Domino has a competitor !

[Ken Milhinch]

Well not really, but the JessEm Zip Slot Mortiser  (http://www.jessem.com/zipslot.htm) seems like an interesting item, and at 1/3rd the price, is worth a look, especially for the occasional user.

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

I guess I would consider any plunge router or slot mortiser a potential direct competition for the Domino.  The Domino merely offers a more efficient means to accomplish what can be accomplished in several other ways. And for that some are willing to pay the price for the Domino.

Best,
Todd

 

[woodshopdemos]

Ken, where else did you post this thread. I answered it somewhere abd wuld like to reference it. Bottom  line -- not a competitor.

 

[The Woodentop]

Well not really, but the JessEm Zip Slot Mortiser  (http://www.jessem.com/zipslot.htm) seems like an interesting item, and at 1/3rd the price, is worth a look, especially for the occasional user.

It was only ever going to be a matter of time?

 

[robtonya]

Ken, where else did you post this thread. I answered it somewhere abd wuld like to reference it. Bottom  line -- not a competitor.

Don't like it John? I seen in another thread that Frank Pellow seems to love the Dowelmax. Have you got to try one of those yet? I don't see the Dowelmax as a replacement for the Domino, but I could think of several times when I wish I had a Domino, or Dowelmax.

 

[nickao]

Dowel max looks a little clunky if  speed is your main requirement. Sure makes nice strong joints according to some tests though.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

Jessum traditionally makes quality tools.  But why this product?  Most woodworkers I know of have a router.  If they have a Festool router, they already have a precison tool with dust collection.   With a router and straight bits, they can make or buy jigs to cut mortises.  They can learn how to make a quite versatile jig free of charge at Pat Warner's website and from various posts on FOG and other forums.  Also, most woodworkers also acquire a drill press.   If they add a machinest's type vice which has X and Y direction cross slides, they can cut a wide variety of mortices on their drill press, including at compound angles relative to the drill bit axis if needed.  (I used this technique for several years with a low-cost vice and my Shopsmith.)  With a drill press they can also use morticing chisels rather than a machinest vice and router bit.  I don't see any great advantages to this product.

Dave R.

 

[Ken Milhinch]

Ken, where else did you post this thread. I answered it somewhere abd wuld like to reference it. Bottom  line -- not a competitor.

That would be Sawmill Creek.

 

[nickao]

Actually Dave when I was in the field the site guys did not have routers or drill presses or anything like that on site or home, maybe a rotozip or dremel. It was the guys like me that also did woodworking as a hobby that had all that stuff. Heck most of the crew would not touch a tool after work, they considered it work and would tell me they do not do work at home.

I think we are so used to dealing with people that treat woodworking as fun, a hobby, as well as work or some, that we forget many, many carpenters just think if it as a job and that's it. I think that is who this is designed for.

To a carpenter(not a woodworker) that does the occasional cabinet fix and side job, the Jessem may make sense.

 

[woodshopdemos]

Thanks Ken. Here is that entry:

It is pretty easy to use, once setup. Their instructions are poor at best. The quality of the device is outstanding. I find the brass adjustment knobs look like they would be great to use, but I found that vibrations loosened them and that you had to use pliers to really tighten them -- now it is harder to make quick adjustments. A hand drill is your power so I did use a corded drill. I tried battery but they just couldnt put out the rpm. It has an exhaust port and you must use it. Chips will clog the joint if yo dont.
Here is a quick review:http://www.woodshopdemos.com/jess-zip-1.htm