Domino connector joints not perpendicular, and weight limits

motorhead9999

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Joined
Nov 10, 2022
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This is most likely more either a technique problem, or a "I'm not really experienced with dominoes" question.
I'm making a pull out drawer/tray for my synthesizer, similar to this:https://microship.com/building-piano-drawer/

I have a flat piece of plywood that I am then connecting another piece of plywood to it perpendicularly, similar to the link above. One end is freestanding (at least for the moment). I followed Sedge's video on how to do that, and all my connectors lined up, and all that fun stuff. I installed the various components of the connector system (the type with the grub screw), and when I tightened everything down, my panel is not perpendicular. I took my Starrett and the posts the grub screws go into are perpendicular. The edge/face on the perpendicular piece with the grub screws is also square

Any advice on what's going on here? My newbie brain is saying that it's tilting on one side because I put all 3 connector screw holes on one side, so the screws are pulling it that way due to the other end being freestanding. The other end will eventually have the drawer slide installed init, and (assuming I measure right), the hinges and drawer itself should hold things at the right angle, but I just want to make sure I'm not making some unknown mistake.

Secondly, is there a rated weight limit for these connectors? I didn't seem to find any on the Festool site. The keyboard I'm holding is roughly 50 pounds, plus the weight of the actual tray/hinges itself (as well as the force of playing). The tray will have stiffeners across it, so I'm not worried there, just at the domino joint itself. 3 joints/connectors on each side. Yes, I should have probably asked this question before I did this. No, I'm not hosed if this is a problem, it'll just mean I'll have to get some 90 degree angle brackets.
 
Here's a Domino strength chart that I got from Festool Aus.

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There doesn't seem to be any load limit info. from Festool on the various types of connectors. But I've used DF500 connectors on a worktable (2x4s for legs, stretchers and aprons) for a neighbor, and I don't think there'll be issues for drawers.
 
As long as one piece is simply cantilevered it might not stand at 90 degrees.
When attached to the other two parts (to make the drawer box/tray) the you’ll probably be fine.
Don’t do the final tightening until all parts are assembled and then work your way around (like tightening wheel lug nuts) and the angles of the joints will even out.

The connection hardware strength will not be an issue. It’s way stronger than the wood.
 
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