Domino Gadget for box building.

[dennylj]

Hi Ron,
You're exactly right.  The domino is perfectly stable in both orientations with the domino plate (gadget....are we still using that name?) and the domino fence.  I used the plate to cut both face mortises and those on the edge of the mating board, holding the domino upside down for the latter cuts.  I found however that the domino crept a little on the upside down cuts, probably because I was concentrating more on locating the cut rather than ensuring I had a firm grip on the tool while cutting.  It occurred to me that a possible improvement on your domino plate might be to machine a texture on both surfaces to avoid slippage  (Leigh Dovetail jigs included that feature on its recent offerings to prevent narrow stock from moving when being routed).  I don't know if that is feasible or necessary.  Just a thought.
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[Alan m]

i dont think that texturing the faces of the plate will help. it will reduce slippage but ot the cost of dammaging the finish on any py finished or pre sander components.
i like to be able to slide the machine around to locate it
i would stick some self adhesive sand paper to the plate if you we worried about slippage

 

[dennylj]

Hi Alan,
You could well be right.  I didn't really consider how a textured surface might affect  pre-finished stock.  The textured surface on the Leigh dovetail jig isn't terribly coarse and doesn't mar unfinished wood despite the wood being fairly heavily clamped in the jig.  Nevertheless, I take your point.
Cheers,
Denny

 

[RONWEN]

I think because the center of gravity is much below the cutter CL using the Domino "Gadget" it is much less prone to creep than using the regular Domino (plastic) support bracket.  Using the Domino in either fashion, the proper technique is to apply most all of your hand pressure on the front knob and use your other hand to just support the "tail" of the machine (and of course feed the cutter).  Because the Domino gets used & slid on such a wide variety of finished work piece surfaces I would be afraid to rough up the surfaces.  The big difference between the Domino and the Leigh Dovetail and FMT jigs  (I have both & love them) is that the work piece is placed & clamped in one spot with no movement.

 

[dennylj]

Ron,
Good point--I stand corrected! [embarassed].  I have both Leigh jigs as well and like you, I love them.  Have used them for years.
Denny

 

[RONWEN]

Ron,
Good point--I stand corrected! [embarassed].  I have both Leigh jigs as well and like you, I love them.  Have used them for years.
Denny

As much as I like the Leigh Dovetail Jig (I love tools & gadgets  :) I'm trying to get good at hand cutting my dovetails & wean myself off of the dovetail  jig for more flexibility.  So much to learn about this wonderful craft!  [blink]

 

[Wonderwino]

My plate arrived yesterday and I've ordered the hardware from Bob.  Looks great and I can't wait to try it!

 

[RONWEN]

My plate arrived yesterday and I've ordered the hardware from Bob.  Looks great and I can't wait to try it!

Alex,
I'm looking forward to how you like it (good or bad  [unsure]) and I know you get into a wide variety of projects -- how it may help with those.