Domino not cutting right

[vwdave]

I was using my domino a couple of weeks ago and I was having a hard time getting the dominos in the mortises.  Also once I got them in the 2 boards I was joining had a gap between them.  I thought my dominos were messed up because I leave them in the truck and with the crazy weather we were having I figured they took on moisture and were swollen.  

I was talking to Ken Nagrod, telling him the issues I was having and he said to check the bit.  I didn't think to check the bit being it was still cutting material ok and I don't recall hitting anything with the bit.  I had some free time yesterday and took the 5mm bit out of my domino and compared it to another 5mm bit I had and to my surprise it was shorter.  I guess a piece broke off and I didn't even know about it.

[attachthumb=#]
The broken bit is on the left

So if your domino isn't cutting right remember to check your bits

Dave

 

[ajones]

Hi Dave there have been a few reports of the same thing all with the 5mm cutter it may be faulty manufacture.

 

[Bob D.]

Well, it's not just the 5mm bits. I went to change the bit in my DF500 today and found the 8mm bit that I removed was broken. Last time I used it was about 2 months ago when I was building a potting bench for my buddy to give to his Wife for her birthday.

Looks like I hit a screw but I don't recall anything strange when I was using it.

Anyway, new 8mm bit on order.

That turned into a $50 reminder to check before you plunge.  [scared]
The bit you save my be your own.  [big grin]

 

[rst]

I had the similar issue and figured that I had hit a 23ga pin.  I discovered the chipped cutter after examining it with magnifying goggles.  I now keep extra cutters on hand...CMT and Amana

 

[fraz]

I had my first 5mm bit snap very early on when I got my 500.  Had only cut like 10 mortises and was cutting into that soft cheap ply when it happened.  I contacted Festool, and they sent me out a new one which was kind of shocking awesome customer service.  Since 5mm is my  most common size I bought another so I have a backup just to be safe.

 

[ChuckM]

Plunge slowly, and always wait for the bit to retract before moving the machine. Smaller bits could snap if they hit the wood at angle while withdrawing.