jfhdds@pacbell.net
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This is my first post…. I’m looking for options for after-market guide products for the DF 500 domino jointer
DF 500 guides
- Thread starter jfhdds@pacbell.net
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squall_line
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There are any number of them, depending on what you want to do.
Seneca and Woodpecker's come to mind readily, but also UJK, TSO, and others have some different options, I believe. There are also Etsy stores with 3D printed adapters for different uses, some that make more sense than others.
Honestly, if you already have a DF-500, I would start with the Festool-branded options first (they come with the -Set version, but are also sold separately), watch some technique videos on YouTube, and see where you are still looking for assistance. Most aftermarket guides are one-trick ponies, so make sure that whatever need you have when purchasing is a long-term need or something that only that tool can accomplish for the price.
Seneca and Woodpecker's come to mind readily, but also UJK, TSO, and others have some different options, I believe. There are also Etsy stores with 3D printed adapters for different uses, some that make more sense than others.
Honestly, if you already have a DF-500, I would start with the Festool-branded options first (they come with the -Set version, but are also sold separately), watch some technique videos on YouTube, and see where you are still looking for assistance. Most aftermarket guides are one-trick ponies, so make sure that whatever need you have when purchasing is a long-term need or something that only that tool can accomplish for the price.
I'm with squall_line 100% here.
The only exception is the TSO Bigfoot, which I don't own if you need a better grip for certain mortising work.
The DF500 and Festool accessories are what you need, but after using them for a while, you can explore other third-party products as needed based on your actual experience and needs.
I think there're maybe over 30 (?) different third-party DF-related products out there (some discontinued), not counting shop-made options. I only own one of the commercial ones, which I bought when it was released -- after using my DF500 for over ten years.
The only exception is the TSO Bigfoot, which I don't own if you need a better grip for certain mortising work.
The DF500 and Festool accessories are what you need, but after using them for a while, you can explore other third-party products as needed based on your actual experience and needs.
I think there're maybe over 30 (?) different third-party DF-related products out there (some discontinued), not counting shop-made options. I only own one of the commercial ones, which I bought when it was released -- after using my DF500 for over ten years.
I have both the festool set and TSO Bigfoot.
For my needs the Bigfoot sees waaaay more use than all the other festool accessories combined.
YMMV
Also use this layout tool frequently:https://www.mpower-tools.com/product/point-2-point-layout-divider-mk2/
For my needs the Bigfoot sees waaaay more use than all the other festool accessories combined.
YMMV
Also use this layout tool frequently:https://www.mpower-tools.com/product/point-2-point-layout-divider-mk2/
The point 2 point marking tool looks interesting and easy to use.
The Festool cross stop can do exactly what the point 2 point does -- without marking anything, but unfortunately the cross stop has a learning curve, which isn't helped by the lack of any instructions/documentation from Festool. There is one Festool video that covers how to use it though. It's an accessory that one needs to keep using to be proficient at, much like using a Leigh dovetail jig.
The Festool cross stop can do exactly what the point 2 point does -- without marking anything, but unfortunately the cross stop has a learning curve, which isn't helped by the lack of any instructions/documentation from Festool. There is one Festool video that covers how to use it though. It's an accessory that one needs to keep using to be proficient at, much like using a Leigh dovetail jig.
luvmytoolz
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+1 for the TSO Bigfoot! Essential accessory in my opinion.
There isn't much documentation but one of the guys at my local Woodcraft recommended this book on Domino to me. Evidently, it's written by Festool and covers many aspects of its use. I've got it in my Amazon cart waiting for more items.
https://amzn.to/48HvVNI
https://amzn.to/48HvVNI
Based on the comments given in the Reviews, the book seems to be for beginners (and maybe that's why many reviews are in the 1 star or 2 stars category -- possibly from the seasoned DF users).
For myself, I don't buy anything on Amazon that doesn't carry an overall review rating of 4 stars or higher.
For myself, I don't buy anything on Amazon that doesn't carry an overall review rating of 4 stars or higher.
luvmytoolz
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onocoffee said:
That one looks pretty ordinary to me, you might possibly find the supplemental manual of more use from this site:
https://www.waterfront-woods.com/festool/
PaulMarcel
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+1 on the TSO Big Foot to get it to an "even" 5 points.
Best thing to do to learn the Domino is grab some scrap of varying thickness and make dry-fit joints with them. The varying thickness gives you more joining options to learn and cements in the whole 'reference surface' concept. Especially learn to use the bottom as a reference as well as the drop-down fence and learn the marks on the underside.
Best thing to do to learn the Domino is grab some scrap of varying thickness and make dry-fit joints with them. The varying thickness gives you more joining options to learn and cements in the whole 'reference surface' concept. Especially learn to use the bottom as a reference as well as the drop-down fence and learn the marks on the underside.
Cheese
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I've only purchased 2 non-Festool, after market items for the Domino...the Big Foot and the Domiplate.
After years of use the Big Foot is a big YES.
After years of use the Domiplate is a big NO.
A a bonus round, the Big Foot is also useable on the DF 700.
After years of use the Big Foot is a big YES.
After years of use the Domiplate is a big NO.
A a bonus round, the Big Foot is also useable on the DF 700.
Michael Kellough
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tsmi243 said:
Same here. For anything under 1” thickness I use the Domiplate exclusively. And mine is just a prototype. Plain unanodized aluminum.
If I remember it correctly, the dominplate came to the market partly (or mainly?) to "[eliminate] the possibility of fence drift," an issue that might exist only in the earlier machines (with pins?) (mine, with paddles, has had no such issue and it was bought in 2013). As we know, plysheets vary in thickness among different brands/batches and so deadly centered mortises (which aren't necessary anyway) can't be guaranteed even if the dominplate is used.
