Domino Df500 Connectors for bed frame

[aaduranh]

Hi,

I have used the regular bed frame brackets, but I would like to know if you think the new df500 connectors would be sturdy enough for a bed frame.

I would add two connectors and two regular dominos. Do you think that would work?
Thank you very much!
Alex

 

[mcooley]

I have been experimenting with mine and actually just used them for a large sliding door. For this purpose they seem fine in particular because of the plywood which will be attached to the outside of the frame.

In your case I might be a little worried that over time they will loosen.

For a chair or table then they should be fine.

However I have noticed that in some cases depending on the wood some connectors "grip" better than others. I used them for a fairly large bookcase and they did okay under load.

Your idea of doubling both connectors and dominos would help. Curious to know how it goes.

 

[Birdhunter]

I built a king side bed frame and headboard from quarter sawn white oak. The buyer wanted it “chunky” and it came out perfect.

I used the 700 connectors plus 14mm tenons. The bed has stayed tight even with a young boy using it as a trampoline.

I have the assortment of 500 connectors and I cannot envision using them for a bed frame. I think the 500 connectors just do not have the heft to handle the stress loads imposed on a bed frame.

 

[Cheese]

I have used the regular bed frame brackets, but I would like to know if you think the new df500 connectors would be sturdy enough for a bed frame.

I would add two connectors and two regular dominos. Do you think that would work?

I think it would work initially for assembly purposes only, but once you start dynamically loading the bed with adults, children and animals, it will never hold up. Size 8 Dominos are just too small for this task. I'd follow Birdhunter's advice and incorporate size 14 Dominos.

 

[James Biddle]

I just used the 700 connectors on a bed.  Rock solid!  I'll tip my hat to Festool for engineering these.  The 700's impose some thickness minimums that may constrain some bed designs that the 500 would not.  I would not feel comfortable using the smaller 500 unless I could create an array of 2x4 or such. 

 

[sancho57]

I think the 500 connectors would work just fine, when used with another method of securing the bed frame like a 90 degree angle bracket.

 

[Green Mojo]

One issue with the 500 connectors is that you can’t torque those nearly as much as you can the 700 ones. The screw just shears off and this limits how much “bite” you can get with the 500 ones. YMMV, but I would not use them for a bed.

 

[Birdhunter]

I’m not sure why I would use an expensive inadequate connector only to add 90 degree angle braces.

If I were going to rely on angle braces and only had the Domino 500, I’d put in a couple of 10 x 50 tenons and add the angle braces.

Realistically, building a bed frame is a darn good excuse for buying a Domino 700.

 

[aaduranh]

Thank you very much for all your help!

I won't risk it with the df500 connectors. i will have to buy the Domino XL700  [cool]

 

[Birdhunter]

Strongly suggest buying the two kits with all the cutters and an assortment of tenons. I did, but didn't think I would ever use most of the sizes. I was wrong. I do use all the sizes.

There is an temptation to buy a bare 700 since many of the 500 attachments fit the 700. I have had several instances where I was using both machines at the same time and didn't want to keep moving attachments back and forth. I think buying the complete 700 set makes good sense.

I like the 500, but I think the 700 is a superior design, especially its ergonomics. The 700 is a strong machine, but improper technique can bog it down. The techniques that apply to the 500 also apply to the 700.