Domino question

[Ww417]

Im thinking of purchasing a domino and trying to determine how I would use it to perform the following joint which I frequently use.  I make a lot of frame & panel bookcases where the panels slide into grooves cut into the legs/rails/stiles.  The mortises needed are then cut into the bottom of the grooves.  Grooves typically would be 3/8" deep, and the "recessed mortises" another 1/2 to 3/4 deep.  Clearly, I would still need to cut the first level tenon on the rails/stiles fitting into the grooves, but would it be possible/efficient to end the workpiece there and then cut a domino mortise into the end of the "stub tenon" and then use a domino to connect into the recessed mortise?   Would the domino work in the first place to cut the recessed mortises at the bottom of the grooves?  Pls tell me if this is clear as mud and thx in advance for the insight... Tony

 

[Tim Sproul]

I use the Domino to reinforce cope and stick joinery.  My read is that is what you are wanting to do.

The max plunge depth on the DF500 is ~28 mm or just over 1 inch.  It works well for the purpose you want.

 

[Kev]

Look at this thread ...

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tool-reviews/domino-xl-hits-the-us/90/

Lot's of flexible options with a Domino. Can't imagine you'd find it anything other than a plus.

 

[John Stevens]

Hi Tony.  Jerry Work's domino manual discusses this:

http://www.festoolusa.com/media/pdf/getting_the_most_from_the_festool_domino_machine.pdf

Search for the word "stile" and you'll find a page or two with some really nice photos.  The trick, if I remember correctly, is to bore the domino mortises before you machine the grooves.

Regards,

John

 

[Ww417]

Thanks all -- Jerry's manual was exactly the information that i needed -- although he should make clear that the mortises must be cut before the tenon shoulders and the groovers are milled, which i assume is indeed the case... i don't believe he says one way or the other... thx. t.

 

[mouppe]

I recently made a frame and panel back for a cabinet, and ploughed the grooves before mortising with the domino. Bit of a "doh" moment.

I was still able to use the domino but the mortises were not as deep as they could have been and obviously there was less glue surface than there could have been. It's not a huge problem in most cases, but the dominoes may be offset somewhat.

 

[John Stevens]

he should make clear that the mortises must be cut before the tenon shoulders and the groovers are milled, which i assume is indeed the case... i don't believe he says one way or the other... thx. t.

Agreed, although he used to post here often, and I believe he said it in one of his many helpful posts.  BTW, if you'd use the same technique if you're using a pair of complementary-profile router bits, like what you might use for cabinet doors.

Enjoy your Domino!

Regards,

John