Edge joint by domino

[CNX]

Today, I did the first real joint work using Domino to make a table top.
Thinking about the extra work to make so many domino holes, I don't think I gained much time, but, boy, the glue up process became so effortless and clean. I think the time well spent.

Now, while I'm working on it, a couple of things occurred to me and I would appreciate opinions from Domino experts.

First, does it really necessary to glue dominos?  I guess they are just for alignment and almost all strength comes with the wood faces. If I don't have to glue each domino, I can save quite some time and effort.

Second, I was wondering if I need to finish the both surfaces using a thickness planer. I mean, if I finish one face with a jointer, I can establish a reference surface and, with Domino, I can make a flat table-top surface.

Of course, the bottom side becomes irregular and the table top won't be stable above a support frame. Considering about the additional work to somehow stabilize the top, it may be a dumb idea, but if we start with quite straight S4S, maybe we can get a decent bottom face.

I guess I'm thinking loud. Any advises would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Susumu

 

[grbmds]

Dominos - The strength of a mortise and tenon joint (whether loose tenons or not) is the amount glue faces available. I suppose, if you have "over-jointed" (more joints than you actually need), you may not have to glue all of them, but I don't know why you would have them if they aren't required for keeping the piece together and for strength stability.

Jointing/Planing - Jointing to get one side flat. Planing is to get the other side flat and parallel to the first side. I would assume that is what you want, especially in a table. If you are able to joint the first side completely flat with a good finished surface, you may not need to plane it again. However, I'd give it at least one final pass in the planer to get the thickness to the final required measurement. My understanding is that it is best to plane close to equal amounts off both sides of the piece to reduce possible cupping and other problems resulting from stress in the wood itself.

Of course, others may have differing opinions, but this is based on my experience, reading, and information from classes. It's always worked well for me (except the Domino advice since I haven't owned my Domino for long).

 

[jacko9]

Susumu,

The glue on a domino used to align boards for edge joining is not necessary for strength of the edge joint.

If you buy dimensioned boards and the boards are not as flat as you would like them, then running them over your jointer to establish a reference face for the Domino alignment aids is a good idea if you don't or can't dimension the boards through your thickness planer.  Some dimensioned lumber when brought home to the shop is not as flat as you would like and you may not want to lose a lot of the thickness.  For this reason, I only buy rough cut lumber and mill it straight as I build.

Jack

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Here's a good blog post and accompanying video from Paul-Marcel on the topic of gluing.

http://www.halfinchshy.com/2012/04/domino-crib-sheet-how-do-you-glue.html