Domino - Max plunge depth for each bit?

[bassman00]

Is there a maximum plunge depth for each bit?  I was building a set of drawers and was plunging from the outside of the corners through both pieces to give me a "through tenon" like I've seen posted here.  Very slick and easy as there's no measuring.  I'm using the 5mm dominoes as the drawer pieces are 1/2" thick.  I set the depth to 28mm and noticed the unit plunged deeper than the length of the cutting length of the bit so the flared part of the bit started hitting the drawer side.  This obviously widened the outside of the cut.  No biggie as these drawers aren't "fine furniture".  I lowered the depth to 25mm and experienced the same thing.

I don't recall seeing this listed anywhere though I probably missed it.

FWIW, the drawers assembled perfectly. 

Thanks, PaulD

 

[Jerry Work]

Hi PaulD,

The cutting length of each domino cutter is matched to the maximum lenght of available domino for that size cutter.  The maximum cut depth the machine is capable of making is matched to the longest cutter, in this case the 10mm.  When using smaller dominos use common sense to cut only the the lenth of the cutter shaft, and not try to jam the flaired end into the slot or you will bevel it a bit and you will over tax the machine.  On a related matter, the fence has a stop that prevents it from going down any closer than 7mm from the cutter center line.  There are times that it would be convenient to have a lower setting when using small diameter cutters like the 5mm.  There, half the diameter of the cutter is 2.5mm so you theoretically could want to cut to the centerline of a 6 to 8mm thick work piece requiring the fence to go down to 3 to 4mm.  But, if they allowed for that and someone mounted a 10mm cutter the cutter would chop through the fence at that depth.  So, they limit the fence depth to accommodate the largest diameter cutter.  There is no practical way for the machine to know which cutter diameter or cutter length is mounted since they all use the same mounting diameter.  If they made all the cutters the same cut length then the smaller diameter cutters might flex and chatter.  Good design trade offs from my pov.

Jerry

Is there a maximum plunge depth for each bit?  I was building a set of drawers and was plunging from the outside of the corners through both pieces to give me a "through tenon" like I've seen posted here.  Very slick and easy as there's no measuring.  I'm using the 5mm dominoes as the drawer pieces are 1/2" thick.  I set the depth to 28mm and noticed the unit plunged deeper than the length of the cutting length of the bit so the flared part of the bit started hitting the drawer side.  This obviously widened the outside of the cut.  No biggie as these drawers aren't "fine furniture".  I lowered the depth to 25mm and experienced the same thing.

I don't recall seeing this listed anywhere though I probably missed it.

FWIW, the drawers assembled perfectly. 

Thanks, PaulD

 

[Gary Nichols]

Hi Paul,

On page 4 of Festool's own manual, under "Adjusting the milling depth", it says:

"For the jointer bit with a diameter of 5 mm, only jointing depths of 12 mm, 15 mm and 20 mm are permitted due to it's short shank length."

I don't remember seeing that stated anywhere else, but then, I can't remember what I had for dinner last night either. I think the 5 mm bit is the only one with a depth limitation.  

Gary Nichols

 

[Tezzer]

Bassman ;D the max cut with the 5mm is 23mm. You will need to put your setting on the 28mm max and add a 5mm "Ricks Ring" a small PCV tube that is slipped over the shaft and acts as a custom depth stop. That extra 3mm is very handy when doing drawer sides with the smallest cutter ;D

 

[bassman00]

Jerry - Thanks for the detailed description.  I actually managed to use my ears to figure out when the bit was at max depth.  There is a distinct difference when the flared part of the bit comes in contact with the board.

Gary - Doh!  I never checked the OEM manual.  Once I saw Rick's and Jerry's excellent manuals, there was no need to use to the Festool one.  Thanks for the max depth.  As far as memory goes...

Tezzer - I'll make a note of this for the future so I can rely on the machine's stops instead of my hearing.

PaulD