I know this has been asked before, but I do need help in making a choice between two products. I have a shop full of tools. I have a cabinet saw, radial arm saw, router table with a 3 hp router, bandsaw, lathe, mortising machine, drill press, numerous sanders and hand held routers. I have been looking Festool's track saws and the domino machines. I do fine woodworking. I do not have a track saw and rarely do sheet goods. My question, which tool would you suggest given my scenario?
Help with first purchase
- Thread starter rechilcot
- Start date
I guess my question would be that if you have a good (and full sized) table saw and a RAS and you don’t break down a lot of large plywood then what do you envision using the track saw for? That combined with how unique and useful the Domino is, I would lean Domino. That is all without asking you more about what type of work you do the most and which operations that you do where you do not love the methods dictated by your current tools, ie. areas for improvement that you have in mind.
rechilcot said:
Hi,
Welcome to the forum! [smile]
Based on the tools you already own and the lack of sheet good use ....................... Domino.
Seth
Sanderxpander
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Based on the tools you already own and the fact that you don't already have a specific use case in mind, I would say either a nice pair of earrings for your wife, a weekend away together, some money in the bank for a rainy day or a payment on the house/car/pension plan/whatever.
Seriously, don't buy it if you don't need it. Wait until you do find a need.
Seriously, don't buy it if you don't need it. Wait until you do find a need.
Jiggy Joiner
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If you have a mortising machine, you don’t really need a Domino, and you already have a track saw. So maybe a different type of tool might be an option?
If you go for a Festool track saw, get a TS-75 the 55 is in my opinion, is under powered, or go for the cordless 55, it copes better than the corded version and no cord to get in the way.
If you choose a Domino, get a DF-500 it will cover a lot of general joinery, if you're looking at making bigger stuff, large framing, gates and barn doors etc for example, go for the DF-700
If you go for a Festool track saw, get a TS-75 the 55 is in my opinion, is under powered, or go for the cordless 55, it copes better than the corded version and no cord to get in the way.
If you choose a Domino, get a DF-500 it will cover a lot of general joinery, if you're looking at making bigger stuff, large framing, gates and barn doors etc for example, go for the DF-700
Birdhunter
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My shop looks a lot like the OP’s based on the equipment described and the furniture work.
The Domino 500 changed my methods of work more than any tool or sets of tools except for my jointer and planer.
The jointer and planer enabled my to produce flat, square, straight boards and the Domino enabled me to join them.
The TS55 track saw is useful for breaking down plywood but most of the fine cutting is done on the big table saw.
Not asked, but I’ve started doing a lot of hand work and my collection of Lie Nielsen chisels and planes has provided more fun than any power tool plus I’ve finally learned how to put a scary sharp edge on a cutting tool. Getting that perfect curl off a board with a truly sharp plane is a big thrill.
My mortising machine was gifted and my biscuit machine is somewhere in a dusty box.
Last thought, if you buy the Domino, buy the kit with all the tenon sizes and cutters. You will also need an extra 4mm and 5mm cutter as spares. Watch videos on the Domino and practice with scrap wood.
The Domino 500 changed my methods of work more than any tool or sets of tools except for my jointer and planer.
The jointer and planer enabled my to produce flat, square, straight boards and the Domino enabled me to join them.
The TS55 track saw is useful for breaking down plywood but most of the fine cutting is done on the big table saw.
Not asked, but I’ve started doing a lot of hand work and my collection of Lie Nielsen chisels and planes has provided more fun than any power tool plus I’ve finally learned how to put a scary sharp edge on a cutting tool. Getting that perfect curl off a board with a truly sharp plane is a big thrill.
My mortising machine was gifted and my biscuit machine is somewhere in a dusty box.
Last thought, if you buy the Domino, buy the kit with all the tenon sizes and cutters. You will also need an extra 4mm and 5mm cutter as spares. Watch videos on the Domino and practice with scrap wood.
ear3
Member
I predict you'll eventually get both, but immediately, I might lean towards the domino, simply because it gives you more capabilities within your current setup. Your mortising machine will duplicate some of it, but try mortising the end of a 3 ft. board and you will realize what the domino can do over the mortiser.
But I'm curious, how do you joint and thickness boards in your current setup (don't see a jointer or a thickness planer in the list)? Coupling a tracksaw with the tablesaw will solve just about all of your edge jointing needs, and if you throw in a few handplanes, you will have all the jointing covered. The tracksaw is good for so much more than breaking down plywood. The cordless TSC55 is a better bet over the corded version with regards to power and utilizing the full depth of cut capacity in hardwood. The TS75 is even more powerful, but I tend to only bust mine out when working with really thick stock, as the larger size of the saw demands a longer runway of track both before and after the cut.
