Looking for Feedback on New Model Guide Stop for Domino

[Rick Christopherson]

Shortly after developing the first design of the Multi Position Guide Stop (MGS-20), I came up with the concept for a Self Centering Guide (SCG-10). I put off the design for a while, but finally decided to pursue it again in earnest not too long ago. I am ready to enter production and I would like to get some impressions on how much interest there would be in this model.

The main premise behind this model is that guide positions can be reset easily, quickly, and without tools in just a few seconds. Loosen the two thumbscrews, slide the stops to the desired position, and retighten the thumbscrews. The two sliding stops are coupled together so that they always remain centered about the mortising position. When you slide one stop, the other stop slides in the opposing direction.

The stops are infinitely adjustable from 3/4 inch to 5-3/8 inch. When a stop is not in use, it flips up, out of the way. The stop that is being used for mortise registration is then flipped into the down-position for use.

The positioning mechanism is based on a sliding dovetail system to keep the stops in-line during movement, yet providing a firm clamping action during operation. The components are milled from billet aluminum and anodized for long life and appearance. The stop arms are 1/4" thick for rigidity and strength, with detent positions controlled using stainless steel, micro ball plungers. The SCG guide mounts to the Domino Tenon Joiner using the existing threaded holes in the Domino's base without needing to modify your joiner in any way. The mounting thumbscrews are captivated so they do not get lost when the guide is not being used. The baseplate is powder coated for durability.

I wanted to keep the price the same for both models, but the machining is more complex on this model. The price will be $129, which is actually the same price as the MGS-30 version.

I would like to hear how many forum users might be interested in this model. I will be updating the website (www.dominoguide.com) when the guides are in production.

Thanks,
Rick Christopherson

 

[Ken Nagrod]

First, it's too early in the morning for me to think clearly.  This is when a video showing the new features/design benefits would be helpful.  [poke]

Second, MGS-30 ?  What's that one?

Third.  So this new one has a cable that runs around the front controlling the movement?

 

[robtonya]

I'll take one.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Second, MGS-30 ?  What's that one?

Ken, the basic model of MGS guide is the MGS-20 with 2-pair of stops. The MGS-30 has 3-pair of stops. I believe you bought your guide from a dealer, and they do not typically make this same part number distinction because they normally sell the extra pair of stops (if ordered) separately.

Yes, there is a coated-steel coupling cable between the stop assemblies on the new version. This is what keeps the stops automatically centered about the tenon as they are repositioned.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Rick,

Something else I thought about.  It does appear that it would be faster adjusting the spacing or positioning now, but would this design be slower to re-position for multiple spacings compared with the older version that has multiple stops?  I'm still trying to get a grasp on overall, how this would improve or speed up the process over the older design.

Thanks.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Ken, This model wasn't intended to replace the previous model, but instead to be a companion to it. That was always the plan, but I just didn't develop this model sooner.

You are correct that when you have repeating, multiple stop positions, then the MGS guide is more appropriate and faster. This model is for when you want faster, on-the-fly adjustability of the positions. The original vision I had was for the MGS guide to be geared more toward the cabinetmaker, and the SCG guide more toward general use.

Edit: To answer your question, I captured another view of the guide.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I'll take one.

I like your dedication Rob. Two years ago you missed being my first customer by only a couple hours. I'll make sure the first one goes to you this time.

 

[ajones]

Hi Rick

Looks interesting, so when its fitted to the machine and you put the domino down does it rest on the two knobs?

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Hi Rick

Looks interesting, so when its fitted to the machine and you put the domino down does it rest on the two knobs?

Yes. The two clamping knobs are high impact plastic (with a steel threaded insert of course) very similar to the knobs Festool uses to attach the auxiliary fence to Domino, except these are slightly larger for easier tightening.

 

[ajones]

Hi Rick

Looks interesting, so when its fitted to the machine and you put the domino down does it rest on the two knobs?

Yes. The two clamping knobs are high impact plastic (with a steel threaded insert of course) very similar to the knobs Festool uses to attach the auxiliary fence to Domino, except these are slightly larger for easier tightening.

Rick +1 on a video of it in use.I would be interested in buying one 4sure.

 

[Alan m]

might be interested. cant wait for a review or video

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Very interested.

 

[FEStastic]

I would like one

 

[Bob Marino]

Rick,

  Nicely done! If you get them, I'll sell em'.  . I'm in.

Bob

 

[robtonya]

I'll take one.

I like your dedication Rob. Two years ago you missed being my first customer by only a couple hours. I'll make sure the first one goes to you this time.

Sweet! I can't wait to try it out.

 

[tiralie]

Rick:
If I was to buy one it would probably be the MGS-30, but this one does "look" a lot better.
I like the green anodized parts, should help with marketing it.
Tim

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Plus +2 for me on the video. As a purchase of your original MGS-20, I'd really like to see a visual of what this new one can do.

I don't have a video on how to use it yet because I haven't built one yet. That's the purpose of the feedback question. However, last night I did capture a screen video out of SolidWorks that shows how the components of the guide interact. (The light-green piece in this view is a representation of the base of the Domino. This is seen from the underside of Domino.)

SCG-10 Movement

 

[dsweetser]

Rick ,
Something I would be interested in.

 

[jtwood]

I, too, would be interested in one.  Looks like I need to pick up one of the original ones, too.

 

[Robnol]

[tongue] Awesome ... make one for me, i'm in.