Greg is great at technique and teaches in easy to remember ways. Plus you get the benefit of walking through a working cabinet and woodworking shop on your breaks and asking questions to his team about projects, finishes....really anything. There are great classes in a great area to visit, go to dinner,tour Asheville......lots to do

 

[sancho57]

[member=66185]Alanbach[/member]

google festool training and you'll find te classes. Nothing scheduled now. Nothing has been scheduled in LV or Indiana for a while now. Greg has been having classes regularly .

I asked whats going on with the classes in the Ax Festool folder, but have not gotten a reply. If you find out anything please share it