Just a few cuts should do it. Be sure to check out one of the supplemental domino manuals (you can find them on the festoolusa web site). As you already know, its always best to run a few test cuts on a new tool or one you haven't used for a while.
Here are a few random suggestions:
- never use your table/bench/mft as the reference surface, always reference off the top of the piece.
- keep reference surfaces consistent on all workpieces (e.g., always reference from the top)
- if working on small/narrow workpieces, gang a few up so that you have a large stable surface to reference off of
- if the machine 'chatters' or moves slightly, there has been a problem (probably a loose grip) and you will probably need a do-over
- do-overs are happily very easily accomplished. just glue a domino into the bad hole, let it dry and cut flush, then make your new one
- its probably best to glue both workpieces and make the joint at the same time. However, on a large piece, its tempting to glue all the dominoes into one piece, then glue on the second piece. That can work, but be very sure all your dominoes in inserted all the way into the first piece before you bring on piece number two.
- there is a flat on either side of the domino that is aligned vertically with where the center of the mortise will be cut, use it!
Most all of the above advice is pretty much general good woodworking common sense, but it all applies to the domino, too.
By the way, if you are making shelves, mark a line. Clamp a straight piece of wood (a fence) to the line and reference the domino off that fence - easy way of ensuring nice horizontal shelves.
