Festool Domino DFC 500 still not available in USA

[ChuckS]

After watching this clip by chance, I'm pretty sure the cordless version with its battery and d handle is not the right tool for me given my weaker arm these days (5 years ago, I was still quite strong milling hundreds of mortises like a rabbit). I would find it soring to push down the machine with my arm extended like that (instead of grabbing the barrel) in a prolonged period of working session.



(Click the web option to view.)

 

[luvmytoolz]

@ChuckS The way he's using it in that clip just looks more awkward than it should be. I'd be on the other side leaning into the tool myself.

I get he's pulling it against the clamped board, but pushing from the other side would achieve the same result, with far less effort than reaching over like that, in my opinion anyway.

 

[ChuckS]

@ChuckS The way he's using it in that clip just looks more awkward than it should be. I'd be on the other side leaning into the tool myself.

I get he's pulling it against the clamped board, but pushing from the other side would achieve the same result, with far less effort than reaching over like that, in my opinion anyway.

He couldn't do it from the opposite side because he had to align the machine (center line on the base) with the pencil lines that were marked on the spacer strip for each cut.

Examining it further, I got the feeling that pushing the fence handle forward from the front and plunging down with the D handle might result in an elevated risk of tilting the machine over. I'd have to use the machine to be sure about this concern though.

 

[luvmytoolz]

He couldn't do it from the opposite side because he had to align the machine (center line on the base) with the pencil lines that were marked on the spacer strip for each cut.

Examining it further, I got the feeling that pushing the fence handle forward from the front and plunging down with the D handle might result in an elevated risk of tilting the machine over. I'd have to use the machine to be sure about this concern though.

I guess if you can grip the base firm enough to stop any lateral movement it doesn't really matter which side you're on.

 

[ChuckS]

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[MacBoy]

What’s the sexy mallet he is using?

 

[Lincoln]

What’s the sexy mallet he is using?

It's a 'Thor'. Great mallet, with replaceable faces. Have had one for years, would buy another tomorrow if it went missing.

 

[Lincoln]

After watching this clip by chance, I'm pretty sure the cordless version with its battery and d handle is not the right tool for me given my weaker arm these days (5 years ago, I was still quite strong milling hundreds of mortises like a rabbit). I would find it soring to push down the machine with my arm extended like that (instead of grabbing the barrel) in a prolonged period of working session.



(Click the web option to view.)

Festool 'Ambassador', so not exactly an independent opinion - but good to see the tool in action.

 

[ChuckS]

Oh...him in the video is a Festool Ambassador? Is that a formal Festool thing?

At one time, Fine Woodworking magazine had what they called brand ambassadors, some better known names in social media or publishing.

 

[ChuckS]

It's a 'Thor'. Great mallet, with replaceable faces. Have had one for years, would buy another tomorrow if it went missing.

Paul Sellers wrote about it:

Thorex Hammer by Thor UK Retroshaping

I have recommended these hammers as chisel and assembly hammers and i doubt that you will find finer models anywhere. I also use them for my wooden planes, to adjust and set the the irons as we do by…

paulsellers.com

Furniture restorer Tom Johnson uses a Lixie.

HOME | Lixie Hammers

www.lixiehammers.com

I have both the Lixie and the Halder. For assembly, my favorite is the latter:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/hand-tools/mallets/111433-halder-simplex-replaceable-face-mallet

For chiselling, I use a Japanese hammer (genno).

 

[Cheese]

Interesting, I've never heard of this before:
URETHANE FACES HAVE A TYPICAL SHELF LIFE OF FIVE (5) YEARS WHEN STORED AWAY FROM
ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT AND IN A TEMPERATURE / HUMIDITY CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT. LIXIE
RECOMMENDS ALL URETHANE FACES BE STORED IN TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT
AWAY FROM EXPOSURE TO ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT

I have a Stanley and an Estwing that are both at least 25 years old and they are still fine.

https://www.lixiehammers.com/_files/ugd/9b8387_6f26a72092a44d328e01b72ac6bdbca8.pdf

 

[ChuckS]

What AI says:

Google Search

Lixie tries to err on the safe side?

 

[Cheese]

Both of the mallets I have are stored in the basement in tool drawers that are closed. The Stanley in a roll-cab and the Estwing in a workbench that supports a small metal lathe. I'm sure those conditions add years to the urethane heads. I also have some extra replaceable heads for the Stanley...I'll have to check those out also.

I just remembered that I did have a large orange urethane Bessey that's been around for about 15 years and kept downstairs also but in the open hanging on a hook. Last year I gave a piece of steel in the vise a firm rap and the mallet head split in half. Maybe the light exposure makes that much difference?