Domino DF500 and super dense hardwood issues

[Kev]

This is not my issue, but the result of a conversation with a non FOGger today.

The gentleman I was speaking with works with unique Australian hardwood species than can be as dense as 1100kg per cubic metre. Uncommon in most other areas on this planet.

He really likes the Domino, but has issues with "chatter" when trying to use it with these extreme density hardwoods (this fellow has a very significant business, using high end equipment for major projects ... machines like the Domino are pocket change to him - but useful for medium density wood projects performed on site)

Has anyone else experience this issue? ... and has anyone found a solution? (basically he's experiencing poor accuracy issues relative to the face place - hence "chatter")

I was suggesting that the XL may be a solution, with it's extra weight and power ... but it could have the same issues in all reality.

Kev.

 

[Sparktrician]

The chatter is the result of feeding the DF500 in too fast.  Slow down the rate of entry into the wood, and the chattering should stop. 

[smile]

 

[JeromeM]

This is not my issue, but the result of a conversation with a non FOGger today.

The gentleman I was speaking with works with unique Australian hardwood species than can be as dense as 1100kg per cubic metre. Uncommon in most other areas on this planet.

He really likes the Domino, but has issues with "chatter" when trying to use it with these extreme density hardwoods (this fellow has a very significant business, using high end equipment for major projects ... machines like the Domino are pocket change to him - but useful for medium density wood projects performed on site)

Has anyone else experience this issue? ... and has anyone found a solution? (basically he's experiencing poor accuracy issues relative to the face place - hence "chatter")

I was suggesting that the XL may be a solution, with it's extra weight and power ... but it could have the same issues in all reality.

Kev.

Not an unusual problem with new users. It comes down to technique in most cases. However if the wood is so dense then he may need to use clamps.

I would check to see if he has used biscuits if he has without problems. Then it is a case of operator error and he needs to practice and probably slow down his plunge speed.

 

[Timtool]

Could there be a humidity problem with the wood? my benchtop mortiser cuts through african hardwoods like butter when the wood is properly dry, but struggles encredibly when the humidity is above 10%.
I experience chatter with my domino 500 when i feed it too rapidly or when i fall on an area in the wood piece that's somehow harder or has badly directed grain, i didn't use the XL yet on hardwood but so far it seems to be less prone to chatter, possibly due to weight and power.  You can basically feed it at the same rate as the 500 while taking away 2 to 3 times as much material, you just hear the engine struggle but no chatter so far.

 

[bruegf]

I'd concur w/ feedrate being the issue.  I've cut a bunch of mortises in burmese teak, while not as hard as what you're referring to, I had no problems with it.

Fred

 

[ccarrolladams]

Kev,

Many of us who have been routinely using the Domino 500 since they were introduced already had years of experience using various brands of biscuit cutters. I was fortunate to have first tried a Domino 500 while on a trip to Europe, so I did have time to experiment before I could buy one here in the USA.

My experience is that the Domino is so different from any other hand-held woodworking tool that it took a lot of practice. Each size bit and every species of wood will respond differently. The way the Domino is held in place also depends on the configuration. Generally you want a very firm grip and pressure on the front handle close to the bit. Then your other hand is normally on the Plug-It connector at the end of the motor, not actually on the Domino itself. This way when you perform the plunge there is less chance of accidentally tilting the machine. Also the end of the motor housing has vital air holes.

Remember that the end of the bits is sort of ball shaped. The bit rotates very fast and pivots from side to side to create the slot. The bit does not slide from side to side. Thus to keep the sides of the mortice smooth the plunge rate needs to be appropriate to the situation, neither too slow nor too fast. This is not like a biscuit cutter where largely one rate works all the time. It takes practice and experience with the Domino to learn the feel of the appropriate plunge rate.

In theory the new Domino 700 XL is more powerful and more massive, but it does not replace the Domino 500. The XL takes larger bits, but does not work with the smaller 4, 5 and 6mm Dominoes. Your friend needs to consider his projects. If he is having trouble with chatter using the 10mm bit with his Domino 500, then perhaps he will need a Domino 700 XL. If his chatter is when using 6mm Dominoes, then he will need to learn to become as one with the Domino 500. Trust me, we all needed time and practice to become as one with our Domino machine. Once we do become as one with it, the Domino is a useful and money-making tool!

 

[meatman]

Hi Kev
I have limited experience turning Lignum Vitae which has a density of approximately 1300Kg that chattered quite a lot. I think the only advise i can give, is to plunge slowly and make sure he has very good vacuum to remove the waste, as this in my experience with the Domino 500 will stop a lot of the chattering.
Another tip may be to make a jig to start the Domino hole with a fast spinning router. 
Meatman

 

[alik]

Yes it happened to me when working with brazilian hardwood.If he use 8mm and up bit he should buy the new 700 domino 8)