Domino - Can i even join these boards with the Domino?

mortie

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Joined
May 25, 2015
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This is my first real project with the Domino.  I'm making an outdoor tabletop and the boards are uneven.  Can i use Domino tenons to pull them to even? 

Or can i just not join these boards?  [unsure]

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You can do it.  I presume that you want to retain the rustic character of the rough boards.    However, you would do well to edge-joint the boards as shown in this web page featuring Bob Marino.  This is very easily done using the TS 55 (or TS 75) and a guide rail.  Once this has been done, you can use the Domino (DF 500) to join the rough boards together.  I'd suggest that you would do well to use the sipo mahogany dominoes which are suitable to outdoor applications along with a glue like Titebond III which is also suitable for outdoor applications.  Set the DF 500 to the tightest width setting and use this in the center (lengthwise) of the boards, then open up the width setting to medium for the dominoes in the remainder of the job. 
 
I would try to retain the natural edges. Flip them over, and add three cross battens secured with stainless steel screws. Keep the cracks....

Here is some finish recommendations:

Per Fine Woodworking May/June 2009.

Seven coats, thinned per instructions of Epifanes High Gloss Marine Varnish
www.epifanes.com

or

Three coats Smith & Company, Penetrating Epoxy Sealer Under Five Coats Epifanes Marine Varnish
www.smithandcompany.org

I hope you like to wield a brush. That is a lot of coats.
 
clark_fork said:
I would try to retain the natural edges. Flip them over, and add three cross battens secured with stainless steel screws. Keep the cracks....

Following on Clark's recommendations, be sure to use slots rather than holes for the screws in the battens.
Using slots for the stainless screws will allow for seasonal movement of the planks.
 
First, I'd get some end grain sealer on the boards ASAP to stop the splitting. I'd also not try to edge joint the boards but leave a gap between them. The under structure must be strong enough to pull the boards even and resist further movement. A torsion box concept might work.

Those boards are beautiful!

Please share the finished project.
 
Humm....  I started the work before the recommendations to leave the inside edges with gaps.  I came up short on the width with these 4 pieces so i'm adding a 5th that's around 5".  I left the live edges on the outside.  Heading out to woodcraft this afternoon to buy Sipo tenons.  I'm not sure what to use (type of wood, etc.) for the cross battens or what a torsion box is so open to any ideas there. 

Here's where i'm at now.

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Here's the new piece of wood.  I was going to chop it down to about 5" square which is what i need to get the width i need.  Thought i would throw the image out there incase someone had a better idea of how to keep the edges. 

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My dog,  Boykin Spaniel named Abigail, "helps" me in the shop with her eyes closed as it appears your dog does.
 
Some of the ends that are not tight can be brought together with a dutchman and still retain the rough look.
 
Probably too late but the new plank could be split down the middle and used as the outside on each side of the table.

The new plank has a lot of character and suggests perhaps two bench tops. Then, go get yet another plank to use as a filler.

Factor in wood movement as was suggested before by Checkered Shirt. There is nothing sacred about table tops and they don't have to have tight sealed joints with Dominos. I doubt if the wood you are using has settled down and each plank will go its own way with the change of season.  It might be best just to skip the Dominos, allow something like a 1/4 inch gap for each plank and concentrate on the cross battens, with oversize holes and stainless steel washers. Seal the battens before securing them down.

If you are intent on using Dominos, you might think about some breadboard ends keeping the gaps and giving the Dominos wide berth to allow for horizontal and lateral movement but breadboard ends at least will keep the planks from curling (perhaps). It would give the ends a nice look and suggest that you know what you are doing.

 
pugilato said:
can be brought together with a dutchman and still retain the rough look.

Well said, darn well everything can be brought together with a dutchman and stil retain the rough look.  [tongue]
 
[quote author=Alex]Well said, darn well everything can be brought together with a dutchman and stil retain the rough look.  [tongue]
[/quote]

You would say that.  [poke]

Best Regards,
Dave
 
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