But I'm curious, how do you joint and thickness boards in your current setup (don't see a jointer or a thickness planer in the list)? Coupling a tracksaw with the tablesaw will solve just about all of your edge jointing needs, and if you throw in a few handplanes, you will have all the jointing covered. The tracksaw is good for so much more than breaking down plywood. The cordless TSC55 is a better bet over the corded version with regards to power and utilizing the full depth of cut capacity in hardwood. The TS75 is even more powerful, but I tend to only bust mine out when working with really thick stock, as the larger size of the saw demands a longer runway of track both before and after the cut.
Thank for all the suggestions. When I do break down sheet goods, I use a sidewinder and finish the dimensions on a table saw. Woodworking has been a 30+ year hobby for me. I started with a 1940s Craftsman tilt table saw, and some hand planes. Over the years I have added tools to the point now, I am upgrading about everything. I never had a track saw, but I see so many extol it's virtues. The domino peaked my interest when I first saw it demonstrated. Like the other poster, the stationary planer and jointer took my work to another level.
I have a project coming up for a hall table which is 48 inches x 24 inches (122 cm x 61 cm) and will have tapered legs. The table apron will be made of 3/4 inch (2 cm) walnut and 2x2 (5x5 cm) walnut legs. The top will be a live edge slab. Normally I would use my hollow chisel mortiser and table saw to make the mortise and tenon joints between the apron and legs. Would the domino be able to used instead of my current method? Also, what size domino would you suggest.
Thank you all for giving guidance. Now I am also looking at the vast array of sanders that are available. The green slide is certainly a slippery one.
I have a project coming up for a hall table which is 48 inches x 24 inches (122 cm x 61 cm) and will have tapered legs. The table apron will be made of 3/4 inch (2 cm) walnut and 2x2 (5x5 cm) walnut legs. The top will be a live edge slab. Normally I would use my hollow chisel mortiser and table saw to make the mortise and tenon joints between the apron and legs. Would the domino be able to used instead of my current method? Also, what size domino would you suggest.
Thank you all for giving guidance. Now I am also looking at the vast array of sanders that are available. The green slide is certainly a slippery one.
As expected, most of the responses recommend that you buy the Domino first. I agree with that recommendation given your existing tools and type of work.
But...Don't underestimate the benefits of the track saw. Like you I have a cabinet saw - Great machine to be sure. But I find that the additional accuracy and straightness of cut achieved with the track saw is superb.
But...Don't underestimate the benefits of the track saw. Like you I have a cabinet saw - Great machine to be sure. But I find that the additional accuracy and straightness of cut achieved with the track saw is superb.
I, too, have a similar setup..or at least I did but am now spooling up again as I sold many of my power tools prior to our cross country relocation. I am a little surprised to see so many nods to the Domino given all the accolades I've seen for a track saw. I just pulled the trigger on a TS75 as I need the add'l capacity over the TS55, but may now also consider the Domino (likely the XL for the type of work I generally do). I was lent a Domino XL for a small project and love it, but have been reticent to pony up the dough for one. Seeing so many saying how it has changed their workflow for the better is highly encouraging.
Jesse Cloud
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I once got the excellent advice that if I were a hobbiest, I must be in this at least somewhat for the fun of it. So the speaker advised that I choose a tool that would make me happy every time I used it. For me, that's the Domino.
And yes, you have a mortiser, but setup on the Domino is much faster and dust collection is phenomenal. Also when you are working with long pieces or large bulky pieces, you will find it is a joy to bring the tool to the work, rather than trying to support the work while using the tool.
I have much the same setup as you, but even with a big tablesaw, I still find lots of needs for the tracksaw. For instance, I am a nut about grain orientation. I will often find the grain I need for a leg, say, at weird angles to the edges of the board and the board too big for an angled cut on the band saw. Its a piece of cake for the track saw. If you buy rough, sometimes waney, lumber - the track saw can easily and precisely trim off the waste.
Another major advantage of the track saw is that you need much less shop space to work it. On a stationary saw you will need major open space behind and in front of the blade to make the cut. Just a few inches of extra on the tracksaw.
Whichever you buy, think hard about which model. Its tempting to go for the larger ones, but they are expensive and heavy - and you will being lifting those tools a lot. I have both the DF500 and the 700, but the 500 gets almost all of the work. I build dressers, chairs, tables, desks, most anything.
There are lots of threads on the FOG about choosing which tools and which models. "Search" is your friend.
And welcome to the forum!!
And yes, you have a mortiser, but setup on the Domino is much faster and dust collection is phenomenal. Also when you are working with long pieces or large bulky pieces, you will find it is a joy to bring the tool to the work, rather than trying to support the work while using the tool.
I have much the same setup as you, but even with a big tablesaw, I still find lots of needs for the tracksaw. For instance, I am a nut about grain orientation. I will often find the grain I need for a leg, say, at weird angles to the edges of the board and the board too big for an angled cut on the band saw. Its a piece of cake for the track saw. If you buy rough, sometimes waney, lumber - the track saw can easily and precisely trim off the waste.
Another major advantage of the track saw is that you need much less shop space to work it. On a stationary saw you will need major open space behind and in front of the blade to make the cut. Just a few inches of extra on the tracksaw.
