Domino 500 connectors

[jarbroen]

I've been building my stack of Festool for the last few years, but keep putting off the Domino.
The combination of an upcoming project and the 'Emerald' edition with cutters has me about ready to hit ADD to CART.

One aspect I haven't found a lot of feedback on is the new connectors that work with the 500.  Specifically, I'm wondering how well they work with 18mm ply.  The connectors use an 8mm hole and say down to 3/4 material.  Yet, with the regular domino a 5mm or 6mm is suggested in order to leave meat on either side.
I'm concerned about blow-out. And also wouldn't want to switch between 8mm cutter and 5mm if I was joining a long panel and using connectors at the ends and domino in the middle.

The project I'm considering using the domino and connectors for is baltic birch loft beds for my girls.  They will be held up by a bookshelf unit on each end with a plywood 'tub' sitting on top to hold the bed.  I know my description doesn't sound fancy, but the kids like the design I came up with in Sketchup.
I'd like the units to be easy to assemble/disassemble/reconfigure which is why I'm thinking of the connectors instead of gluing everything. 
I'd be using 18mm BB - spendy, but so great to work with.

I would appreciate any feedback on experience using the new connectors, especially if anyone has built with 18mm ply.
Thanks!

 

[broseiden]

I'm sure others here have more experience with them than I do, but to get the ball rolling:

When they work, they're awesome, but something like one-in-five that I bore dont end up seating properly. This has been across two projects -- the first being a small run of 3 base cabinets in 18mm prefinished birch ply, and the second was joining widths of ~25mm acacia countertop for a large island countertop.

As far as blowout, I didnt have any problems in 18mm ply, and just used 8mm beech dominos in conjunction with the connectors as I also didnt want to swap bits.

 

[jarbroen]

Thanks for the reply, Bro.  In what way did they not seat properly?  No holding power when you tightened the locking bit?

 

[capww8]

Can you share your SketchUp plan? I’m conceptualizing a similar project.

 

[Gregor]

When they work, they're awesome, but something like one-in-five that I bore dont end up seating properly. This has been across two projects -- the first being a small run of 3 base cabinets in 18mm prefinished birch ply, and the second was joining widths of ~25mm acacia countertop for a large island countertop.

I havn't had any problems with them, so far they just work.
Do you have some more information on what exactly went wrong in your case, what do you mean with 'seating properly'?

 

[Jim_in_PA]

I haven't tried the smaller connectors yet, but I felt very positive about them after the interactive demo I enjoyed during the Festool road show earlier in the year. I've used the larger 14mm versions and had a very positive experience. They are not inexpensive, but they do what they do well.

 

[jarbroen]

Can you share your SketchUp plan? I’m conceptualizing a similar project.

You bet.  I'll see if I can figure that out tonight or tomorrow.

The other option I was considering is using cross dowels and connector bolts hardware and buying the Woodpeckers cross dowel jig.  It looks well though out and the hardware isn't cheaper, but is readily available.  The downside is the bolt heads aren't as easy to hide or disguise.  Even the nicer looking heads is not really the look I'm going for.
Plus, I like that I can use a row of dominos across a longer panel.  The cross dowel method would be a lot of bolts or figuring out a second tool/procedure for alignment/strength.
And the Domino just looks much simpler to use.  I've learned to appreciate simple and fast.

 

[RussellS]

Can you share your SketchUp plan? I’m conceptualizing a similar project.

You bet.  I'll see if I can figure that out tonight or tomorrow.

The other option I was considering is using cross dowels and connector bolts hardware and buying the Woodpeckers cross dowel jig.  It looks well though out and the hardware isn't cheaper, but is readily available.  The downside is the bolt heads aren't as easy to hide or disguise.  Even the nicer looking heads is not really the look I'm going for.
Plus, I like that I can use a row of dominos across a longer panel.  The cross dowel method would be a lot of bolts or figuring out a second tool/procedure for alignment/strength.
And the Domino just looks much simpler to use.  I've learned to appreciate simple and fast.

And of course using the Domino connectors would give you a good reason to buy the Domino and have it for all its wonderful benefits for any project.  While using the Woodpecker device might work on this project, it would not give you the Domino as your very own to use on all other projects.

Basically, what I am suggesting is buy the Domino.  If it works for the connectors for this bed project, great.  If it does not and you have to build them some other way, no harm because you still get to keep and own the Domino and use it for everything else.

 

[Cheese]

When they work, they're awesome, but something like one-in-five that I bore dont end up seating properly. This has been across two projects -- the first being a small run of 3 base cabinets in 18mm prefinished birch ply, and the second was joining widths of ~25mm acacia countertop for a large island countertop.

Here's a whole gaggle of the D8 connectors installed in 18 mm Baltic birch. Everyone of them seated properly.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[Green Mojo]

I have only had good experience with the 500 connectors. But if you are used to the bigger ones, you can easily over torque them and shear off the spreader bolt.

 

[jarbroen]

Whatcha making Cheese?  That's a lot of connectors!

Thanks for the feedback, guys.  Looks like I'll be getting myself a Domino 500 soon.
Then I'll say 'why did I wait so long'.

 

[VirTERM]

Whatcha making Cheese?  That's a lot of connectors!

Thanks for the feedback, guys.  Looks like I'll be getting myself a Domino 500 soon.
Then I'll say 'why did I wait so long'.

Yeah, I am going to purchase this kit as well. Great discussion/feedback. THank you All

 

[jarbroen]

Here's a couple of angles on the loft bed I'm designing for the kids.  They will each get their own(separate rooms).
I'll probably make the bookshelf/desk units sit inside the tub for extra stability. 
This is my first attempt at Sketchup, lots of starting over.  [laughing]
I also have plans for cutouts and windows, where appropriate.

 

[BarneyD]

Hi [member=65755]jarbroen[/member]

I can't help with Sketchup. I've tried it and I just don't "get it". I use only Autocad.

But one thing you might consider is to have the front rail hinged. Makes changing the sheets a bit less painful.  I made the following loft bed for my granddaughter a few years ago and it was a big hit. And Mom likes the easy access to sheets.

[attachimg=1]

Good luck with yours.
Barney

 

[jarbroen]

I had that same feeling about Sketchup.  I usually sketch out my designs on paper, but needed a way to visualize easier in 3D.  Especially since the kids are all about pictures... lol
I'm slowly getting the hang of it. 

Thanks for the suggestion on hinging the side.  I'm not sure how I would incorporate that into my design, but will definitely think about it.  I know my wife would really appreciate that - she's usually the one changing the sheets.