Domino use in trim carpentry

[Randall]

I need to know if the Domino has the ability to replace the biscuit joiner in trim carpentry.  We use biscuits at the miters of all our casings for windows and doors.  Are the Domino tenons able to fulfill this function or are they too thick.  Biscuits work for most all the casing that we use. I would prefer to use the Domino in this role because of its greater strength. I'll probably stick with biscuits, however, if the Domino can't assume this job in its entirety.  Maybe at some point, if the Domino tenons are too thick, Festool will introduce another size.  Any input on this question will be appreciated as we currently need to either get another biscuit joiner or a Domino.

Thanks,
Randall

 

[Dan Clark]

Randall,

You might want to check out Gary Katz's review of the Domino:http://www.garymkatz.com/ToolReviews/festool_domino.htm.  Gary is the trim carpenter's trim carpenter. 

Here's a comment from his review:

Let me tell you why I think the Domino is worth every penny of it's price tag. First of all, this is a dangerous tool: it must be kept out of the hands of non-professionals?homeowners, serious enthusiasts, motivated do-it-yourselfers, etc. Here's why: a tool like this can turn a neophyte into a professional over night. So if you see a Domino in your local store, be sure to buy it before it falls into the wrong hands.

He seemed "somewhat" impressed.  ;D

Regards,

Dan.

 

[Warrior]

I am a Finish carpentry/ custom woodworker in San Diego. I must first tell you that the Domino is all that and a bag of chips... But if you are trying replace a biscuit jointer for miters you might be a little disappointed. I will list the following reason.

1. You will want two dominoes per joint for alignment vs. one biscuit slot. Double the cut time, glue time, etc.

2. The joints are so precise and the dominoes fit so snuggly that the joints need a lot of pressure to close up. I use the clam clamps and they have had a hard time with it. I might try sanding a little off the dominoes first but that also adds time.The lateral slop in the biscuit joint makes it easier to get every thing aligned and clamped before the biscuit swells up.

If you want the same production speed with the Domino that you had with you biscuiter you won't get it.

If you want bullet proof joints with a little more fuss than Domis got it.

I have a Domino and love it.

Ive more to add but gotta go.

 

[woodshopdemos]

I am a Finish carpentry/ custom woodworker in San Diego. I must first tell you that the Domino is all that and a bag of chips... But if you are trying replace a biscuit jointer for miters you might be a little disappointed. I will list the following reason.

1. You will want two dominoes per joint for alignment vs. one biscuit slot. Double the cut time, glue time, etc.

2. The joints are so precise and the dominoes fit so snuggly that the joints need a lot of pressure to close up. I use the clam clamps and they have had a hard time with it. I might try sanding a little off the dominoes first but that also adds time.The lateral slop in the biscuit joint makes it easier to get every thing aligned and clamped before the biscuit swells up.

If you want the same production speed with the Domino that you had with you biscuiter you won't get it.

If you want bullet proof joints with a little more fuss than Domis got it.

I have a Domino and love it.

Ive more to add but gotta go.

I can see your point. And I think it might be difficult at times to "sell"the better joint. But if that is the case, I would think that one Domino tenon using the widest mortise would be better than one biscuit and take no longer, even though two would give you the better joint.

 

[Lou Miller]

I basically agree with Eliji. However, if you pre-assemble casings, the Domino is great. If you're putting casing up one stick at a time, the biscuit joiner is the better tool. The 5mm dominos will fit the majority of casing profiles. You do need to use a sapcer (a few playing cards work well) between the fence and the work with some of them though. Otherwise, part of the cut will be exposed.

For standard thickness base and crown, I've found that even the 5mm dominos are too large most of the time.

 

[Dixon Peer]

Stick with your biscuit joiner; the Dominos are too thick for most casing profiles.  They may work at the outside of the miter, but most casing profiles we work with here in the Summit, New Jersey area are traditional, and they taper in plan view to the jamb side of the casing.

If, on the other hand, you're mostly working with S4S casings, the Domino will be fine.

 

[fsg]

As a trim carpenter, I have the Domino but seldom use it for casing work. I have found that most casings are to narrow in depth for it to be useful. Instead I pre-assemble everything with glue and the Clam clamps. I do you use the domino for 1x built up casings and mantle work.

 

[Randall]

Thanks for all the input.  It is greatly appreciated.  I think we are going to end up with both a new biscuit joiner and a Domino.  The Domino has too many useful applications to ignore.

 

[Dixon Peer]

Thanks for all the input.  It is greatly appreciated.  I think we are going to end up with both a new biscuit joiner and a Domino.  The Domino has too many useful applications to ignore.

Of course you are.  You have probably wanted the Domino since you heard all the great marketing hype.  I know I did, so now our construction company has four biscuit joiners and one Domino