Domino - Old vs. New

[marrt]

Guys, I'm looking to buy a used Domino.  Can someone educate me on what changes have occurred since this product was released?  I recall something about "pins" changing due to a patent issue (or for some other reason).  In short, is there a specific model that's favored?  I thought some guys liked an older model better but can't remember the details.  Thanks.

 

[erikfsn]

The older ones have to be jury-rigged to work with the newer, 4mm dominos.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

There are a number of threads on the topic.  Probably the most comprehensive would be this one:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/the-domino-has-evolved/

I would say there's no clear consensus on which model people prefer most.  But preferences are also discussed in the above linked to thread.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Here's my thirty-two cent comparison of the two models:

"Old" version (with metal pins):
Pros:
-- Pins can reference off another mortise (big plus, IMO), *except* for the 4mm mortise.
-- This is an add-on, at extra expense, but an eBay seller has these "Domino Stock Spacers" that allow for measure-free offset from the edge.  They have a 5mm hole that slips over the pins and a magnet holds it in place.  Very handy!

Cons:
-- Some have complained that the pins sometimes reference themselves off another mortise, even when that is not desired.  (Easy solution is to tape them down)
-- This model came out before the advent of the 4mm Dominos.  The stock fence cannot move low enough to center on 1/2" stock.  Solution is to file/grind off a bit of the housing so the fence can move slightly lower.

"New" version (with flip tabs):
Pros:
-- Tabs are designed to be locked in; requires a small tool (hex wrench IIRC)
-- Fence and housing accomodate 1/2" stock centering

Cons:
-- Cannot reference off another mortise
-- Cannot use the stock spacers

Otherwise they're basically identical machines.
Either/both models can use Rick Christopher's MGS add-on.

 

[jmbfestool]

Here's my thirty-two cent comparison of the two models:

"Old" version (with metal pins):
Pros:
-- Pins can reference off another mortise (big plus, IMO), *except* for the 4mm mortise.
-- This is an add-on, at extra expense, but an eBay seller has these "Domino Stock Spacers" that allow for measure-free offset from the edge.  They have a 5mm hole that slips over the pins and a magnet holds it in place.  Very handy!

Cons:
-- Some have complained that the pins sometimes reference themselves off another mortise, even when that is not desired.  (Easy solution is to tape them down)
-- This model came out before the advent of the 4mm Dominos.  The stock fence cannot move low enough to center on 1/2" stock.  Solution is to file/grind off a bit of the housing so the fence can move slightly lower.

"New" version (with flip tabs):
Pros:
-- Tabs are designed to be locked in; requires a small tool (hex wrench IIRC)
-- Fence and housing accomodate 1/2" stock centering

Cons:
-- Cannot reference off another mortise
-- Cannot use the stock spacers

Otherwise they're basically identical machines.
Either/both models can use Rick Christopher's MGS add-on.

CORRECT!

 

[kfitzsimons]

I purchased the old version when Festool was closing them out.  I thought long and hard about which to buy and I'm not sorry I bought the older model. I used the indexing feature of the old style pins quite a bit while building an entertainment center.  I haven't used the 4mm dominos yet, so can't comment on that. It's a great machine.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I blogged about those narrow stock spacers late last year.  Before the spacers, the pins annoyed me more than being useful.  Now, virtually no project doesn't use the spacers, many projects use it exclusively with no pencil marks.  I wouldn't want the newer version, not a chance.

 

[RONWEN]

I blogged about those narrow stock spacers late last year.  Before the spacers, the pins annoyed me more than being useful.  Now, virtually no project doesn't use the spacers, many projects use it exclusively with no pencil marks.  I wouldn't want the newer version, not a chance.

You have a GREAT blog site there Paul -- I've just added it to my Google Reader, Thanks.

 

[PaulMarcel]

Thanks!  Naturally it's a tad Festool oriented  [tongue]

 

[marrt]

Thanks for all the information.  I'll be looking to pick up the current model as the small 4mm tenon is something I can use.