Lamello vs Domino

Joined
Jan 16, 2010
Messages
93
Ive been thinking about buying a lamello machine for quite a while now, but im stumped as to how often id reach for it over my Domino tool.

How many of you have both, and USE both frequently?
is there applications that are easier with a lamello rather than a domino?

Thanks
Benn
 
Yeah, that is an interesting question and a dilema I have been toying with for a while. I have a Bosch biscuit jointer and can't think of when I used it since I bought the Domino.

The Lamello is perhaps a bit more specialised because of the speciality biscuit shaped knock down fittings that can be used with it.

I have asked a few guys if they have sold their biscuit jointer and they say no, but also say no when asked if they have used it in preference to the domino. [blink]
 
I just actually sold my biscuit joiner the other day...I haven't looked at it since I got my domino & I got it when it was first released a few years back!  I've seen the Lamello but it looks task specific where the domino is very versatile!

B3
 
Generally speaking I use my domino when there is an absolute need for registration say joining cabinet sides and for joints that need strength. I use my Lamello for jointing when registration is not critical or where more flexibility (play) along the joint is an advantage. I find the Lamello quicker for long joints (16ft+) in  3/4" stock.
I don't use my domino as much as I use my biscuit cutter but that's probably because I am old (impatient) and treat the Domino like the Lamello when cutting (a no no) and it's just not integrated into my work flow as much as it should be.
I like using the Lamello a lot more than my PC biscuit cutter. I find the PC biscuit cutter heavy to use when making a lot cuts.
I think there definitely is a place for both the Domino and a biscuit cutter.
Tim
 
I have a Domino & a biscuit jointer. I use the biscuit jointer when I just need help with alignment, because cutting & inserting biscuits is quicker than doing dominos.  I use the Domino when I need to add strength to the joint & lock parts in place.
 
I have a Domino, and I also still use my Porter Cable biscuit jointer.

I find the biscuit jointer handier for reinforcing the miters on moldings or small picture frames; basically, any application where the Domino would blow through the material because of the deeper hole it cuts.
 
I did sell ONE of my biscuit jointers (DeWalt) to help pay for the Domino, but kept my PC (It's a better design than the DeWalt).

Still not sure how much I'll use it though. I did at least buy a systainer for itso it would feel like it fit in the stack well!
 
jmbfestool said:
What about domino VS mafe dowell?   Or is der no comparison ?

Jmb

I don't what a "mafe dowell" is (NAINA?) and I can't find anything on google, but...

In general, as a "fine" furniture builder, I stay away from dowel joints for the simple reason that they tend to fail over time.
The round dowel will shrink differently than the pieces it's in, and the joint will loosen up.

At leaset, that what's FWW has taught me!  [big grin]

Not sure of the effect in plywood.
 
I also sold my bisquit joiner. The big advantage I like with the Domino is to be able to dry assemble the case before glue-up. Can't really do that with the bisquits. They're not long or tight enough without glue. I haven't missed the bj, but who know's what project will come up in the future that might call for them. I think the Domino will do just about everything (except the Lamello slot hinges) that the bj can do.
 
Deansocial said:
Must be lost across the pond as I read and understand JMB just fine.  I don't know why it seems to be us English folk that abuse the English language the most.

You've never heard a California "valley girl" talk!
 
fritter63 said:
jmbfestool said:
What about domino VS mafe dowell?   Or is der no comparison ?

Jmb

I don't what a "mafe dowell" is (NAINA?) and I can't find anything on google, but...

In general, as a "fine" furniture builder, I stay away from dowel joints for the simple reason that they tend to fail over time.
The round dowel will shrink differently than the pieces it's in, and the joint will loosen up.

At leaset, that what's FWW has taught me!  [big grin]

Not sure of the effect in plywood.

I think FWW is correct.  I have taken apart and rebuilt lots of chairs.  I have never found one more than a few years old where more than half the dowels are still holding on to wood.  The corner blocks were the only thing holding the chairs together.
 
Deansocial said:
Must be lost across the pond as I read and understand JMB just fine.  I don't know why it seems to be us English folk that abuse the English language the most.

Yup-y'all sure do butcher the English language over there. But don't worry- us Yankees fixed it up just fine for ya!
 
Benn,
I use both but don't use the Lamello for biscuits as the Domino is always first option there.  I use it for Knapp knockdown fasteners as I prefer them over the Lamello branded product.  I also use the Lamello for Duplex hinges.  That said, I use the Domino 99% of the time.  When I use knockdowns, the Lamello is the tool of choice.  Unless you have a particular need for knockdown fasteners, I wouldn't bother with a biscuit jointer.  For me it is already a sunk cost and that is why I still have it.
Steve
 
Deansocial said:
Guy Ashley said:
Allow me to translate from JMB speak to the Queens English ::)

He means the Mafell DD40G MaxiMAX Duo Dowel System, like this

http://www.axminster.co.uk/mafell-mafell-dd40g-maximax-duo-dowel-system-prod807311/?src=froogle

Must be lost across the pond as I read and understand JMB just fine.  I don't know why it seems to be us English folk that abuse the English language the most.

al dis txt tlk innit!  lol  Well my excuse is da I lived in Holland for half my life!

JMB
 
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