How Helpful is Domiplate?

[Patrick Cox]

Hello,
I was curious just how helpful the Domiplate is vs using the built in fence on the Domino?  I do work with Plywood and 1x material which I believe is also about 3/4" thick so it may apply to that as well.  I have not really run into any issues yet with the Domino but just looking for some testimonials.

Thanks!
Pat

 

[Michael Kellough]

The Domiplate is so simple and foolproof (sometimes the built-in fence slips on the post) that I always use it on 3/4" and 1/2" stock.

 

[Patrick Cox]

The Domiplate is so simple and foolproof (sometimes the built-in fence slips on the post) that I always use it on 3/4" and 1/2" stock.

Can you use the edge stops with the dominate?  (Both the "built in" stops and the wing attachments? Thx

 

[erock]

For me, the Domiplate is the ONLY aftermarket accessory needed for the domino.

You can use the pins/paddles and the "wing" attachments (a.k.a. cross stops) with the domino.

I use 18mm and 12mm material all the time.  The domiplate takes the guess work out of which height the fence should be set at.

The only problem I have with the domiplate is that I have to remove it in order to put the domino back into the systainer.  If I'm using the domino, 99% of the time the domiplate is attached.  Well worth every penny I paid.

Eric

 

[duburban]

I agree with the domiplate praise. Do it.

 

[Patrick Cox]

Well, they have free shipping this weekend so I guess I will go for it. Thanks!

 

[fignewton]

Another favorable vote.  I just used mine the first time for a bookcase I'm building.  Even used it for the glue-up of the stock.  The references were so that I have minimal sanding to do at the joint.  Glad I got it.

 

[waho6o9]

Indispensable

 

[clark_fork]

I add my vote in support. However, while the use appears to be completely intuitive, I urge you not to proceed until you have read the supporting documentation and spent some time thinking out the process.

The Domiplate installed requires the Domino 500 to be operated upside down.

Therefore:

1. Read the  accompanying  instructions paying particular attention to mounting the screws in an even rate, not one at a time.

2. The thin line on the bottom of the Domino 500 is hard to read (for some). I hit mine with a black Sharpie to fill in the line to make it more visible.  I clean it the area with alcohol.

3. As usual, leave the Domino unplugged during the process and make sure you consider the reciprocating machinery that is exposed at the bottom. The Domiplate does not extend over this area to shield the moving machinery. Careless handling could turn your palm into mush. Unlikely but  just be aware of these moving parts.

4. The turning on of the Domino 500 is awkward at first so a little practice is in order. If you change width, be extra cautious when turning the Domino right side up.

5. Best make a little storage box for practice.

Great add on and at a good price. Early videos missed the inclusion of the bolts and knobs. It come complete now and ready to use.

[attachimg=1]

Exposed moving machinery

[attachimg=2]

Faint Center Line Enhanced with Sharpie

 

[ear3]

Since no one has mentioned it, I will just add that I've found the Domiplate to be indispensible for vertical plunging.  It lets you use the entire base of the Domino as support, so there are no worries about rocking, which can sometimes happen if you are vertical plunging with the fence engaged off the edge of a board.

 

[Roseland]

The real key to the Domiplate is reproducibility.  If, as I do, you use a lot of 1/2" and 3/4" ply it makes life a lot easier.  For instance without it, if you changed the adjustable fence from 1/2" to 3/4" and then wanted to switch back there would always be a small error; you can never get the fence back in EXACTLY the same position, even if it's only a few tenths of a mm out.  With the Domiplate it's always bang on.

In addition the combination of the Domiplate and fence (in the upright position) gives very positive registration, much more than the fence and that funny little plastic extension piece do.

I think one should be included with each Domino.

All the best,

Andrew

 

[Mercury]

Again, I love it.
Like previously said, the repeatability is key, no guesswork.
You won't be dissapointed.

Haven't tried for vertical use, will give it a go.

Mark

 

[James Biddle]

One thing I like about the Domiplate is for using it for attaching face frames to cabinet boxes.

I set the face frame on the box, determine its location, mark the spots I want the Dominos, and determine what spacers would flush up the box to face frame using my fingers and various spacers. 

After Dominoing a wider hole in the center (doesn't need to be exact) of the box sides/tops/bottoms, I add four of those spacers between the Domiplate and Domino plate and bore a Domino sized hole in the face frame. 

Sounds harder than it is...because I usually center the sides and flush the top of the face frame to the top of the lower cabinet or to the inside bottoms of the upper cabinet, only two differently sized spacers are needed for one cabinet. Having the wider slots on the box allows me to fine-tune during assembly.  Using the Dominos and Domiplating from an edge of each part allows me to straighten any bowed parts during assembly as well.

Plus, the spacers are normally repeated throughout a kitchen because of design continuation throughout the kitchen. But, I can use/make different spacers when needed.  I save them and have a growing stock of small spacers to use.  Sometimes the spacers are the same thickness as the sides, other times they're washers to set a slight reveal, sometimes I run scrap through a planer...you get the drift.

I couldn't do this without the Domiplate.

 

[Jeff Zanin]

Agreed the Domiplate is extremely useful working in sheet goods which is what I have been using it for.

Just like any other alignment process the trick is to use the Domiplate against the correct face / edge combination since it is a fixed offset from the face, not necessarily the center of the piece.

 

[jsabados]

Well, they have free shipping this weekend so I guess I will go for it. Thanks!

I got mine on one of the previous free shipping deals too and I love it.  I don't think you'll regret it at all!

 

[Klemm]

where is the best video found describing the pro as well as the con of the Domino and contrast it with Rick Christopherson's DOMINO accessory?
Klemm

 

[Steve-Rice]

The Domiplate is not just limited to 1/2" & 3/4" stock, you can use shims under the Domiplate to center the domino mortise on any material thickness from 1/2" on up.  There is another thread on the FOG that goes into more detail on how to do this.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...arious-stock-thicknesses/msg461602/#msg461602