Jointing kitchen worktops with a domino?

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Hi all I have been using a dewalt biscuit jointer when jointing kitchen work tops for years but have recently been toying with the idea getting a Festool domino, does anyone already use a domino for this? Also as I already have a biscuit jointer would I be better with the domino xl to cover bigger scale jobs or would the 500 be the better option.

 

[joiner1970]

I did it a couple of times but to be honest it's easier to just biscuit them. I have a biscuit cutter for my router so it's easier  to just run a continuous slot.

 

[Wuffles]

I've used them a few times now, and whenever I decide to go back to using my biscuit jointer (which to be fair is a cheap n cheerful POS) I regret it. Much like anything I used to use a biscuit for, the domino joints slip together easier, less stress during a glue up.

In the olden days I used to use a biscuit cutter bit for my router too, but I used to frequently forget to do both sides of the joint at once and would then have to try and re-align, because I am an idiot.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Thanks for the replies guys, I've never had any alignment problems with biscuits as I have a dedicated biscuit jointer but was wondering if the domino would take its place as well as been useful for other projects, hence I was on the fence weather the domino xl would be better for me as I already have the biscuit jointer for small section timbers and Worktops etc

 

[andy5405]

I would actually say neither as I gave up using biscuits on laminate kitchen worktops years ago. There's two reasons for that. One is that a biscuit doesn't do much in chipboard particularly with a cheaper less dense worktop. The other is that are configurations with a tower or wall at one end of a top where there isn't room to use a biscuit. I would still use biscuits on wooden tops if there is space to fit them.

I have never had a problem by not using them and use my tried and trusted method of silicon at the top of the joint with PVA on the bottom half (this is for laminate). I've read lots of manufacturer instructions which say you mustn't mix adhesives on the same joint. Also I don't use or carry Colorfil. 

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

I generally use colorfil on the joints as I find it's less messy than silicone and set fairly quickly, I always put the biscuits in if I can though.

 

[andy5405]

I generally use colorfil on the joints as I find it's less messy than silicone and set fairly quickly, I always put the biscuits in if I can though.

I always save some sawdust from the cuts. I clear the excess silicon with a blunt chisel and then use the sawdust to clean up the rest. It sucks up the silicon like a sponge and leaves no residue whatsoever.

 

[Davej]

Wonderwipes or similar are good for wiping away excess wet silicon.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Never tried the sawdust trick, I just always find silicone a ball ache for the clean up maybe i'l give your trick a go next time and be converted lol

 

[andy5405]

Never tried the sawdust trick, I just always find silicone a ball ache for the clean up maybe i'l give your trick a go next time and be converted lol

Mr Muscle works a treat as well though I avoid using it near the joint as the last thing I want to do is dissolve the silicon at the top of the joint.

 

[kostello]

Baby wipes clean uncured silicone really well

 

[fin]

i dont use a biscuit jointer for tops. i just use 3 zip bolts and clear silicone. havent used colourfill for ages now,. with clear silicone it allows you to move the joint about for a good while to get the joint bang on perfect. colourfill just doesnt give you the chance

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

Yeah I use the zip bolts aswel just always stick the biscuits in aswel where I can

 

[Deansocial]

3 bolts d4 pva. All thats needed

 

[fin]

ill try that the next kitchen i do. does it work better than silicone?

 

[Wuffles]

3 bolts d4 pva. All thats needed

I only add dominoes or biscuits for vertical alignment, another thing not to worry about when you're lying underneath, with a head torch, a spanner and glue catching paper over my face.

 

[Deansocial]

Sod lying under it. Rachet spanner nip em up, knock to flush em up and tighten.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

I use the bolts you can zip up with a cordless with an Allen bit once you use them you'll never go back the the type you tighten with a 10mm spanner, a little more expensive but well worth it in my opinion, less time spent on your back catching glue on your face lol

 

[KimCan]

Sometings there are areas that you can not get to bolt up joints! I have used domino's and long Bessey clamps to pull this breakfast bar and work surface together

 

[Wuffles]

Sometings there are areas that you can not get to bolt up joints! I have used domino's and long Bessey clamps to pull this breakfast bar and work surface together

Just as well, doesn't look like you would have had space for bolts on that joint anyway ;D