Domino Joinery for Outside Teak Bench

[mdorsam]

I've used the Domino 500 for approximately one year, for inside projects - Blanket Chest, Router Table, Executive Desk. Recently, my wife asked me to build a Teak outdoor bench (great project). The project plan I have calls for approximately 50 traditional M&T joints, for which I'll use the Domino. I assume that if the joints are properly fitted and glued (with an external, waterproof glue) the Dominos should hold-up - that's a question ... We live in the Northeast, which has 100 degree summers and 10 degree winters.

Certainly, I would appreciate some insight from the Forum's collective wisdom.

Thanks.

 

[peter halle]

Can't wait to see the build.  HINT.  HINT.  Use sipo dominos.

Peter

 

[Theshipstore]

First  [welcome] to the FOG. You will enjoy being here and will get plenty of good advise

That being said for outside you need to use the Sipo Domino's as they are for outdoors. Between them and a good waterproof glue you should be good to go. Just understand Teak is a tough one with glues.
I know others will pipe up with more advise
Sal

 

[flair woodworks]

Welcome to the FOG.  Here are a couple tips for building outdoor furniture:
1. Use the Sipo tenons;
2. Seal the bottoms of feet/legs (epoxy would be a good choice); and
3. Pay attention to how the wood will move (don't ignore wood movement).

 

[mdorsam]

Thanks for the very prompt responses, and the advice.

I'll use the sipo dominos, and may opt for Sipo (ipe?) as an alternative to the Teak - everything I read about Teak says it's a great outdoor wood, and very difficult to work.

Thanks, again.

 

[tiralie]

I assume that if the joints are properly fitted and glued (with an external, waterproof glue)

Use TBIII or Resorcinol glue on your joints. No other outdoor rated glue (Elmers etc.) will work on Teak. Well you could use epoxy but it's a pain to clean up.
Tim

 

[rdesigns]

Welcome to the FOG.  Here are a couple tips for building outdoor furniture:
1. Use the Sipo tenons;
2. Seal the bottoms of feet/legs (epoxy would be a good choice); and
3. Pay attention to how the wood will move (don't ignore wood movement).

On my outdoor table and bench set, I used heart redwood and, for the feet, I attached 1/2"-thick polyethelene pads to prevent direct contact with the paving, and to make it easier to slide around.

The pads were afixed with countersunk brass screws.

EDIT: This project was before I owned a Domino 500--the project would have taken about half the time it did if I had the Domino, and would have been just a strong as M & T joinery I used.

 

[bruegf]

I've used west system epoxy and regular dominos to make some teak stern rail seats for a friends sailboat, but they're holding up fine, but sipo dominoes weren't available at that time.  Today I'd use sipo and west system epoxy.

Fred

 

[mdorsam]

Thanks, again.

The thought of 50+ traditional M&T is a non-starter for me; so, if when my wife asks me, again, why I spent the money on the Domino, I'll simply point to the outdoor bench.

 

[mouppe]

For extra security, why not peg the joints? 50 drilled holes and dowels won't take long.

Richard.

 

[mdorsam]

Richard:

Could you elaborate on that a bit - pegged joints. Certainly, I understand the concept; within the context of the bench, would you, after doing the Domino M&T, drill say a 1/4" hole through the tenon, then peg it? If I can simply state an obvious point. It would have an interesting visual impact, now that I think of it.

Mike