Domino Horizontal Alignment

[GJ]

Hi, I recently bought the standard sized domino and I can't seem to get the horizontal alignment dead on (this has probably been covered before, but I don't see a word search option on the forum; otherwise, I'd look it up). Anyway, when making a test cut by simply drawing a line across the seam of two test pieces and then cutting and inserting a domino, the closest I can get is about one fat pencil line of skew. So, it's close but not dead on. I need to move the little plastic insert about a pencil line to the left to get the boards to line up perfectly, but I've moved it as far as it will go and it won't stay over where it needs to be....I can almost get it and the last turn of the screw squirts it over out of whack again. Frustrating. These plastic inserts seem kind of flimsy...not up to the standard of the rest of the machine. I wonder if getting a new one will solve the problem or if a lot of them are like that. I also thought of trying to elongate the hole in the plastic a tiny bit but it's hard to get in there and there is a real possibility I would just crack the plastic.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Sorry for the frustration.

The search feature on the forum is at the top of the page right under the logo - http://festoolownersgroup.com/search/

I'm not sure I completely follow your methodology. You say that you strike a pencil line across the two pieces but then it sounds like you're referencing the paddles on the fence of the Domino. I'd suggest using one or the other methods. I personally tend to just strike a pencil line and use the fence to align to my line. The paddles are made to be a quick reference from the edge of the material, which is fine if that offset works for you.

You could use a tight mortise on one piece and turn the dial on the machine to the medium setting for a looser fit on the other side. This would give you some play to align the edges.

Ultimately, it may be better for you to speak to someone by phone for assistance. Can I ask that you send me your contact information, or have you call us toll-free at the phone below in my signature and speak to an application specialist for assistance?

Thanks,
Shane

 

[tjbnwi]

Page 22;

http://www.waterfront-woods.com/festool/Domino_DF_500.pdf

Tom

 

[ajones]

very rarely someone will report the issue you have with your domino,if you are unable to get the alignment within the normal adjustment of the clear plastic part I would sugjest you sent it to festool for service/repair as modifing the part may nor solve the problem,but may cause warranty issues.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Hi, I recently bought the standard sized domino and I can't seem to get the horizontal alignment dead on (this has probably been covered before, but I don't see a word search option on the forum; otherwise, I'd look it up). Anyway, when making a test cut by simply drawing a line across the seam of two test pieces and then cutting and inserting a domino, the closest I can get is about one fat pencil line of skew. So, it's close but not dead on. I need to move the little plastic insert about a pencil line to the left to get the boards to line up perfectly, but I've moved it as far as it will go and it won't stay over where it needs to be....I can almost get it and the last turn of the screw squirts it over out of whack again. Frustrating. These plastic inserts seem kind of flimsy...not up to the standard of the rest of the machine. I wonder if getting a new one will solve the problem or if a lot of them are like that. I also thought of trying to elongate the hole in the plastic a tiny bit but it's hard to get in there and there is a real possibility I would just crack the plastic.

Did you buy new or used? This was an issue with some samples when the Domino first came out.
If you search try to filter results to show the oldest first and you might get lucky. If I find something I'll add it here.

Here is one thread about adjusting the sight glass.

 

[GJ]

Shane and Tom, very simply, I'm striking a line exactly as described on page 17 of the owners manual that came with my df500, which is also shown on page 22 of the material Tom posted, and like I've done probably over a thousand times on my biscuit joiner. The instructions say if the lines do not line up (see diagram and alignment steps shown in the mentioned manual pages to illustrate what I am talking about), simply loosen the two set screws on the sight gauge and slide the gauge sideways until your test cuts do line up perfectly. As mentioned, I cannot slide it FAR enough to correct the alignment - there is not enough slide in the sliding sight gauge. It comes close, but not spot on. I need to move it just a fraction more to the left but I am already at the end of the slide adjustment range. I think the plastic sight gauge is defective. Maybe I'll take a small drill bit and carefully elongate the hole in the gauge just a fraction so I can move the thing over a tiny bit. If done carefully, it seems there should be enough of a lip at the top and bottom of the hole for the screw head to still clamp down on. Presumably, I could get a new piece of plastic pretty cheap if I break it? I know I could mail it back, but I need to get on with things.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Read that thread in my post above. Also, read Jerry Work's Domino manual.
Also read Rick's official Domino Supplemental Manual

 

[GJ]

Mike, thanks for the tips. I can see those reference manuals coming in very handy. I will try the "awl" and "razor knife" methods for holding the plastic still when tightening the screws. Failing that, if I still can't get proper set up, I think I will try gently hand drilling to elongate the holes (I don't have a file small enough to get in there - another method someone mentioned). GJ

 

[tjbnwi]

You do have to hold the lens in place while tightening the screws. I learned that the hard way. Also sung one then the other before tightening the screws completely.

Tom

 

[zapdafish]

If there are two boards I want to join with a domino, board A and board B

Not sure if this helps or if it's even your problem but I always cut the slots on board A to hold a domino perfectly and the slots on Board b with the 2nd width setting. To get perfect alignment I will only cut one slot on Board B to perfect fit. Get the domino into both perfect slots, everything else is cake.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

If you cannot get proper alignment with the window, I would recommend contacting our service department for assistance or exchanging the unit if it's convenient to do so.

I would not recommend modifying any of the parts.

Sorry for the trouble.

Shane