Domino 4mm cutter fetched from shaft during use

[Mjolner174]

I was using my 4 mm domino cutter in some half inch Baltic Birch when the cutter became detached from the fitting that holds it onto the domino. I had used it to make less then 20 plungers since I bought it, when it failed. As I was using it, it suddenly began to feel like it was wobbly like when you try to move in the opposite direction of a gyroscope. I noticed that the holes that it was cutting were small and at first thought that there must be some defect in the plywood from Home Depot that prevented it from being cut properly.

I have called Festool and they have promised to send me a replacement, but I thought that I would post this in case anyone else confronts this issue. As someone who is new to the domino, my first thought was that I was not adequately supporting the machine while plunging. As it is possible for this bit to detach completely, I consider myself fortunate to of come away unscathed.[/img]

 

[Birdhunter]

How did you get the detached part out of the mortise?

 

[afish]

I think I remember reading a warning somewhere about the 4mm cutter limitations.  Its more delicate for sure and requires extra care when using. Glad you didnt get hurt

 

[Cheese]

Like others on this forum, I keep a back-up #4 and #5 Domino cutter with the DF 500 just in case. They are more susceptible to breaking.

 

[Mjolner174]

How did you get the detached part out of the mortise?

Actually the detached part came out with the cutter. Looking at the cutter, while it was still attached to the machine, everything looked normal. I only figured out what was going on when I decided to change the cutter. When I detached the cutter completely from the machine  and picked it up, the bit portion separated completely from the fitting that attaches it to the shaft.