how to do a Lamello Zeta P2 joint with Festool?

[online421]

I have some cabinets to make from time to time, I dont want to spend $$$$ on a Lamello Zeta P2 given I have Festool Domino already  and use the connector set frequently.

I know they are different tool but has anyone successfully used their Festool (Domino) in a way like Lamello Zeta P2?

 

[locaholic35]

What aspect of the P2 are you hoping to emulate that you haven't been able to achieve with the domino connector set that you have? 

 

[James Biddle]

I've been looking at the Lamello as well.  What's different, to me, is the Lamello Tenso P-14 will allow me to attach a face frame to a box in those areas that domino's/biscuits won't work without being clamped.  I want to finish my face frames off of my pre-finished plywood boxes.  Clamping finished face frames to boxes has proven difficult with clamping marring the finished face frames.  Pocket screws can work but not in all areas and may alter the alignment.  Domino's or biscuits will work for alignment but not add any clamping force.

 

[Michael Kellough]

Dominos for alignment, pocket screws for clamping/pulling, make a good team. Just put the pocket screws close to the Dominos to minimize bending of the ff.

 

[lwoirhaye]

Mod-Eez makes invisible fasteners that can substitute in some cases.    More time to install than the slick Lamello system though. Perhaps the required mortises can partially be cut with a Domino.

 

[James Biddle]

Dominos for alignment, pocket screws for clamping/pulling, make a good team. Just put the pocket screws close to the Dominos to minimize bending of the ff.

I like this combination for general assembly, but there are times when a pocket screw would show like the bottom of an upper cabinet or a fixed center divider.  Those are the applications I'm looking for a different solution.

 

[lwoirhaye]

http://www.mod-eez.com/Dowels.htm

They sent me a sample pack some years ago.  They may still do that.

 

[abates]

I have the lamello zeta and can definitely say it is an incredible machine that has offered some very excellent and unique solutions. I can also say, there is no way to replicate what the lamello does with a domino.  Even the KO fasteners that Festool has put out require more fiddling than the Zeta.  I use the tenso and the clamex frequently for just the applications you are speaking about; partitions in cabinets where a screw is unsightly, and a clamp can't reach.  Part of the beauty of the lamello is you only need 10-12mm depth of cut. I can't see how the Festool KO fasteners can even come close to those tolerances.

Unfortunately the Zeta is expensive, but I honestly feel that once you buy it, the possibilities continue to present themselves.

 

[online421]

What aspect of the P2 are you hoping to emulate that you haven't been able to achieve with the domino connector set that you have?

Domino connectors requires you to be at least 30mm thick material. most of the shelve arnt 30mm thick...

 

[online421]

I have the lamello zeta and can definitely say it is an incredible machine that has offered some very excellent and unique solutions. I can also say, there is no way to replicate what the lamello does with a domino.  Even the KO fasteners that Festool has put out require more fiddling than the Zeta.  I use the tenso and the clamex frequently for just the applications you are speaking about; partitions in cabinets where a screw is unsightly, and a clamp can't reach.  Part of the beauty of the lamello is you only need 10-12mm depth of cut. I can't see how the Festool KO fasteners can even come close to those tolerances.

Unfortunately the Zeta is expensive, but I honestly feel that once you buy it, the possibilities continue to present themselves.

I think you are absolutely right. they are different tools, this will be my next purchase when I can justify the number of sales.

Festool connectors are also about 6-8 times the cost of the Lamello connectors...

 

[Frank-Jan]

What aspect of the P2 are you hoping to emulate that you haven't been able to achieve with the domino connector set that you have?

Domino connectors requires you to be at least 30mm thick material. most of the shelve arnt 30mm thick...

Are you talking about the connectors for the df 700? Festool says about the connectors for the df 500 that they can be used for material from 18 to 28 mm thick.

 

[tiralie]

I have some cabinets to make from time to time, I dont want to spend $$$$ on a Lamello Zeta P2 given I have Festool Domino already  and use the connector set frequently.

I know they are different tool but has anyone successfully used their Festool (Domino) in a way like Lamello Zeta P2?

I have looked into the Festool connectors but have not used them.
You can however use your biscuit joiner (if you have one to cut grooves to accept RTA (ready to assemble as Steve Rowe demonstrates in this video. [member=761]Steve Rowe[/member]

You can also use a biscuit joiner and the strong, completely invisible joint without clamps. Striplox mini 60 for a
Tim

 

[lwoirhaye]

Knapp makes some RTA fittings for biscuit slots. 
https://www.knapp-verbinder.com/en/produkt/fast-knock-in-plug-in-connector-plastic/

Lee Valley sells at least one model in N. America. 

I've never tried them.   

It's hard to argue with the gee-whiz awesomeness of the Zeta if you've got the money burning a hole in your pocket tho.

 

[tiralie]

 
It's hard to argue with the gee-whiz awesomeness of the Zeta if you've got the money burning a hole in your pocket tho.

The time saved spent with other fittings pays for the Zeta. The tool definitely streamlines production. Yes it's expensive but worth it.
Tim

 

[James Biddle]

I just ordered a Lamello Zeta.  I'm hoping it will speed up the face frame to carcass assembly time while maintaining accuracy.  I'm also looking forward to using it for assembling a mitered face frame to end panel as well as boxed columns.  Add to that the ability to have the knock down capabilities and I think this tool will be the perfect complement to the Domino.

Although I didn't have money burning a hole in my pocket, posting that comment on the Festool site does seem a bit ironic.  My Festool Domino DF500 (which I absolutely LOVE and will not give up, by the way) with Trim and Cross Stops cost me $720 back in Jan of 2007 is now listed at $1,040.  The Zeta is $1,695.

I think both of these tools are game changers. You may or may not.

 

[tiralie]

I'm hoping it will speed up the face frame to carcass assembly time while maintaining accuracy.

The Tenso fittings for the Zeta are a game changer for on site face frame attachment. No need to clamp, nail or pocket hole, just glue and move on.
Tim

 

[James Biddle]

I'm hoping it will speed up the face frame to carcass assembly time while maintaining accuracy.

The Tenso fittings for the Zeta are a game changer for on site face frame attachment. No need to clamp, nail or pocket hole, just glue and move on.
Tim

We used our new Zeta for just that application and it was like night and day.