Domino Connectors vs. Zipbolts

[Nailed IT]

I need to tap into the well of expertise here.  My wife is having and L-shaped desk top made by a local wood slab provider and we were discussing the joint connection for the two pieces that will make it up.  The top needs to come apart. 

The base for the desk is a standup system from Deskhaus with 6 motorized legs in 3 pairs.  The original desktop dimensions are 30" depth x 79" length for the long leg with a 30" x 30" short leg to form the L.  The likely finished top thickness is 1.5". The top is slab walnut with a live edge on the front.

The top slab joining method used by the shop uses zipbolts and biscuits. The two pieces would be put on their CnC and be cut for the zipbolt pockets with biscuits added afterwards for alignment.  When I was going to do this project myself I was thinking of using the domino connectors since they appeared to be least invasive while looking pretty strong.  The shop doesn't have a Domino so if I want to go that route I would need to provide that.

I have not used either of these methods, so I don't have the practical experience to judge for myself, so I came here to drink of the wisdom that I know resides here.

I am thinking the DF700 and 14 connectors?  But again, I could not worry about this at all and let them use their method of zipbolts/biscuits.  Thoughts?  Thanks for the input!!

 

[mrFinpgh]

Generally I tend to defer to the people doing the work.  They have their methods and means, and it's what they are most comfortable executing on and guaranteeing.

 

[woodbutcherbower]

Butterfly bolts into routed underside dogbone pockets every time. I’ve fitted at least 300 kitchens whose countertop joints are fixed from underneath using this method. You’ll need a biscuit jointer or a Domino to line up the two halves of the joint - but when the bolts are done up super-tight, the joint is seamless, very strong, and completely undo-able. I’ll dig out some pictures and report back …….

 

[jaguar36]

I'm in a similar boat, making a bar top that needs to come apart.  I'm planning on using zip-bolts since they have alot more flexibility, and should be able to be tightened much more than the domino.  I'll still use a couple domino's for alignment.

How are they handling the finish between the sections?  I don't want to leave it bare as then water could get in there, but if I put finish on the ends then the gap won't close well.

 

[Nailed IT]

Thanks so much for the responses! 

It appears that zipbolts are the joinery choice.  From some that I have talked to, it appears that the domino connectors are really just a fad.  I have yet to find anyone, that is not selling them, to recommend them.

Thanks again!

 

[squall_line]

Thanks so much for the responses! 

It appears that zipbolts are the joinery choice.  From some that I have talked to, it appears that the domino connectors are really just a fad.  I have yet to find anyone, that is not selling them, to recommend them.

Thanks again!

I used the 500 connectors for a cabinet and they worked just fine.

There are a number of people here who have used the 700 connectors, but their primary benefit is in large furniture such as a bed frame or table frame.

I personally like them just fine, but in this use case, even I would recommend the Zipbolts; worktops/countertops are literally what Zipbolts/dogbones are best at.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I'm with woodbutcherbower on this. I have made literally hundreds of countertops over the last 20 years, all with bolts in routed pockets. In the early years, I used dowels for alignment, but the Domino changed that in 2015. I find it a far easier way to join nearly everything.
The "dogbones" are strong, will pull the joint together tight and are easily reversable.