Whichever you buy, think hard about which model. Its tempting to go for the larger ones, but they are expensive and heavy - and you will being lifting those tools a lot. I have both the DF500 and the 700, but the 500 gets almost all of the work. I build dressers, chairs, tables, desks, most anything.
There are lots of threads on the FOG about choosing which tools and which models. "Search" is your friend.
And welcome to the forum!!
Sanders and a ct. cannot imagine based on your tools that you already have that you do not already have these. Domino is the real deal, you should know when you are ready. Track saws are also jointers as in they along with long tracks can rip the crowns out of material. The 850 planer is so sweet. But really the routers are the real deal. The jig saws are average. Kapex is flawed but if your mobile it’s portable. Avoid the ts 55. Go tsc55. Just my 2 cents.
waho6o9
Member
Domino and a dust extractor.
TLDR: an MFT (or a diy MFT-style table).
I have a decent sized shop with all the stationary tools: table saw, band saw, miter saw, router table, small drum sander, dust collector, jointer planer. I've also invested a fair amount in Festool the last few years. I started with a Domino 500, and that truly was an eye opener. Then I added a track saw, and found it much easier to break down sheet goods. And then I went a bit crazy and decided to go all out Festool: a bunch of sanders, a jig saw, an OF 1400 router, LR32, CT36 dust extractor, Domino XL 700, Seneca, and the list goes on.
But the one thing that really changed the way I work in the shop? A DIY MFT-style assembly table (using the Parf Guide System to drill the holes). Plus a bunch of accesories: TSO, Parf, Qwas, Bench Dogs, clamps from Festool and elsewhere. Using that table with dogs and fences and clamps and stops, along with the track saw and domino(s) and guide rails and parallel guides and dust extractor and sanders and... has truly changed the way I approach a project. I'd say that I cut my table saw usage by at least 50%. With no sacrifice in accuracy. Dominos have improved my joinery immensely. Sanding is still a chore, but so much easier with sanders specialized to particular tasks. And everything is aligned perfectly square and stable using the MFT-style assembly table.
So if you're dead set on buying Festool, start with a Domino joiner. But if you want to improve your productivity: start with an MFT (or MFT-style) bench.
Jeff
I have a decent sized shop with all the stationary tools: table saw, band saw, miter saw, router table, small drum sander, dust collector, jointer planer. I've also invested a fair amount in Festool the last few years. I started with a Domino 500, and that truly was an eye opener. Then I added a track saw, and found it much easier to break down sheet goods. And then I went a bit crazy and decided to go all out Festool: a bunch of sanders, a jig saw, an OF 1400 router, LR32, CT36 dust extractor, Domino XL 700, Seneca, and the list goes on.
But the one thing that really changed the way I work in the shop? A DIY MFT-style assembly table (using the Parf Guide System to drill the holes). Plus a bunch of accesories: TSO, Parf, Qwas, Bench Dogs, clamps from Festool and elsewhere. Using that table with dogs and fences and clamps and stops, along with the track saw and domino(s) and guide rails and parallel guides and dust extractor and sanders and... has truly changed the way I approach a project. I'd say that I cut my table saw usage by at least 50%. With no sacrifice in accuracy. Dominos have improved my joinery immensely. Sanding is still a chore, but so much easier with sanders specialized to particular tasks. And everything is aligned perfectly square and stable using the MFT-style assembly table.
So if you're dead set on buying Festool, start with a Domino joiner. But if you want to improve your productivity: start with an MFT (or MFT-style) bench.
Jeff
Aniline_Kohlrabi
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If you don't break down sheet goods often, get the domino. You will end up using it more often than the mortiser. It is an absolute game changer for solid wood construction. I used one recently to make mock frame and panel doors using a veneered plywood panel and it went together in one afternoon. I didn't even make any formal joinery marks, just pencil lines where I wanted the biscuits.
However, if you get the domino, you must also invest in a suitable hold down system for your bench, either with MFT-style bench dogs and clamps or old-fashioned holdfasts.
However, if you get the domino, you must also invest in a suitable hold down system for your bench, either with MFT-style bench dogs and clamps or old-fashioned holdfasts.
joemodern
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Surprised no one has suggested a Vac Sys. I had already purchased the Domino, sanders, CT. and several other products, along with the MFT. The 2 things I use every time are the MFT and the Vac Sys. I was hesitant on the Vac Sys since I had already bought all of the clamps and they do work fine but the ease of doing things with the Vac Sys is amazing. It just speeds things up so much and is so easy to use it is amazing.
If you don't have a need for anything else right now then those 2 items will allow you to work better with what you already have.
Looking back I can't imagine how I made furniture without the Domino either- it is indeed a real game changer.
If you don't have a need for anything else right now then those 2 items will allow you to work better with what you already have.
Looking back I can't imagine how I made furniture without the Domino either- it is indeed a real game changer.
