Lamello Lust

[Birdhunter]

I've watched a number of videos on the Lamello tool. The connector system is astounding and the quality of the machine looks great from the video.

The problem is that I don't build cabinets so cannot imagine how I would use the machine.

I have both Domino machines and a Mafell doweler. I use all three, especially the 500 Domino, often. Each fills a niche very nicely.

I build furniture, boxes, garden gates, flag display cases, and just about anything else. I am just a serious hobby woodworker although I used to do some commission work.

The only project I can imagine using the Lamello is for hidden joints on the jewelry boxes I enjoy making.

Any ideas?

 

[DynaGlide]

Spencer Lewis, Insider Carpentry on YouTube has some of the more interesting uses for it. He needed a 10ft plywood section recently for a slat wall and used the Clamex to join two smaller sections together.

Matt

 

[luvmytoolz]

I plan on getting the Zeta at some point to supplement the Domino's, for general work and face frames, but also for using the Tenso 14 connectors for box construction. I think it complements the Domino's beautifully, adding usefulness and capability the Domino's don't have.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I can tell you that you would definitely be happy with it. I have had one for years and it comes in handy often. I have used it in conjunction with Dominos many times on huge architectural panels, column wraps and other decorative items. The limitation they have is that the take the same space laterally as a normal #20 biscuit, where as a Domino joiner is far more narrow, but takes a much bigger access hole.
There are pros and cons to each. (Clamex) Then there's the Tenso, which is totally invisible. Both are great in difficult to clamp situations. Stabilizing with Dominos helps quite a bit with both.

 

[cider]

Bought one this year, and I think it's my favorite tool.  I've mainly used it for cabinet or shelving type projects, but I keep finding new uses for it, although I probably wouldn't use it as much if I only worked in hardwood.  In any case, I agree with the comments above that it makes a nice complement to the Domino.

I'm not a Zeta P2 expert, but you mentioned jewelry box joints, and that doesn't seem like a likely usage to me, but maybe?

 

[luvmytoolz]

Bought one this year, and I think it's my favorite tool.  I've mainly used it for cabinet or shelving type projects, but I keep finding new uses for it, although I probably wouldn't use it as much if I only worked in hardwood.  In any case, I agree with the comments above that it makes a nice complement to the Domino.

I'm not a Zeta P2 expert, but you mentioned jewelry box joints, and that doesn't seem like a likely usage to me, but maybe?

I have a cheaper Zeta knockoff, and use the Tenso connectors in conjunction with a couple of Dominos on box mitre joins. Makes for a really secure join that self clamps.

 

[Packard]

I have the Hafele dowel system that draws in the panels (no clamps required).  The main advantage of this (for me), is it allows me to produce, dry-fit, paint, and carry the project to its destination in flat boards. 

I considered the Lamello system, but this has a much smaller entry cost and seems to work well.

I can reassemble with glue when I have it in place.  The Hafale system uses 8mm dowel holes and it is not structural.  It depends on additional dowels (with glue) for final assembly. 

I’ve only used it a couple of times.  It requires a less noticeable hole than the other systems.  And it cost about $120.00 to get into the system (if you already have an 8mm doweling jig).

I found that I can use a much smaller hole than specified (about 0.156”).  I don’t fill the holes.  I use 2 per joint.  They cost about $1.00 each.  My jig drills on 32mm centers, so several conventional dowels and two joiners per joint.  If anyone is interested, I can describe how I am able to use the smaller locking hole. 

Correction:  I bought 200 joiners at $0.64 each.

 

[Peter Kelly]

I have a cheaper Zeta knockoff, and use the Tenso connectors in conjunction with a couple of Dominos on box mitre joins. Makes for a really secure join that self clamps.

Where'd you find a Zeta knockoff? Wasn't aware these existed.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I have a cheaper Zeta knockoff, and use the Tenso connectors in conjunction with a couple of Dominos on box mitre joins. Makes for a really secure join that self clamps.

Where'd you find a Zeta knockoff? Wasn't aware these existed.

Bought it off a nearby cabinet maker who bought the genuine Zeta. It's from China, googling it a while back I did find some units online but around $500AUD, which given the build quality is too much. It's functional, but in the same way a cheap Ryobi sander compares to a Festool sander.