Domino for long dados

[ROb McGilp]

Hi all,

I've attached a picture of some Gerronggang timber with two dados. One (the deeper of the two at 12mm)was done using a domino and the other (at 6mm depth) was done using a slot cutter, such as would be used on a Biscuit joiner. The domino was set to cut width #3 and successive cuts made across the lkength oif the piece (300mm), using overlap on each cut. The slot cutter was used on a router table.
I have done this many times before and have always got good, but not excellent results. To finish this dado, I "back dominoed" from right to left using one continous movement. I think the result is excellent now. Probably everyone does this already, but I'm a slow learner. I do not believe it does the Domino any harm as you are removing very little material diring the cut. (The Domi cut is the top or RHS cut, the slot cutter is the other.

Regards,

Rob

 

[Rocker]

Wouldn't it be easier to use a dado set on the table-saw, or a spiral bit on the router table?

David

 

[ROb McGilp]

No.
(thought I was on your ignore list )

 

[Eli]

Wouldn't it be easier to use a dado set on the table-saw, or a spiral bit on the router table?

David

It would be different, which might be an opportunity for a new thread. Start one and share your own method.

 

[Rocker]

Eli,

Cutting dadoes with a dado set or with a spiral bit on the router table are standard methods for this operation; I don't think they need a new thread, since most people here will be familiar with them. I was hoping that Rob would explain why he felt his Domino method was preferable. Cutting a foot-long dado with a Domino would entail making about ten plunges, followed by a clean-up pass with the Domino. Cutting the dado with a dado set can be done in a single pass. Admittedly, it takes a couple of minutes to install the dado set on the table saw. A 12 mm deep dado would probably need two or three passes with a spiral bit on the router table.

David

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi Rocker,
I find using the Domino very efficient here. First, your table saw must be able to carry a Dado set even then the cost of a Dado set is not cheap. I think I quoted one at about AUS$3-350 (CMT if memory serves me.)
The second advantage that I see is that there is no need to set stops when you are routing for a box base involving finger joints and Dovetails, which means you don't have to set either your groove or your dovetail to a particular height so they will be invisible when the box is glued.. It is far easier to use the Domino than introduce a piece to the router bench and then move from one stop to another. IMHO, there is also let chance of ruining the cut. The "back domino cut takes as long as it takes to remove the workpiece from the router table.
One more thing, I have used the Domino as a straight router for these dados, whereby you intyroduce the domino at the beginning of the cut and then just go straight along. I'm not advocating at as an acceptable use for the Domino, but with care, its pretty easy to do and doesn't seem to hurt the Domino and I'm prtepared to try things that Feistytool don't recommend to achieve my goals.. The whole process as described above will be no slower than using a dado set or preparing a router rable for use, and everything is tranparent to the operator.
If anyone thinks this is silly so be it, but it works fer me! 
Finally, I was only trying to show that you can do this and actually ride with the Domino and achieve a very clean reswult, which I have been less than happy with before.
I think if you try this on a box for DTs or FJs you might might find it useful David.

Regards,

Rob

 

[Rocker]

Rob,

Your point about not having to set up stops for a blind dado in a box is a good one. I had not thought of that. Obviously, for that application, a dado set is no use. However, I find a dado set is much the most efficient way of cutting the groove for drawer bottoms.

David

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi Rocker,
Using the Domino need not be restricted to cutting blind dadoes on boxes. I have successfully applied it to other areas requiring larger and deeper but still blind/through mortises. And I hear all the Daddos swear by it.  ;D
If I am going to use MDF or ply for a drawer bottom, I will usually use a 4mm slot cutter. Its very fast to set up and if needed very small adjustments can be made by adjusting the router height. But I am absolutely sure that a Dado set would be a wonderful acquisition, if my TS, would take it. Even though, with a 17" band saw, Trion Jigsaw, TS75 and Makita LS1214 305mm SCMS, I use it mainly as a halfway house bench for wayward workshop articles.

Regards,

Rob

 

[Programmergeek]

looks intresting, Nice Idea I may have to try it if I have a one off that I need a short dado in.  I usally use my router table, I don't like the table saw.  The only thing I would be worried about in the domino is snapping the blade I broke one already if you put to much pressure on it or go to fast I'm sure it could be a issue.  But if you go slow may just work well.  For big jobs my router table Ican feed them faster through and have less chance of a error, knowing me I woud tip the domino somewhere along the cut. 

 

[Michael Kellough]

...To finish this dado, I "back dominoed" from right to left using one continous movement....

Rob

How do you bypass the sticky buttons on the face of the Domino in order to slide it?

 

[Michael Kellough]

...If I am going to use MDF or ply for a drawer bottom, I will usually use a 4mm slot cutter. Its very fast to set up and if needed very small adjustments can be made by adjusting the router height. But I am absolutely sure that a Dado set would be a wonderful acquisition, if my TS, would take it...

Rob

This is a very interesting discussion. A 4 mm slot is easy to accomplish on a Table Saw with an ordinary blade in just two passes and one bump of the fence, isn't it?

Just move that pile of magazines over. 

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi Michael,

Good question and one I can't answer. I was so chuffed with the idea of being able to ride up using the domino to improve results that I have failed to look at that part of the equation!
The only thing i can say is that, at both ends of the rout, I move the cutter width back to one and that this  seems to give a cleaner result in itself.

Regards,

Rob

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi,
Just to put this to rest.

I have just routed four sides of a box with a 5mm Domino cutter. Total time (including changing cutter, setting depth and routing then back cutting 4 dadoes (2x320mm and 2x220mm).

Total time: 4-5 minutes.
I do not believe you can assemble a dado set on a TS that fast. I also think that by the time you've set the stops for a router, I'd be doing some glue up and sanding. And, you can do it all on site with the Domino.