Edge joined boards...broad sides not aligned using domino 500

[Talldaddy]

I am building a small chest of drawers. I just got my new domino 500. I have overcome some of the learning curve but it appears I still have some learning to do. I'm hoping someone can give me some insight on how to "do it better or correctly.

I am gluing up three boards to create panels that are 19" wide. I using poplar and cherry. I have started with the poplar panels. I am laying out my boards edge to edge and using my square to layout my locations for my slots. I have my slots a little higher than center of the edge to keep the base of the machine off the work area below the machine. I am also moving my work piece so that my machine base is actually not over any of the work bench. My reference lines are clearly marked on the "tops" of the boards so as to not accidentally reference the domino cutter off the bottom of any of the boards. I am holding down the front of the domino cutter with a fair amount of pressure and being very careful not to rock or tip the tool up or down while I am holding it and making the plunge cuts. I have the slot width set on the medium setting which really doesn't have any bearing on getting the tops of the board edges to align.

When I get all my slots cut, I dry fit dominos and push my boards together to just to discover that some locations are pretty even and some are not. There does not seem to be a pattern of error. It is random. This tells me I haven't learned the technique of using the machine. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[peter halle]

First of all you aren't alone - many if not most of us Domino users have had a learning curve.  One thing you might want to try is to take your hand that is plunging the tool and go all the way down to where the cord meets the tool and try plunging with your hand there.  It halls to ensure that the plunge is a straight plunge.  That tip helped me a lot.

Peter

 

[dltflt]

You want to keep pressure on the front handle and push in from the cord end.  Do not grip around the barrel it will cause the misalignment problem you are having.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

First, welcome to the forum. Some good recommendations already.

Plunge speed can also play a factor, potentially causing a climb cut. Slow the plunge and see if it gives better results.

Shane

 

[Jaybolishes]

If you still have troubles, and even if you don't, I highly recommend the Seneca domiplate.  Can't stress enough what a foolproof tool it is for 1/2" and 3/4" or even thicker pieces.  I wonder if the fence wasn't tight and slipped on you from a slight bump or something.  The domiplate can't ever be knocked out of position as it fixes directly to the domino with two thumb screws.  The festool fence is fine of coarse, I just feared in the beginning I may over tighten it and damage it, so I wouldn't tighten it real hard at first.  It's highly unlikely you would damage it, but I worried nonetheless.

 

[jacko9]

I think that speed of cut might be the issue here.  If your holding pressure down on the front fence and plunging slowly the edges should line up exactly.

I am interested in when you purchased you Domino 500 because when I purchased my 6 years ago, Festool manufactured the fence to lock so exact there was some slippage.   So if your machine was produced after they modified this locking to eliminate the slippage, then you might not be locking the fence in place tight enough.

I know when properly adjusted the alignment is spot on where I can't feel a difference with my finger tip so keep on searching, the answer is there.

Jack

 

[Talldaddy]

I appreciate the thoughtful  and helpful suggestions. I had actually been holding the tool body to plunge. I will move my plunge hand back to the cord connector. I have tried to plunge very slowly but I will be more mindful of my plunge speed. I just bought the machine last week. I appreciate the suggestion about the domiplate. I did a search on it and it looks like the ticket for an "as good as you can get" joint for edge joining boards to create panels. I will do some more  test slots and if I can't satisfy myself I will pull the trigger on the  domiplate. I've spent this much money on this machine so I want to get the most versatility and precision as possible.

Once again, Thank you for your replies.

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

You can also just use your thumb on flat spot above cord connector to ensure a straight plunge. I prefer this method, but either way is better than holding the body while plunging. Keep practicing and you'll get a feel for it.

 

[Talldaddy]

I just came in from joining some more boards. I took advice offered in the thread. I did plunge slowly and smoothly. I also held the machine by the cord bushing and had my thumb pushing on the back of the machine. All but two areas where dominos were lined up seemingly perfect. I appreciate the suggestions. I think if I pay more attention of each plunge I will achieve near perfection soon.

 

[peter halle]

I just came in from joining some more boards. I took advice offered in the thread. I did plunge slowly and smoothly. I also held the machine by the cord bushing and had my thumb pushing on the back of the machine. All but two areas where dominos were lined up seemingly perfect. I appreciate the suggestions. I think if I pay more attention of each plunge I will achieve near perfection soon.

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]  Your learning curve is well on its way to elimination.  You still need to to do too deep a plunge and go thru a side and also to mix up when doing two boards at right angles and mortise the wrong face.  Then you will be a master!

Peter

 

[jacko9]

I just came in from joining some more boards. I took advice offered in the thread. I did plunge slowly and smoothly. I also held the machine by the cord bushing and had my thumb pushing on the back of the machine. All but two areas where dominos were lined up seemingly perfect. I appreciate the suggestions. I think if I pay more attention of each plunge I will achieve near perfection soon.

Glad to hear that it's working out for you.  I know it takes some practice but, in the last 4 years my joints all line up and I really do appreciate the design and quality of both of my Domino machines.

Jack

 

[Nick2cd]

Lastly, be sure you're using the domino in conjunction with dust collection....ct vac, shop vac, something. Without proper dust collection, the chips in the mortise can make the domino want to jump around a millimeter here or there. Ask me how I know [big grin]

 

[jacko9]

Nick is right about the dust collection and Festool gives you a bit of a break when you purchase them together.  Tom Bellemare can hook you up with a nice combination, I've been buying from Tom for a few years now and satisfaction in my opinion is guaranteed.

Jack

 

[NineFingers]

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]  Your learning curve is well on its way to elimination.  You still need to to do too deep a plunge and go thru a side and also to mix up when doing two boards at right angles and mortise the wrong face.  Then you will be a master!

Peter

HAHAHA!  You've been watching me in my shop???    [eek]

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

All of the above is great advice. Also, be sure to check your 500 for correct calibration. The same thing was happening to me, until it was calibrated. Halfinchshy, Paul Marcel,  has a video on youtube showing how to do this. It will make a difference. My joints come out perfectly every time!

 

[peter halle]

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]  Your learning curve is well on its way to elimination.  You still need to to do too deep a plunge and go thru a side and also to mix up when doing two boards at right angles and mortise the wrong face.  Then you will be a master!

Peter

HAHAHA!  You've been watching me in my shop???    [eek]

If you haven't done this, get some scrap and do it and pay attention to why it happened.  Then you will be less likely to do it on a finished piece.  Mark your reference sides and where you want the domino to be placed.

The fireplace can eliminate all proof.  [big grin]

Peter

 

[PaulMarcel]

All of the above is great advice. Also, be sure to check your 500 for correct calibration. The same thing was happening to me, until it was calibrated. Halfinchshy, Paul Marcel,  has a video on youtube showing how to do this. It will make a difference. My joints come out perfectly every time!

Ah, thanks for the call-out... here's a link to the post with the Domino calibration video.

You might also be interested in the 'Domino' label in the cloud to the right of the main text; that will pull up all the articles and videos on the Domino.