Considering purchasing a Domino
- Thread starter MavDog
- Start date
I purchased the Domino a couple of weeks ago, could make a nice deal for the full set + domino systainer ( No discount, but a very nice "Thank you so much" discount on some other tools instead ) So I effectively got the full set + domino systainer with cutters ( incl 4mm , both in the new T-loc systainers ) that was already on discount from Festool, for an additional 15% off. Had been eying it for a while, but this closed the deal.
Strangely enough, I hadn't been able to even try it - it has been a madhouse ratrace lately.
Today I knew I had to do some interior work that had to be neat AND fast, located in a Sauna/welness/spa setting and since this business is open 363 days a year, everything has to be started and finished in the off-hours - they simply don't close. Accessability is from 4:00 am, but from 10:00 am the guests arrive, and all has to be finished by then - a 6 hour window.
Among other things, I had to make a small waterproof plywood cove, mount it ( with a laminated "cherry" top ), prime it, mount tiles AND wash in the seams with grout, so time was at a premium. I brought along the Domino, not knowing if I'd use it.
Normally, I would have just butted up the plywood ( sawed on site with the TS55/CTL22 and rail on some PS insulation panels - there's no workshop available and very little room ) but knowing I had to tile it on short notice, I chose to miter the joint and just try the Domino.
3/4 Waterproof ply, mitered joint about 3 1/2 ft high. I just mitered the cut, used the other half as mating panel, and took out the Domino.
It didn't take long to figure things out ( had been reading quite some tips and tricks about it on this very forum - that helped a lot ) and my actual first plunge with the Domino was a 12mm deep cut at 45 degrees, narrow setting, 5mm cutter, using the flipstop. Then the other flipstop for the other end, and the mating panel ( hoping the stops would line up ).
It was like a miracle ! I dropped in ( OK - persuaded in ) two 5mm domino's and the panels lined up easily !! Made three more scribe marks with the panels joined, took the one step wider setting, visually lined up he machine, took 6 more plunges ( securely holding the baseplate, but gently pushing it in holding the plug-it - not the housing ). Applied waterproof express PVA glue, simple clamping, and let it sit for a while, doing one of the myriad other things that had to happen. And voila: one supersimple rocksteady miter joint in WP plywood. Perhaps it took 10-15 minutes more then a simple screwed butt-joint, but this one was superstraight, and there's often some creep when you simply screw a butt joint, so hardly any time lost.
Absolutely amazing !
Since there was no matching 40mm worktop material left, I had to conjure up something from two 17.5 mm left over shelves and some 5mm WP masonite - I used a couple of domino's to line things up, and sandwiched the lot together with a couple of clamps and some contact cement. Matching 40mm laminate edge banding was at hand. The secure positioning using the domino's was a boon, as I could easily saw the unglued completed sandwich to size without the wiggle and/or misalignment that I experience a lot with dowels, however careful I position them. And I ended up with a rocksolid sandwich, 40mm thick, with two good sides.
This all without any prior experience, it was actually the first time the Domino was used. I had seen it used, I had actually tried it once ( long time ago, another contractor had one ) but never ever really used it. I have had a biscuit joiner, but sold it as soon as I noticed that biscuits are prone to "stamp though" in thin material. I kinda missed the functionality though, and the Domino was the right colour as well.....
I'm absolutely sold on this machine. I more or less expected that to happen, but it was even way better then I had envisioned.
Regards,
Job
Strangely enough, I hadn't been able to even try it - it has been a madhouse ratrace lately.
Today I knew I had to do some interior work that had to be neat AND fast, located in a Sauna/welness/spa setting and since this business is open 363 days a year, everything has to be started and finished in the off-hours - they simply don't close. Accessability is from 4:00 am, but from 10:00 am the guests arrive, and all has to be finished by then - a 6 hour window.
Among other things, I had to make a small waterproof plywood cove, mount it ( with a laminated "cherry" top ), prime it, mount tiles AND wash in the seams with grout, so time was at a premium. I brought along the Domino, not knowing if I'd use it.
Normally, I would have just butted up the plywood ( sawed on site with the TS55/CTL22 and rail on some PS insulation panels - there's no workshop available and very little room ) but knowing I had to tile it on short notice, I chose to miter the joint and just try the Domino.
3/4 Waterproof ply, mitered joint about 3 1/2 ft high. I just mitered the cut, used the other half as mating panel, and took out the Domino.
It didn't take long to figure things out ( had been reading quite some tips and tricks about it on this very forum - that helped a lot ) and my actual first plunge with the Domino was a 12mm deep cut at 45 degrees, narrow setting, 5mm cutter, using the flipstop. Then the other flipstop for the other end, and the mating panel ( hoping the stops would line up ).
