Help Deciding MFT or Domino

ah388

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Feb 6, 2014
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17
So I have a number of projects around the house (bookcases and some built-ins) and I'm trying to decide whether a Domino 500 or MFT/3 would be more useful.  So far I have a TS55, Carvex, ETS125, OF1010, and CT26.  I do also have a miter saw and portable contractor table saw.  At this point I can only afford either the table or the Domino, what are your thoughts.
 
They are obviously vastly different. The table would allow you to maximize what you already have. You would get more rail and as a work an clamping solution it is great. The domino is great but only for joinery. If you have a great deal of joinery in your future than do the domino, if you have a mixed bag coming your way get the table.
 
Considering your doing built-ins and book cases, definitely get the domino it will make your projects go so much faster and can do things you would never consider doing without it. In my opinion among all the Festool products the MFT is more of a "luxury" item, though its definitely something you want on your wish list, you can do just fine without it, even though you will definitely get more out of your tools with it.
 
Texas, I know where you are coming from, until I got my tables I thought the same. After I got the tables I use them all the time. More than you would think.
 
tallgrass said:
Texas, I know where you are coming from, until I got my tables I thought the same. After I got the tables I use them all the time. More than you would think.

I have an MFT/3 and think it is worth every penny, but say if I knew I would eventually be getting both the Domino and MFT but had to get one and then wait some time to buy the other I would make sure I had the Domino before an MFT... just my [2cents]  [smile]
 
Domino by far for me.  It has totally changed making cabinet carcasses, tables, joining, and so many other things for me.  The domino isn't hype, it's just awesome and completely  dust free. The trick is learning all the things it can do, and I've only scratched the surface I'm sure.
 
Welcome to the forum!  Personally I use the MFT/3 more than any other Festool.  It is used on every project and it would allow you to use your saws to their fullest potential.  I would probably opt for one over the Domino. 

Scot
 
Domino would be my first choice you can always use a bench or saw horses to accomplish what the more suffocated MFT will give you but, the Domino is a tool that will allow you to do so much more and has no comparisons unless you buy a very pricy horizontal mortising machine.

Domino, hands down!

Jack
 
Domino.  Build an outfeed table with 20 mm holes for parf dogs. Put drawers in it for all your tools. Put on locking-caster wheels.
 
The Domino w/o a vac won't work. So, unless you already have a vac that will work with the Domino, you need to figure that cost into your decision. The Domiplate attachment for the Domino makes working with 3/4" and 1/2" plywood incredibly easier. The Domino assortment with all the cutters and an assortment of tenons is a good value. Kind of adds up, right?

I got the Domino first and later added a dual MFT workbench. For me, that was the right decision.
 
I tend to agree with jacko9 and NYC.  You could make something that comes close to the utility of an MFT (or adds to it for that matter), but you're not growing dominos in your herb garden!  Domino gets my vote.
 
I bought the MFT/3s first and put them right to work.  It wasn't until I attended an end-user training class that I really saw the value of the Domino.  In the meantime, the MFT/3s were earning their keep.  No regrets here.  And I love the Domino, too, now that I have it. 

 
The more I'm thinking about, the more I'm thinking I need to convince my wife I need a larger tool budget so I can get both.
 
Alex H said:
The more I'm thinking about, the more I'm thinking I need to convince my wife I need a larger tool budget so I can get both.

Birdhunter mentioned above that the Domino is best used with a Festool Extractor.  When I purchased my Domino the supplier strongly suggested that I buy the CT 22 with the Domino and I'm sure glad I did.  Then came the Triton 300 jigsaw, 4 sanders and all of them use the CT 22.  A Domino and dust extractor purchased together is a great deal, I would opt for at least the CT 26.

I always make sure that I have a "wife project" planned before a major purchase and quickly execute that project before the bills come rolling in [wink]

Jack
 
you could get mft, and a biscuit joiner for same price as domino.

or maybe a domino and an mft replacement top and some clamps, and integrate the top into you existing work surface/area.

mft is a good core tool used all the time, you can use it for a million things...
 
Back in 2009 I thought that the MFT was a silly table with a bunch of holes.  My eyes were opened and I use my MFT far more than my Domino.  Straight and square for cabinets and other construction comes before how you join things.  Honestly lots of ways to join things but far fewer ways to ensure accurate repeatable cuts in the 14 to 24" crosscut range.

Just my  [2cents]

Peter
 
I have the Lamello Top 10 gathering dust since I got my Domino joiner and to buy without dust and chip collection is not wise in my humble opinion.

Jack
 
I do already have a Ct 26 for dust extraction, bought it with my first sander, which started me down this slippery path. 

Jack, my only problem with the 'wife projects' is she is starting to catch on that every project requires some new tool.
 
Alex H said:
I do already have a Ct 26 for dust extraction, bought it with my first sander, which started me down this slippery path. 

Jack, my only problem with the 'wife projects' is she is starting to catch on that every project requires some new tool.

Alex,

I understand but, there are things that I have built that have caught here attention and affection so, remember it's her priority that's important in the project list.

When I replaced the hall table from her sewing machine to a nice mahogany table and mirror that warmed her heart.  The family room table and fireplace surround brought a smile to her face.  Good tools can bring family satisfaction very quickly.

Good luck and keep the family peace;-)

Jack
 
I say, buy a replacement top for an MFT.  Build your own frame for it.  You can use bench dogs to align your cuts instead of the miter gauge.  Buy the Domino instead.
 
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