Domino Used in Fine Woodworking's "Sleek Console"

[darbo]

If you've visited the Fine Woodworking website, or have the latest issue of the magazine, you've no doubt seen Festool equipment in several articles. The article titled "Sleek Console Built for Today's TVs" is leading me (a Domino noob) to ask a question of you seasoned Domino experts. Do you think the author used an appropriate number of tenons for his project, or do you think (as I suspect) that he used far more than was necessary?

I purchased a Domino a couple of months ago and I'm just now starting to learn how to use it, and I am trying to learn "best practices". So, the above-referenced FW article has me wondering if it is really an example of the best way to use the Domino for that sort of project.

 

[Jim Becker]

The author likely used more than he "needed", but he mentions being generous with them in the article on purpose. Honestly, there is no harm in this--the materials are cheap and the mortises a snap to cut with the tool. When I looked at the pictures in the article the first time, I immediately drew a mental comparison between the number of Domino tenons and how things would have been similar had the casework been constructed using half-blind dovetails and solid stock. I think he actually did well with his design in that respect...this will be a strong case.

I'll also add that this article has put the Domino on my future acquisition list. The clear photography has sold me on some things that will benefit some of the work I have been doing and anticipate doing more of. (I'm sure Uncle Bob will be "disappointed" one of these days to get my order...LOL...for some time, it's seemed that I ran out of new Festool tools to buy)

 

[darbo]

The author likely used more than he "needed", but he mentions being generous with them in the article on purpose. Honestly, there is no harm in this...

Yes, I believe you're quite right; there is no harm in overdoing it. I suppose what the article is really making me ask (as a guy just starting to use the Domino) is: How many tenons would have sufficed for the joinery needs of his project? Half or one quarter as many?

 

[Jim Becker]

David, I'm not sure what the "correct" answer would be to that...there probably is some formula. LOL At any rate, if you look at the interior partitions, if my memory serves, there are four tenons used to lock those in. I would guess (unscientifically) that would also work fine for the primary casework joinery, especially with the PVA glues we use and how well they work with plywood. At any rate, the article truly was thought provoking!