First Festool Project

[Ben West]

As some of you may remember, I'm a beginning woodworker who just received a number of Festool tools.  Our gracious host, Matthew, chastised me to dirty the tools up a bit (http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=559.msg4954#msg4954).

I'm happy to report I did dirty them up some on my first project, a patio table.  I made a whole bunch of mistakes on it, but learned from them all and am mostly happy with the finished product.  At least, it's better than the 2x4 constructed cart that it will replace. 

The joinery on this table started very simple with screws driven straight in at the corners (see wood putty patches at the corners).  Halfway into the project, I invested in a Kreg master kit, which I love and used to attach the top and bottom planks to the aprons.  However, I'm now thinking of more complex joinery options for upcoming projects.  I'm considering the Domino, of course, but also the Woodrat.  I like the idea of the Domino for its simplicity, but the Woodrat is appealing because of its versatility.

If you could own only ONE, would you get the Domino or Woodrat???

 

[Jerry Work]

Hi Ben,

On your question, I would suggest the Domino by far as it will be in your hands on virtually every project.  The Woodrat is interesting and has its place, but won't be used nearly as often.  Keep doing projects and each one will be better than the one before.  Enjoy!

Jerry

As some of you may remember, I'm a beginning woodworker who just received a number of Festool tools.  Our gracious host, Matthew, chastised me to dirty the tools up a bit (http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=559.msg4954#msg4954).

I'm happy to report I did dirty them up some on my first project, a patio table.  I made a whole bunch of mistakes on it, but learned from them all and am mostly happy with the finished product.  At least, it's better than the 2x4 constructed cart that it will replace. 

The joinery on this table started very simple with screws driven straight in at the corners (see wood putty patches at the corners).  Halfway into the project, I invested in a Kreg master kit, which I love and used to attach the top and bottom planks to the aprons.  However, I'm now thinking of more complex joinery options for upcoming projects.  I'm considering the Domino, of course, but also the Woodrat.  I like the idea of the Domino for its simplicity, but the Woodrat is appealing because of its versatility.

If you could own only ONE, would you get the Domino or Woodrat???

 

[ejantny]

Hey Ben the table looks great, nice work.

 

[Dave Rudy]

Ben,

Great first project.  Congratulations.  There's a couple of reasons I would get the Domino (I do not own the WoodRat but have thought about it some.  I did have the Leigh FMT jig, which was wonderful, but it sold to make the cost of the Domino a little easier.)  1.  As Jerry says, you'll use it on every project.  When a M&T is faster than almost any other joinery method, there's no reason not to use them extensively.  2.  Speed.  I know there are a lot of hobbyists (who dont own a Domino) who think that time is not important for them because they are not professionals.  For me, the time is just as important as it is to a professional, but for different reasons.  When I saw in the Wood mag video that someone posted on here that it took just 45 mins to mortise and assemble a rocking chair after milling was completed (compared to 8 hours the old way), I realized again what an exceptional machine the Domi really is.

I have to fight for every minute I get in the shop, and would rather build two tables or cabinets or whatever in the time I have available than one.

My $.02.  Good luck with your decision and congratulations on geting rolling with a bang in woodworking.

Dave

 

[fidelfs]

I have both machines, the woodrat and the domino.
There are things that the woodrat can do and domino is not design to do that operation.

They are different machines and it is a little difficult to compare.  Domino is a MT (mortise and tenon) machine, woodrat is much more but it has several limitations for the MT.  If you compare only the MT I would say the Domino is superior because its portability, easy of setup, etc.

Woodrat requires to make or buy jigs to work as MT and remember the woodrat is fixed into a wall so if you have a long leg you won't able to mortise in the woodrat and that would be simple in the domino.

;D

 

[NWW_08]

I have both machines. Unlike others, if I was to choose only one, I would go with the Woodrat for sure. As a matter of fact I have been using Woodrat for loose tenon joinery since I bought it over 2 years ago. The only advantage Domino offers is that you can take it to wood. On the other hand, you can do lost of other joinery besides loose tenon using Woodrat. 

 

[ByronBlack]

Would be I crazy (on a powertool forum) to suggest to buy neither at the moment and learn how to do joints by hand first?

This is the approach I took, but maybe this is more common in the UK than the USA i'm not sure. BUT by learning how to do them by hand, this improved my skills in using machinery, and also gave me a good skill set to use if and when powertools aren't available such as working late at night, or just for the satisfaction of not having a tool doing it all for me. I still use powertools for joints, but I like to balance it up, that way I feel more like a craftsman than a machine operator.

This isn't intended to ruffle any feathers, just a different approach that I as a relative beginner have benefitted from.

 

[Ben West]

Byron,

Great suggestion.  I actually plan to try and learn hand tool techniques concurrently with powertools.  Another set of "toys" on my wish list is a good set of chisels and a couple of Lee Valley hand planes. 

I didn't want to start with hand tools alone for a simple reason.  After the investment I've made in tools, I need to produce a couple of good pieces to convince my lovely wife it was all worth it!  And powertools will help me with that.

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi Ben,
That's a really nice table. Congratulations.
Learning to do the joints by hand makes a lot of sense as you then understand why your doing what you are and why you use the dimensions you do. It can be a tedious and soul destroying business though, particularly if you're like me and want the result now.
So I would agree with Gerry, that a Domino will give you more hours of use and in more projects and that time will really be hands on. Also it's a tad more portable than the woodrat. The idea of getting some good chisels and handplanes is really very good also. But I (being the traditionalist) would recommend the good ole' Lie Nielsons. ;D
Again, great table and look forward to seeing more projects from you.

Regards

Albert

 

[ByronBlack]

I agree that the domino or rat would get you there quicker, but is that really what the hobby is all about - the end result?

Surely it's the journey that is important not the destination?

Personally, I love taking the time to learn a technique, and with the right tool and instructions you'll be surprised how quick it is to make a decent joint by hand. For example, I went on a local course to learn how to cut dovetails, an within two days I could confidently cut both through and blind dovetails by hand using just a hand saw, mallet and a chisel.

I would say if you do invest in a power-tool - great, but maybe at the same time get yourself some inexpensive tools (but decent quality) and practice for say half hour each session and you'll be surprised just how quickly you'll  be making joints - it really is a great sense of achievment!

Whatever your decision, good luck, your first project looks great.

 

[polarsea1]

Looks great ;D

 

[ROb McGilp]

Hi Ben,

There's one more avenue you could try, which is in between the Domino/Woodrat and the hammer and chisel. Another member here, Rocker, has developed a jig for making mortises using a router and spiral upcut bits. You should find that on his blog. Many people think highly of it, though I've never used it.

Regards,

Albert

 

[Ben West]

Albert,

Thanks for the tip, I'll look it up.  I have an OF 1400, and some upcut bits, so I should be in business!

Ben