DF 500 Cross Stops

[Ricky Blue]

Hi Everyone
I have just used the cross stops on my df500 and run into an issue.
This is the first time that I’ve used them for a long joint and found that the mortises became more and more out of alignment.
I checked for all of the obvious errors, but I’d followed the correct procedure.
So, started to check the set up of the machine and after a while I discovered that in order to get the pins in the cross stops to be equal distances from the centre line, I have to have one side set to 1mm less than the desired number and the other set to 1mm more than the desired number.
Therefore, if both are set to the same number it results in a 2mm compounding error.
If I switch the stops I get the same error.
Has anyone come across this type of issue before?
Thanks

 

[ChuckS]

Post in thread 'The Domino Cross Stop Minimizes Pencil Lines and Improves Precision'

May 12, 2021

Chuck - many thanks for your highly detailed reply.  AT the weekend I will give this another go.
Snip.

When you retry  (if all in tight setting only), make sure that the mortises milled are clean, that's, the outside corners have no debris left as that could affect each pin registration (and the compound error could kick in). In addition, apply even pressure when registering the cross stop pins against each mortise. (Also check that the pins on the cross stop are set to the same distance from the cutter.)

That ^ is important.  When you place the pin in the...

• semenza

Please refer to the instructions and drawing in reply #13. That's how I use the cross stop without the misalignment problem you encountered.

 

[Ricky Blue]

Hi thanks for your reply.
I’m sure that I followed this method.
If the left and right pins are different distances from the centre a compound error seems inevitable.
I’ll try again tomorrow, but not hopeful
Thanks again for your reply

 

[smorgasbord]

If I switch the stops I get the same error.

Are you saying the error stays with the Domino base, or stays with the cross-stops? If it stays with the cross-stop, then something's up with the cross-stop, but if it stays with the base, then something's wrong with base/cutter alignment. Do the built-in stops work accurately on both sides?

 

[Ricky Blue]

The error stays with the base. I’m thinking it must be machined badly. I can’t think of any thing else.
In other operations it seems accurate

 

[smorgasbord]

Do the built-in flaps have the same error?

 

[Ricky Blue]

No, the flaps/ paddles are accurate.

 

[smorgasbord]

I guess time to contact Festool then. If the flaps/paddles are accurate, then the base and bit are properly centered, but if the cross stops are off, and switching them doesn't switch the error, then it would seem something in the base where the cross-stops attach. Assuming it's not your technique, as mentioned earlier. Maybe get someone else to cut a few slots just to see?

 

[Ricky Blue]

Thanks again for your replies.
I'll message again with any updates

 

[Ricky Blue]

Hi
A quick update with a resolution.
While I was watching a few videos to try to find a cause for thise issue, I saw one that showed the older version of the df500 with pins instead of the 'paddles' that are on the current version.
It struck me that these pins and their housings are like there ones mounted in the cross stops.
Upon further investigation, they seem to be identical, and have the same adjustment / calibration facility.
The pins are mounted in an eccentric body that can rotate (following the slackening of a locking grub screw on the side) allowing the pin to move closer to, or further away from the centre line.
And, although the inaccuracy lies with the body, this adjustment has allowed me to set the cross stops precisely.
Hopefully, this will be of help to others who, like me, didn't know that these pins can calibrated