Domino usage problems

[Jharry]

Hi all,
I'm just getting into woodworking and soon came across Festool and started my collection with the TS 55 which I love! After spending some time here, I soon decided the domino was a must have (even though it's probably not based on me just being a weekend warrior). In any case, I usually go overboard so I found and bought a used domino that looks to be in decent shape and appears to operate correctly in all features.

I've yet to cut thousands of slots (more like 20-30) and my results have been OK to downright disappointing. It seems unless I'm super carful to keep the fence completely flat and secured, my joints end up not flush, and at times skewed with as much as 1/32" approaching 1/16 lip. I wouldn't be one bit surprised if it was user error and practice that's the problem but I just expected from watching numerous videos that it was somewhat fool proof. Can anyone give me some pointers. Also,is it possible that the tool could be out of alignment or need adjustment? Again, everything seems to work great. Plunge is smooth and no apparent distresses to any part of the tool.

Is this just a case of beginners learning curve, or is it possible the tool is off? Thanks for any advice anyone may have!

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

If they are skewed, you're plunging too fast resulting in a climb cut. Slow your plunge and see if that helps.

 

[dltflt]

Also make sure you are pushing from the rear of the Domino near the plug it cord.  That way you are pushing in line with the plunge.

 

[Jharry]

Thanks guys. Is there any recommended system for checking the "alignment"? Just a simple check of the measurement from the fence to the cutter or cutter slot?

 

[Birdhunter]

I measure the mortise that I've cut. There is a lot of technique to master with the Domino. Both the fence and the face of the Domino have to stay flush with the board being cut. A smooth careful advancement of the cutter into the wood is required. Also, the Domino fence can creep if not well tightened. Practice a lot on scrap. Wood and the technique becomes second nature.

 

[roblg3]

it's a very precise machine and requires similar precision from the user to achieve really good results.  it's a learning curve.  practice on scraps and plunge slow and from the rear by holding the plug.  it is really back and forth router so part of the cut is what's called a climb cut(meaning cutting the wrong way) that's the reason for slow cutting.  take forever to do a cut and you'll feel the tool wanting to get away from you as it goes climbing.  if you're only taking a very small amount of material at a time it will be stable during the climb phase and you'll start to see much better results.  even if it takes 3 minutes to do a plunge....it's the fastest mortise you will ever cut!! [wink]

 

[John Broomall]

....and make sure you are using dust extraction.

 

[Gary in Texas]

Joel, as others have stated, technique is the key.  Straight, slow, plunge.  I've noticed if I started the plunge just a little too fast, when the cutter engages the wood, the surface of the mortise is not clean (looks the same as if you're trying to drill into a piece of wood with a dull drill bit).  The slower the plunge, the better the surface and the mortise.  But keeping it balanced and steady are critical for the process.  Also, make sure the wood you are mortising is secured tightly and can't move, this might help you a bit as well. 

The biggest game changer for me though.....this week I built a number of cabinets, and used the domiplate for the fist time.  Wow, it simplifies alignment, and also helps you keep the domino steady.  I would encourage you to look into the domiplate if you will be using 1/2" and 3/4" sheet goods.

 

[sancho57]

check out the video 1 around 1:40 and the 2nd video around 2:12

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/pretty-cool-french-video/msg334342/#msg334342

[attachimg=1]

hope this helps, also you can check out festool on u tube, lots of good info there

 

[Carl Prentiss]

Also, keep this phenomenon in mind. Check Paul's video here at 2:25.
(Paul Marcel)

 

[grbmds]

If you are concerned that the Domino may not be calibrated correctly, there are a couple of videos online about that and I believe there are some instructions in either the Domino User Manual or the Supplemental User Manual. I found that mine was so close when I got it that I could not do any better. I have not used it on thousands of joints either, probably also only 20 or 30. I have found the result right on. I can't do any better with any other method when making drawers and doing some other simple joinery. Everything lines up perfectly.

The others are right, though, plunging slow and easy is a important to make sure the machine stays in place and doesn't even slightly shift. Also, I don't know what would happen without dust collection, but wouldn't even try it because there is too many chips and shavings. It would be like trying to cut a mortise with a mortising machine and bit that didn't clear out the chips.