Domino 500 or Domino XL 700

[Michael1960]

I am about to start a job making five interior folding doors.  They are to be built from solid timber with glass panels.  Each door will be about 2280mm high x 600mm wide (about 90"  x 24").
Having acquired and used a Domino 500 I have no doubt this method of joining is a great way to go.  However, I have reservations about the size of the dominos for this application.  The Domino 700 would be my preference but I don't have one!! I'd really appreciate feedback as to whether the 500 could provide sufficiently strong joints or do I need to buy the big gun?

 

[peter halle]

How thick are your doors and how thick will the glass be?  With the 500 you can do multiple dominoes if your design will allow of course.

Peter

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Michael

The DF500 would make a great job but the DF700 would be better and give you the peace of mind that you are seeking through this thread.

With the DF500 I would have a pattern of 4 dominos at each of the major joints, certainly on the hanging side.

I would probably stick with a pattern of 4 dominos with the DF700 if the design allows although  a pair of 140 x 14 mm dominos (one above the other) would certainly do the job.

I think just about everyone would love to have an excuse to buy he DF700. It is the most superb machine - brilliant design, beautifully made and a joy to use. This is the tool to buy now or aspire to buy when funds allow.

Peter

 

[jacko9]

Michael,

I bought the 500 originally and it is great for building all kinds of furniture, etc.  However when the XL700 came out, I was looking very hard for an "excuse' to buy one so, a gate project and future door projects were sprung and now I own both machines.  I still use both machines frequently but, if money is tight you can do those doors with the 500.

Jack

 

[Michael1960]

Thanks for the replies. 
Peter - I am planning to use Western Red Cedar with timber approximately 37 mm (1 & 7/16") thick. 
The glass will be laminated & approx 6.4 mm thick (1/4")

 

[jacko9]

Thanks for the replies. 
Peter - I am planning to use Western Red Cedar with timber approximately 37 mm (1 & 7/16") thick. 
The glass will be laminated & approx 6.4 mm thick (1/4")

How many panels will each door have?  Western Red Cedar is pretty light material but the glass can be quite heavy.

Jack

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks for the replies. 
Peter - I am planning to use Western Red Cedar with timber approximately 37 mm (1 & 7/16") thick. 
The glass will be laminated & approx 6.4 mm thick (1/4")

I think Jack and I might worry that your cedar will be a little light for the weight of glass. Your rails may have to be quite wide (say minimum 6 inches). Do you have a sketch that you can post.

Peter

 

[Michael1960]

Thanks Jack and Peter for you comments regarding the choice of a light timber in what will be heavy glass  / timber doors. 
I plan to use 7" wide Cedar for the lower rail and 4" for the top rail.  Equally spaced between these rails I propose a further four rails each 4" wide.  These rails would house five sheets of (heavy laminated) glass.
As the doors aren't very wide I thought 4" Cedar would suffice.  But this needs a bit more thought...

Apologies for not providing a sketch of the plans - my scanner is broken.  (Those who know me would say its a bit convenient - and they'd be right - I would'nt have a clue as how to do it!)

 

[Stone Message]

Thanks Jack and Peter for you comments regarding the choice of a light timber in what will be heavy glass  / timber doors. 
I plan to use 7" wide Cedar for the lower rail and 4" for the top rail.  Equally spaced between these rails I propose a further four rails each 4" wide.  These rails would house five sheets of (heavy laminated) glass.
As the doors aren't very wide I thought 4" Cedar would suffice.  But this needs a bit more thought...

Apologies for not providing a sketch of the plans - my scanner is broken.  (Those who know me would say its a bit convenient - and they'd be right - I would'nt have a clue as how to do it!)

Hi Michael

Do not re-think the design or material unless the doors are more than 3 ft 3 inches wide. Regardless of DF500 or DF700 with nice thick timber I would put in 4 dominos at each joint. If you use the DF500 then 3 ft 3 inches would be as wide as I would want to go. With the DF700 then it could go a bit wider but a sketch would help.

Peter

 

[Dragginbutt]

Just to add my 2 cents worth... Where a hinge is going to go, I'd like to see a little wider stock than 4" for spanning the door's width.  Especially if weight is going to be a concern.  You can mitigate the weight issue a bit by using more hinges, perhaps 4.  Also how much use will the door get, and will this be an internal or exterior door?  Will they be subject to temperature and moisture swings as well?  ???

 

[Michael1960]

quote Dragginbutt
"Just to add my 2 cents worth... Where a hinge is going to go, I'd like to see a little wider stock than 4" for spanning the door's width.  Especially if weight is going to be a concern.  You can mitigate the weight issue a bit by using more hinges, perhaps 4.  Also how much use will the door get, and will this be an internal or exterior door?  Will they be subject to temperature and moisture swings as well?"

Thanks for this feedback.
With the combination of tall cedar doors (almost 2300 mm) together with heavy glass panels I agree using extra hinges would be prudent.  The doors are internal (closing off a dining room from a lounge room). I dont expect they will be subject to excessive use.