Domino bit got stuck

[Wim]

A few weeks ago I received my Domino from Bob Marino and for the first time something "unFestool like" happened. After I did a few test runs with the default 5 mm bit I wanted to change to the 10 mm bit for some heavy use. I could not remove the 5 mm bit with the tiny wrench. I had to use an adjustable wrench to get it off. Very carefully I increased the force and just before I was to give up, it snapped loose. I hope I did not damage anything. Afterwards the Domino did his job as it should and also the bits went off as usual after some use. Is there anybody else with the same experience?

 

[jonny round boy]

Wim,

The bits are 'self-tightening', in that the resistance applied to the bit by the timber tightens it onto the thread. So, they do sometimes take a lot of force to remove but I've never had to use a bigger wrench than the one supplied. Having said that, that little wrench is very tough, and will take a lot more force than you might think.

However I too noticed that, when they do release, they do so with what I can only describe as a 'snapping' noise. The first few times this is quite disconcerting, as it does sound like something breaking! Rest assured though that it's all OK, and no damage has been caused.

 

[Oldwood]

This brings to mind something told to me from Festool service.
When changing bits you should try to mount the wrench so the force is down towards the machine and not sideways.
This is less likely to take the mechanism out of center alignment.

Gerry

 

[Wim]

I have used the Domino also in Holland without this sticking of the default bit. And I could remove the bits after use with the doll house wrench without any fear of ripping something. It was only this one time I had to use some force. If you are using a wrench and you sense the material is flexing under the force, it is very disconcerting. That is at least my feeling after a lifetime of engineering. I was just seconds away from calling for help. I still have not used the superb after sales service of Festool.

 

[Wim]

Gerry, I rested the bit shaft on the workbench to minimize force through the surrounding construction. But to use force in the vertical direction (as seen with the Domino in normal use) is a sensible way to go.

 

[Frank-Jan]

Two weeks ago I had a similar experience. I needed to use the 4 mm bit, but the 10 mm bit was installed on my domino and I needed to use more force than I was comfortable with and I thought I would damage the machine.
At the time I was working outside, and the temperature was around freezing. I then tried warming the bit and the metal part of the domino with a heatgun at medium to low temperature, after which I could remove the bit fairly easy.

 

[Bob Marino]

Hi Wim,

My first thought is, that bit were pretightened by Festool, and once loosened, should be perfectly fine.
Let me know.

Bob

 

[Wim]

Hi Bob, the Domino is fine now. I did a few small projects with the 10 mm and the 4 mm bits. And the 4 mm tenons are very tiny but perfect in 1/2" plywood.

 

[AlexR]

I've experienced this a few times and on hearing how complex the mechanism inside is, I'm not to comfortable forcing it. So my plan is to get some copper slip, anti seizing compound for the thread.

 

[greg mann]

Putting a counter-acting force on the wrench where it surrounds the bit should prevent any damage to the internals. Wim did this by supporting that area on the bench but you can also do that with your thumb.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Wow, I broke my wrench tonight trying to loosen the Domino bit.

Took the Domino from room temperature in the house (~66) outside to the garage (~30).  Only was out there 10 minutes before I tried to remove the bit.  So I'm not convinced it was the cold.  I cut about 30 mortises with it a week ago... Maybe tightened it up good and snug in use.  Who knows..

Ouch...  Oh well, had to call Lester about something else anyway.   My first service call!   [scared]

[attachimg=#]

 

[goguppy]

Wow, I broke my wrench tonight trying to loosen the Domino bit.

Took the Domino from room temperature in the house (~66) outside to the garage (~30).  Only was out there 10 minutes before I tried to remove the bit.  So I'm not convinced it was the cold.  I cut about 30 mortises with it a week ago... Maybe tightened it up good and snug in use.  Who knows..

Ouch...  Oh well, had to call Lester about something else anyway.   My first service call!   [scared]
[attachimg=#]

Whooaaaagghh. [scared] [scared]  Lucky your thumb was not supporting the bit when it broke!!

 

[Brice Burrell]

Whooaaaagghh. [scared] [scared]  Lucky your thumb was not supporting the bit when it broke!!

It was and now his thumb looks like the wrench......

 

[goguppy]

Hey Brice, I am sorry to hear this, I hope it will "weld back" together again soon... [wink].

All the best,
Cheers