connectors

[Taylormade]

I am wondering if the Festool connectors for the Domino 500 will work to connect non-90 joints other than a 45 on picture frame?  For example, I am building a tree-shape shelf and would like to be able to take some parts of it apart.  So the butt end of one 8-10 board cut at a 10-45 degree angle will join the face of another board.  Anyone know if any of the connectors will work for this application?  Thanks!

 

[Birdhunter]

I have watched a number of videos showing usage of the 500 connectors. I’ve seen only 90 degree or 180 degree joints.

 

[tallgrass]

I would expect they would work as long as there is clearance for the pockets and the clamping surfaces are perpendicular to the connectors. Use a domino in conjunction with the connectors for positional accuracy.

 

[Gregor]

They work everywhere you could place an 8mm domino (of similar length and positioning as a connector would need) and are able bore the access hole(s) with the jig.
Angle of the connection dosn't really matter, as long as there is enough material to place the connector.

 

[gunnyr]

I'm hoping you'll try it out on scrap material and post your results for all to see! ;D

 

[peter halle]

This may help in some situations:  Check out this video from #festoolsedge:  https://instagram.com/p/BsyjUKiFCxJ/

Peter

 

[Jcwoodshop]

That depends on the thickness of the boards and the angles involved.
For example here is two pieces of 2x stock, each cut on a 30 degree angle with the narrow side (edge) of the board facing you (Photos 1 & 2). You can just about get either connector type to fit. Any board less than 2x or miters greater than 30 degrees, in this case, would be a problem for either type of connector. You would also be limited to inserting only one connector  at each edge of the board. An access hole would also have to be drilled into the edge of the board facing you, to allow for insertion of the threaded nut which contains the hex screw.

Using the same size 2x lumber, and trying to locate the connectors along the wider face of the boards, also has its constraints (Photos 3 & 4). With the 2x boards in the same configuration the connectors could fit, however, you wouldn’t be able to use the drilling template. You would need to locate the access hole considering the depth that you plan to set the connector, the miter angles involved, and the face on which you decide to locate the access hole. I've tried to show with pencil marks where the access hole would be located if coming from the outside face of the board.  Since you’ll be drilling the access hole on an angle the hole will appear as an oval and the plastic covers wouldn’t fit correctly. You could cut your own wood plugs to cover the access hole.

The bottom line is that you’ll need to experiment using your size boards and the angles involved.