Since the DF as is can handle 1/2" and 3/4" sheets well without any third-party accessory, I consider the dominplate an unnecessary add-on. with even some cons if used:
- I need to turn the machine over when changing the mortise width (e.g. from narrow to loose, which many do after milling the first mortise)
- I can't turn the machine off while the machine in the middle of the operation -- for whatever reason -- unless I flip the machine over
- Every time I flip the machine over, I need to flip it back to resume milling (a step not needed if the machine is used without the dominplate as you won't flip the machine in the standard operation of the DF500)
- I can't do mid-panel mortises or any vertical mortising unless I remove the dominplate
- I use my DF with a LED tucked to the machine and that is no longer possible if the dominplate is used.
Every woodworker's project requirements as well as working habits are different. I'm speaking for myself as how I see the dominplate a hindrance to my work. I've never used the dominplate and so this should not be interpreted as an assessment of the value or quality of the product itself for every one. Some users may find it a time-saver for the things they do; they should keep it.
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Since the DF as is can handle 1/2" and 3/4" sheets well without any third-party accessory, I consider the dominplate an unnecessary add-on. with even some cons if used:
- I need to turn the machine over when changing the mortise width (e.g. from narrow to loose, which many do after milling the first mortise)
- I can't turn the machine off while the machine in the middle of the operation -- for whatever reason -- unless I flip the machine over
- Every time I flip the machine over, I need to flip it back to resume milling (a step not needed if the machine is used without the dominplate as you won't flip the machine in the standard operation of the DF500)
- I can't do mid-panel mortises or any vertical mortising unless I remove the dominplate
- I use my DF with a LED tucked to the machine and that is no longer possible if the dominplate is used.
Every woodworker's project requirements as well as working habits are different. I'm speaking for myself as how I see the dominplate a hindrance to my work. I've never used the dominplate and so this should not be interpreted as an assessment of the value or quality of the product itself for every one. Some users may find it a time-saver for the things they do; they should keep it.
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I bought a domiplate when I got my domino in 2017 before I got a Bigfoot [I don't know if the bigfoot was out then, but it wasn't quite as popular as now]. The Domiplate worked well in my kitchen cabinet workflow, because it gives you two solid 90 degree references without any tipping. With no attachment, the vertical plunges would not have any large flat reference surface. If you are plunging horizontally into the edge of the plywood, the Domiplate is a large flat area against the work. If you are plunging vertically into the face of the plywood, the fence (in it's completely upright position) serves as a large flat surface against the workpiece and the Domiplate just sets the height of the mortise.
The Bigfoot is going to be similar in that you would use the domino fence as the height reference, and vertically plunging into the face you have the Bigfoot as a flat surface. Horizontally plunging, the Bigfoot will just hang off the edge.
For this use case, it really just boils down to which one you like better in terms of handle positions. The Bigfoot has additional use cases beyond just plywood and is certainly a step above the included support bracket - especially for the larger DF700.
The Bigfoot is going to be similar in that you would use the domino fence as the height reference, and vertically plunging into the face you have the Bigfoot as a flat surface. Horizontally plunging, the Bigfoot will just hang off the edge.
For this use case, it really just boils down to which one you like better in terms of handle positions. The Bigfoot has additional use cases beyond just plywood and is certainly a step above the included support bracket - especially for the larger DF700.
Michael Kellough
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[member=57948]ChuckS[/member] I bought a Domino as soon as available and I did have the fence slipping problem so I jumped on the chance to get a prototype Domiplate. It really solved the problem.
The Domiplate guarantees that mortises will be the same distance from the surface at any point in the workflow (or any point in time). The Domino’s built in step gauge is almost as reliable but if you have to go by the scale and curser when setting the fence height you’re unlikely to get exactly the same height repeatedly.
Turning the machine over isn’t problem and the con about having to remove the Domiplate to make mid panel mortises is something that can be avoided when planning the workflow.
I haven’t done this but you could add a mount to the Domiplate for a light. A couple of threaded through holes and the mount could be moved to either side of the plate.
The Domiplate guarantees that mortises will be the same distance from the surface at any point in the workflow (or any point in time). The Domino’s built in step gauge is almost as reliable but if you have to go by the scale and curser when setting the fence height you’re unlikely to get exactly the same height repeatedly.
Turning the machine over isn’t problem and the con about having to remove the Domiplate to make mid panel mortises is something that can be avoided when planning the workflow.
I haven’t done this but you could add a mount to the Domiplate for a light. A couple of threaded through holes and the mount could be moved to either side of the plate.
Michael Kellough said:
Hmmmm, this part of your comment got me thinking it would be very simple to fabricate a set of Domino specific set up blocks of various common used thickness. Basically set the tool base and block on a flat surface, butt tool against the block and use its thickness to set the fence at a repeatable height.
Anybody already doing this?? I tend to find myself fussing with the fence height and setup blocks would idiot proof the process somewhat.
luvmytoolz
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[member=68668]Vtshopdog[/member] I originally planned on getting a Domiplate myself but just never got around to it, but to be honest I'd struggle to recall a single time I would have used it.
I've made it a habit to just reference off the top using the preset height block and while it's usually not perfectly centred, as it's not seen this makes no difference to me.
I do have the Bigfoot though which I would consider an essential accessory, I use that a lot!
I've made it a habit to just reference off the top using the preset height block and while it's usually not perfectly centred, as it's not seen this makes no difference to me.
I do have the Bigfoot though which I would consider an essential accessory, I use that a lot!