It was like a miracle ! I dropped in ( OK - persuaded in ) two 5mm domino's and the panels lined up easily !! Made three more scribe marks with the panels joined, took the one step wider setting, visually lined up he machine, took 6 more plunges ( securely holding the baseplate, but gently pushing it in holding the plug-it - not the housing ). Applied waterproof express PVA glue, simple clamping, and let it sit for a while, doing one of the myriad other things that had to happen. And voila: one supersimple rocksteady miter joint in WP plywood. Perhaps it took 10-15 minutes more then a simple screwed butt-joint, but this one was superstraight, and there's often some creep when you simply screw a butt joint, so hardly any time lost.
Absolutely amazing !
Since there was no matching 40mm worktop material left, I had to conjure up something from two 17.5 mm left over shelves and some 5mm WP masonite - I used a couple of domino's to line things up, and sandwiched the lot together with a couple of clamps and some contact cement. Matching 40mm laminate edge banding was at hand. The secure positioning using the domino's was a boon, as I could easily saw the unglued completed sandwich to size without the wiggle and/or misalignment that I experience a lot with dowels, however careful I position them. And I ended up with a rocksolid sandwich, 40mm thick, with two good sides.
This all without any prior experience, it was actually the first time the Domino was used. I had seen it used, I had actually tried it once ( long time ago, another contractor had one ) but never ever really used it. I have had a biscuit joiner, but sold it as soon as I noticed that biscuits are prone to "stamp though" in thin material. I kinda missed the functionality though, and the Domino was the right colour as well.....
I'm absolutely sold on this machine. I more or less expected that to happen, but it was even way better then I had envisioned.
Regards,
Job
jvsteenb said:
Thanks for the story
It's easy to get used to the Domino, which is why the original poster absolutely should get the full assortment-systainer. It's going to be used for pretty much everything, so it's excellent to have a wide range of bits and dominos available from the start.decoy said:jvsteenb said:
Thanks for the story
I agree. After getting used to the domino it is now fast becoming one of my most used Festool. It is just such a versatile tool. I love it.
I also got the full assortment (domino with the stop and extra systainer with tenons and "bit set") and I would fully suggest that. It increases the usefulness of the domino exponentially. I would just give you one piece of advice. When you open the packets of domino do what I do and put them into some zip lock bags. I live in the cape where it can get very wet and because the domino is so precise that if the tenon absorbs too much moisture it can make it hard to get it into the mortise.
Don't let that put you off though, it's not impossible it just means you would have use a mallet instead of your hand.
Amazing tool and I am absolutely happy that I've got it.
I got the assortment, extra bits and systainer; a really good deal. I also have the 4mm dominoes and bit. They are great for putting edging on ply.
I don't have any problems with tight fit. I lube the dominoes with bees wax/peanut mix and they slide right in. I normally don't use glue.
I don't have any problems with tight fit. I lube the dominoes with bees wax/peanut mix and they slide right in. I normally don't use glue.
Mr. Jeff Smith
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Loving the Commander Keen mashup Decoy. [tongue]
fscraftsman
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Get all the toys with it trust me you'll find a use for them. As far as tight fit a little glue makes for easy insertion and only takes a little to make a tight joint. As far as versatility have made the wife drive an hour each way to the job site to bring me more domino's when have had Kreg screws and nails on the truck. I put everything togethere with them
Well I bought the Domino and assortment this weekend. [big grin] I was happy to find out that the assortment comes with a 4mm cutter and tenons. I haven't had a chance to use it much yet but I did try it out as soon as I got it. As you all know it is a great tool. Can't wait to use it on a project. Thanks for all the recommendations. Hmm what is next on my list now. 
Rob-GB
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- Nov 7, 2009
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- 1,101
MavDog said:Well I bought the Domino and assortment this weekend. [big grin] I was happy to find out that the assortment comes with a 4mm cutter and tenons. I haven't had a chance to use it much yet but I did try it out as soon as I got it. As you all know it is a great tool. Can't wait to use it on a project. Thanks for all the recommendations. Hmm what is next on my list now.
A better paid job to pay for all the
You will find so many uses for the Domino kit, it has changed some of my thinking when designing projects already, and I'm only a couple of months in to it. ;D
Have a play, using each cutter and try out a variety of fence angles to get a feel for the tool, the more you use it the more ideas come to mind.
Have fun.
Rob.
Rob-GB said:MavDog said:Well I bought the Domino and assortment this weekend. [big grin] I was happy to find out that the assortment comes with a 4mm cutter and tenons. I haven't had a chance to use it much yet but I did try it out as soon as I got it. As you all know it is a great tool. Can't wait to use it on a project. Thanks for all the recommendations. Hmm what is next on my list now.
A better paid job to pay for all thetoystools your gonnawantneed! [laughing] [laughing]
You will find so many uses for the Domino kit, it has changed some of my thinking when designing projects already, and I'm only a couple of months in to it. ;D
Have a play, using each cutter and try out a variety of fence angles to get a feel for the tool, the more you use it the more ideas come to mind.
Have fun.
Rob.
I'm in the same boat, and couldn't agree more with that. Can't believe I waited so long to get one myself until a few months ago. You really have no idea how versatile and creative it can make doing different jobs easier, more accurate, and more fun, until you get one yourself. Truly a Swiss Army knife in the shop.
