Festool Domino vs Dowelmax

[David2T370]

Hope it's OK to ask advice about this in this thread area...

Awhile ago I purchased the Dowelmax.  I was very impressed by the instructional videos for his product.  I have used the tool and must say I am impressed with how it is engineered. 

I am considering the purchase of a Domino (the smaller one) in the near future.  Does anyone else have and use the Dowelmax?  What do you think of it?  In deciding to pick up one tool vs the other, what is it that makes you choose one over the other?

Just curious in others opinions...

David

 

[icecactus]

While I don't own the Dowelmax, I do own the JessEm Dowelling Jig in all 3 sizes. I purchased the jessem since I didn't want to spend the money on a Domino. Actually I thought that festools were overpriced and I wouldn't buy any of them.  The JessEm jig is a fantastic Jig, very well built. Really my only beef with it, is the drill bit collar. They should have used a clamp style instead of the set screw style. Setting the depths correctly was a pain. In fact, it REALLY annoyed me.

I used the JessEm twice and then purchased the Domino. The Domino is way faster and easier to setup in my opinion. I don't regret the purchase. I liked the domino so much I bought the Domino XL a few months later during the 10% off sale.

I am keeping the Jessem jig for the few times I want to use a dowel. But it has not gotten used since.

 

[Benjamin]

same

x2

dowels have stayed on shelf.....

 

[David2T370]

I will have to use the Dowellmax until I get the domino...  There is nothing wrong with dowels, just a different way of joining two pieces of wood together.  But I will admit the domino is a "better" way to join two pieces of wood together.

 

[Dwayne]

I purchased the Dowelmax prior to my first festools.  Still use it and like it.  Yes a pain to adjust the drill collar.  A Domino 500 is on my wishlist.

 

[wow]

I have an old manual dowel jig. At one time dowels were the only way to go, so don't feel bad that you're still using them.

I also have an old Dewalt Biscuit Joiner. I used it a few times before I entered my woodworking hiatus, and it did what I needed it to do. At the time I thought it was the greatest idea since sliced bread.

I now have a Domino. While it is my first choice for joints, if it wasn't available there is nothing wrong with dowels or biscuits. Each has it's merits and drawbacks - and there will be another technology in the future that makes even the Domino look quaint.

Bottom line - use what you have, can afford, or works for you. If you have the funds, I highly recommend the Domino.

 

[T.Tom]

Purchased the Domino 500 prior to hearing about the Dowelmax.  Now own both and think they both have their place depending on what is being built and/or joined together.  Very impressed with the Dowelmax and ALL my Festool toys. [smile]  Watch the "Youtube" video or obtain a DVD on the Dowelmax from the company.  Have a Carvex on order from Bob Marino and hope to use it on several projects.

My grandfather was a professional carpenter.  I'm a professional sawdust maker [big grin]