Domino connector system max material thickness?

[mattbyington]

Hey team,

I'm looking to purchase the connector system for the DF500:https://www.festoolproducts.com/festool-203170-domino-df-500-connector-assortment-systainer.html

Specifically for a large dining room table + 2 benches build I have coming up shortly.

I got 200 b.f. of 8/4 maple for the project. I was planning on a finished material thickness of 1.5" after milling.

I was reading that the system only works with material between 18mm and 28mm.

Anyone know if I can use the connectors with material > 28mm? (such as 1.5").

Thanks! Trying to figure out how to make this thing knock down. Never done that before. It won't fit through my front door.

Matt

 

[squall_line]

Matt-

I swear someone posted almost this exact same topic recently, but the search tool is giving me fits.

I recall at the time that there was discussion about either going with the 700 connectors or just adding more connectors for extra strength.

Both options have their limits/downsides, of course.

If I can find the thread, I'll definitely link it in here.

Edit: Found it!
https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/df-500-domino-structure-connectors/

 

[Birdhunter]

Is buying a 700 a possibility? Your project is in its sweet spot.

 

[blues]

Matt, Luckily i went the other way and got myself the 700  and the seneca adapters. And i have both kits. I can tell you this,  yes it can be made to work with multiple 8mm dominos. But there is a reason why they have the 14mm kit. And it's precisely for these kind of applications. Id trade the 500 and get the 700 to give you this flexibility. I have said this earlier. My philosophy is to have the least number of tools but at the same time giving me the most flexibility. So think of it like using 18 gauge nail vs 15 gauge nails.  You can get the job done shooting multiple 18 gauge nails, but with 15 gauge you get it done with fewer nails. To strengthen a specific joint, you don't need multiple connectors just use multiple dominos and one connector.  The connector helps pull the pieces together. I also use the blue thread lock to keep the joint intact over time.  The connector itself is made or of soft metal so dont over tighten. 
Perfect reason to get the 700.. and it's such a joy to use it

 

[rvieceli]

[member=67555]mattbyington[/member] How about posting up a rough sketch of what you are planning. Doesn't have to be one of your super duper sketch up ones  [wink]

There are several methods for attaching legs to tables that are removable and have been in use for many years pre - Festool Domino.

Ron

 

[tjbnwi]

DF 700 or a wider front door.....

Tom

 

[mattbyington]

[member=75217]squall_line[/member] yeah please do if you find it! thanks!

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member] totally. I mean then I'd have the 500 and 700 and could do anything I want. If it's in stock I'm happy to get it. Is the implication there that I get the 700 and then the connector system made for the 700? That way it'll work on the 1.5" stock right?

[member=53591]Blues[/member] got it. I can get the 700 without trading the 500, I just needed a good excuse I guess Thanks for the feedback. I'm happy to get the bigger machine, these things last forever so it'd be a good investment anyways.

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member] sure here is a photo! From my design in Fusion 360 so far. For those of you who have seen my Home Bar build, the glass insert on the top here is something my wife wanted as a nod to the home bar (which will be right next to it).

[member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] thanks!

[attachimg=1]

 

[online421]

there is no maximum limit however there is minimum requirement... 30mm is probably on the limit, you dont want to go any smaller than that.

 

[tjbnwi]

[member=67555]mattbyington[/member],

I would make the bottom stretcher removable. With the stretcher removed you could get the table through the door with the table on its side. In this position you “roll” the legs in.

Other option is to place the bottom stretcher so the distance from the top of the  top to the bottom of the stretcher less than the door opening width, roll the table in on its side.

The braces can be shaped with your Origin with a tongue that fits into a mortise. Screw from below holds the braces to the stretcher.

Tom

 

[rvieceli]

[member=67555]mattbyington[/member] Thanks for the drawing. Is this going to be a normal size table height around 30 inches? Or taller?

If 30 inches high, you should be able to get that through even a 30 inch door as drawn. Over on the side and walk the legs in. If you a planning on bar height then do as Tom suggests and raise the stretcher up.

Ron

 

[Birdhunter]

I use table top fasteners I get from Rockler (Item #34215) to attach top to frame. I cut a slot in the frame using my Domino , insert the fastener, and screw the fastener into the top. The slot needs the be placed so the fastener exerts pressure when tightened. No worry about wood movement. I call the fasteners “z clamps).

WARNING…. Be sure the screw doesn’t penetrate the top. Be sure the slot doesn’t go through the side of the table.

 

[Jim_in_PA]

It comes down to practicality for employing the connector system. The 8mm connectors are optimized for use with the Domino 500 and the typical thicknesses of material used with that joiner. The 500 connectors also involve some drilling, if I recall, so the included jigs may or may not be easy to adapt to thicker material....I cannot say for sure as I haven't used the smaller connectors. I've only seen them demonstrated by a Festool rep awhile back.

I have, however, used the 14mm connectors that are targeted at the Domino 700 which I own. They were easy to use after carefully studying the instructions. And yes, that was in thicker material similar to your table project.

 

[guybo]

Hello, seeing what equipment you have and if knockdown is important,castle joints for the legs holding the stretchers, adding two half laps for the table on both sides of glass support and maybe raising the height of stretcher to float top, this will leave the bottom open,nice clean ,modern,or new toy [big grin] guy.View attachment 1View attachment 2

 

[tjbnwi]

Process piece in shop—-assemble table in room where it will live out the rest of its life….

Tom

 

[Birdhunter]

With both the 500 and 700 connectors, you have to be very precise. There isn’t any margin for error.

 

[mattbyington]

[member=60639]online421[/member] thanks!

[member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] thanks so much! I actually measured my stairs carefully and they're 33". The legs are 29.5". So, after all, I don't need the connector set and I'm going to glue the whole thing (thread coming soon, keep an eye on member projects if you're interested). I really appreciate your help. By the way - I am going to use your idea with the Shaper for the cross braces. Great idea!!!

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member] 31" total! You are absolutely correct. I measured the stairs and will be able to glue the whole thing up (minus the top of course, which won't be glued anyways obviously). Thank you!

[member=15289]Birdhunter[/member] thanks! I think I'll try those!

[member=66562]Jim_in_PA[/member] thanks man!

[member=58842]guybo[/member] that would be a great idea. I didn't do it on this table...but maybe in the future!

Thanks so much everyone. It turns out I have enough space so I'm going to glue the base!

Matt

 

[tjbnwi]

[member=67555]mattbyington[/member],

Of course I’m interested. Your projects are always intriguing, well designed and well executed.

The braces should be easy for you to draw in 360 then covert to the SVG.

Not sure if your version of 360 will allow you to share/receive files, I’m finishing up a template file for Sugstune 14mm edge hinges. They work great for inset doors.

Tom

 

[mattbyington]

[member=4105]tjbnwi[/member] thanks man I appreciate that! I'll try it out by exporting it as SVG in Fusion. I need to figure out the best joint there. Maybe just cutting the end of it into a big dowel or something like that and then drilling a hole with a forstner bit in the bottom stretcher.

I started the thread so feel free to hop over to Member projects and check it out!

Matt