Domino XL - Which Tenons to Use?

[deepcreek]

I just bought a Domino XL to use for joining a bookmatched live edge table top that I'm making.

The material is two 1-1/4" thick Mesquite flitches that will be joined along the length at the two ends with a void in the middle.  (See photo for example.)

What size and length of tenon would you recommend for this application?

I was thinking of using 12mm x 100mm but then thought I might need to use 140mm.

I have some thicker flitches (over 2 inches) that I will be joining also.  Should I invest in a 14mm cutter and tenons as well?  What length?

Thanks!

Joe

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Joe

Congratulations on buying one of Festool's finest tools.

The wood you are using is quite heavy and so I would go for the strongest (and most stable) option - 14mm at 140mm.

Peter

 

[ajones]

A staggered row of twelves would work well,and save you buying a bigger cutter. you can also make custom width mortices with the dom700 and make your own tenons/dominos which you can cut to length

remember to show us the finished table  [wink]

 

[deepcreek]

By staggered, do you mean mortised at two different heights but at different locations rather than stacked over each other?  I've never tried that technique when using my 500 but suppose it would work with either tool.

In this case, would 12x100's be enough?

I'm also seriously considering Peter's advice of upsizing to the 14x140.

Anybody have any other thoughts?

 

[jacko9]

I would buy the 14mm cutter and I would suggest that you get some of the long Domino Sticks to be able to cut to the appropriate length for each situation.  For those Mesquite flitches I would use the 12mm cutter but go as deep as you can on each side of the joint.  Are you going to cut butterfly joints to keep the wood from separating ober time at the open cracks?  I'd love to see the finished product and I hope you enjoy your Domino XL as much as I enjoy both of my Domino machines.

Jack

 

[deepcreek]

I will fill the voids with System 3 epoxy either stained black or possibly clear with some decorative material inlaid.

I'll probably butterfly the checks (cracks).

 

[jacko9]

I will fill the voids with System 3 epoxy either stained black or possibly clear with some decorative material inlaid.

I'll probably butterfly the checks (cracks).

I've used Systems 3 epoxy and recently I have discovered West Systems G-Flex epoxy that actually has some nice properties for wood joining.

Jack

 

[deepcreek]

One of the sawmills I buy from recommended EX-74 epoxy.  I guess there are other options to System 3 but it's readily available at Woodcraft so that's what I bought.

As for the optimal Domino XL tenon size???  I'm still undecided.

 

[jacko9]

I think for your application the Domino length is more important than going from 12mm to 14mm.

Jack

 

[Louis84]

If you have to ask, always go beefier