DF 500 walking to the right?

[LsDelancy]

I assume I’m doing something wrong or there’s just a technique thing I’m not getting.
I just received my DF500 today.
I did 10-20 practice joints until I felt comfort.
Then I took it to an actual project and proceeded to make some joints.
A few times the tool walked to the right while I was plunging it.
It visibly moved and I could feel it doing so.
The joints are misaligned due to it.
As I said, I’m certain it is me and not the tool.
I was just hoping some of the more experienced users would have some tips on avoiding this in the future.

 

[ChuckM]

Sounds like your left hand holding the front handle was pushing the machine sideway. Assuming you're doing horizontal plunges with proper dust extraction, hold the front (fence) handle down and aim it straight forward, and plunge/push the barrel steadily. If you hear a chatter noise, the feeding is too fast.

I sprayed a light coat of epoxyshield anti-slip (home depot) on the fence to increase grip for certain vertical free-hand mortising tasks.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

The natural rotation of the bit wants to pull to the right if you are not holding firmly enough. This is exaggerated if the bit is dull (not likely in this case) or if you plunge too quickly. Don't get me wrong, this is not a huge problem or anything, just a tendency if not "checked" by the operator.

 

[LsDelancy]

Gotcha. It’s entirely possible I was plunging too fast.
Thanks!

 

[ChuckM]

Remember to let the cutter retract completely before moving the machine. The 4mm cutter can break if it's in contact with the wood as you lift up the machine.

 

[LsDelancy]

Thanks for the tips guys!
I’ll gladly accept any that anyone has!!!

 

[squall_line]

Thanks for the tips guys!
I’ll gladly accept any that anyone has!!!

If you haven't already checked it out, YouTube can be your friend here.

FestoolUSA's channel with Brian "Sedge" Sedgely has a number of videos on the Domino and the extractors.  He refently did a Festool Live episode at Hartville Hardware where he gave his "4 rules of Dominos".  Definitely worth watching.

The episode from his personal channel:


The first episode from FUSA:


The one at Hartville:

 

[LsDelancy]

I'm pretty sure my biggest problem so far has been plunging too fast.
Can't wait to get back out in the shop and get some more practice in.

Thanks for the video links. I've watched the Festool USA videos, but I didn't know about his other channel.

 

[thender]

One more suggestion...

Many of us (myself included) have found it beneficial to hold the motor way back at the end, where the power cable comes out.

Not sure why that seems to help, but it does. 

So give that a try as well.

 

[LsDelancy]

I saw the same tip in the first video linked above.
I believe that will help quite a bit.
I can totally see where I may have been tipping the machine as I was plunging, as I was holding it around the middle of the body.
Is it Friday yet?! I need to get back out there and join some scraps...

 

[peter halle]

[member=78170]LsDelancy[/member] ,

No matter what, don't doubt yourself.  We have all had learning curves with tools and many of us aren't real talkative about going thru them.

Sometimes it is those tools that look so darn easy that can have the little nuances that make us want to toss them back in the box and try to find a cat to kick.

Note:  I don't own a cat, I have never kicked a cat, and if I saw a cat it would sense that I am a dog lover and it would run before I got even close enough to attempt to kick it, pull a hamstring muscle, fall on the ground where there was no cellphone coverage and be attacked by fire ants.  Learn your tools over time, don't get frustrated, and eat your vegetables.  Stay away from cats.

Peter

 

[LsDelancy]

HaHa...

No cats around to kick, my dogs won't allow it.  [laughing]

I've been woodworking for many years, and have experienced learning curve frustration over new tools many many times.

When I first decided to get some hand planes and teach myself to use them years ago I almost gave up on that one, now THAT is a learning curve!

I'm older and more patient now.

Thanks!

 

[jeffinsgf]

Just one more thing to add...dust collection is imperative. DON'T try to Domino without a dust extractor connected.

 

[LsDelancy]

No worries there. I bought a CT MIDI just for that purpose.

 

[Jim Metzger]

I like to think of the motion when plunging as if you are shooting pool. Hold steady and firm at the front of the machine, grip from the rear around the plug-it and stroke smoothly directly forward. I even try to spread my footing a little for better weight distribution. Slow and steady.

This came from a hand tool class I took with the great Mario Rodriguez, the number of people who were trying to do accurate cuts with a handsaw while standing to the side of the work was a little demoralizing. We all needed to think carefully about our body position and arm motion in relation to the action we were taking.

Once you get the hang of it you'll grow to love the Domino.

I myself am still working on the HL 850 power planer.