Is it worth getting a XL

[pierreblonde]

What to do  ???
I am on building myself a house and am about to start the windows and external doors to get it water tight
i have 36 windows and 7 doors to do for starters and wondering if it is worth getting the domino XL i normally do mortice and tenons
but i think the domino would be quicker , i just fell as if i would be cheating a bit if you know what i mean  ???
the windows are traditional Box Sash with weights and axle pullys so it would only be the sashes i would us the domino on
i have the other domino but i don't use it that much

what do you guys think would it be up to the job

 

[woodguy7]

Definitely up to the job for making the sashes.  I was like you, thought it was cheating to use the XL (suppose it is) but it does a really good job & the time saving is incredible.

2 small jobs paid for my complete set.

 

[Vindingo]

Don't go and try one out if you are on the fence... you will buy it.  It is really nice.    

Its a bit rich for my blood, but with 36 windows and 7 doors, you can surely justify it.  

Cheating would be going to the store to buy the windows and doors...  

Please do post some photos of your project.  Your work is awesome. 

 

[jmbfestool]

I'm waiting for a job to come up to justify buying one.  The job you described would be that job.

Currently all jobs I'm working on it would be overkill so I gotta carry on using the domino 500 [sad]

Jmb

 

[tallgrass]

Yes.

 

[davee]

The time savings in making doors is amazing.  The XL is a pleasure to use - it has better ergonimics than the Domino 500 (which I also love).  It is just the tool for doors and windows.  In my opinion, if you make them yourself it certainly isn't cheating. 

 

[JLB builders LLC]

I just got the 500 to do some face frames for a custom cab build. Would luv to have a job to justify the 700  [big grin] The first 10 minutes you will forget all about the cost and wonder why you didn't have it sooner.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Just get a Festo Chain Mortiser. [cool]

 

[Timtool]

How would you do those doors and windows otherwise? Do you have a spindle moulder, mortiser, table saw etc...?
I have the XL and i think it really shines at speeding up smaller to medium sized jobs, got a few doors or a gate to make then it's the fastest way to go.
But for example last year i made all new windows for my workshop, and i used the traditional approach with the spindle moulder and hollow chisel mortiser because for larger serial work once they are set up it is just easier and just as fast. but thats because the workpieces were rather light and easy to handle, on things like doors i only consider the XL now.

 

[pierreblonde]

If you guys think its up to the job that'll do for me
I have just about finished my garage/workshop  (the wife thinks its a garage I think its a workshop [laughing]) and i am on setting it up as i have had some machinery
stored away, i pulled my old workshop down to build the house on it
i just changed my spindle moulder for a tilting head one but it has not got a sliding table, so guy the time i buy one and some tenoning heads i could buy a XL are probably use it more
so it would be kapex and bandsaw for the tenons and chop then the  mortiser , would it still be best the cut the mortises with the XL first then run the profile ?

 

[Giff]

Yes 100%. I had a similar situation and have now sold my mortiser. Great machine, nice to use quick and accurate. Good luck. G

 

[woodguy7]

I am just making some fixed pane windows.  I ran the rebates & moulding first then cut the dominoe mortice's from the back side.  Virtually no break out.  Man what a time saver.  I made my own oak dominoes though.

 

[hhh]

==> I have the XL and i think it really shines at speeding up smaller to medium sized jobs
+1

I've used in on my last 2 jobs.  Yes it's expensive, but it can sure save some time over traditional M/T...  If you have the projects, then it's worth it.  But you need the projects, or this thing is going to be a $1300 paperweight.

 

[pierreblonde]

Well i was on the fence but it didn't take much pushing off as i got one today
i tried it out on some scraps and was really impressed
i really like how the fence height locks, way better than the DF500 ,i had the fence slip on that when i first got it and it pit me off it for a time
i got the 14mm set as well but not the 8 & 10mm set
i have started a couple of oak doors today to try it out on

thanks again guys