Mafell Doweler: Shelf Pins

Jalvis

Jalvis

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Joined
Jan 24, 2012
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348
During my last cabinet build I used the Mafell DD40 Duo doweler for shelf pins.

It worked great in this build since the cabinet sides were 14" wide. I used a combination square to find reference for the template and then drilled both sides setting the template once.  This made for quick dust free work and I'm not limited with a tool that does one task.  My shop space is limited so having a small tool is also very helpful.

This tool is extremely versatile and I'm just now understanding its potential.

If anyone knows of an article with tips for this machine please share!  Someone in a former thread mention an article by Roland Heilmann that discussed techniques with this tool.  I am yet to find this information.
 
Cool pics and tool.  Interested in hearing more about it and if you could elaborate on the usefulness.  Interesting that the guide is Hoffman...I think Hoffman was a brand that offered this tool a few years ago, but now selling under Mafell brand only. 

Scot

PS - I did a Google search and found references to the article or what might be the article but it is a PDF in German.
 
Mafell's  DD40 Doweler is the same as the Hoffman.  Mafell for a short time manufactured this tool for them.....In fact the one I have is a "Hoffman."  Even the systainer for Hoffman has the Mafell logo.  Mafell will warranty the Hoffman units and all the parts are the same so its easy to get accessories.  The template I had didnt have the new easy adjust system so I ordered it and works great.

Theres lots of great ways to use this machine....the more you play with it the more options start to pop up.  I like how dowels are affordable and you can drill tooled hardware for cabinets. 

A few resources:

http://www.nmatools.co.uk/uploads/File/DD40%20Doweller%20FandC%20Supplement%20.pdf

 
 
I have this same combo, and it works great! Place the guide parallel to the panel edge and you do shelf holes. Place the guide parallel to the panel top/bottom and do the holes for dowel joinery. I use four pairs of holes per jointed edge to connect the bottom/divider panels to the sides in kitchen base cabs, one pair of holes per joint for the 4" dividers, etc. I wish the Domino had an accessory like this.
 
Hmmm, gears in my head are grinding. This guide rail might be a simple & quick way to get 32mm holes spacings with just a router.
All one would need to make, is a router base plate that fits the rail's indents and off you go, no?
 
I think your idea would work.....you would have to play around with a base plate for your router that would fit the guide and allow 32mm spacing at each detent.  I would be tempted to use a plate of aluminum for my base plate.  Another option would be to get a CNC machine shop to make your base plate....assuming you know the correct dimensions.
 
It's more accurate than the domino, probably because there is no cutter oscillation . Even after tweaking, my Domino is off by 0.5mm. Not a lot, but enough to rule it out for making drawer boxes (the grooves fo the bottom don't line up. Although I could work around this, I don't--I use the Mafell.

The Mafell has two "full size" reference plates. The Domino has one, plus a narrow ledge from which the cutter extends. THis ledge does not provide enough bearing surface, so if needed, you have to attach an accessory part to the Domino.

The Mafell guide is very useful. The machine reference plate engages fingers in guide, which provides repeatable positioning. 32mm spacing--good for Euro construction, both for system holes and construction holes.

The only disadvantage to the Mafell is the dowel itself. You need several dowels to provide gluing surface comparable to a single domino. Sometimes there's not enough room.

I have both machines, and I would hate to give up either one.
 
alik said:
How do you compare this machine with the Festool Domino? [huh]
Click to expand...

Domino is more versatile.
1. DD machine makes only two precise holes. There are many jobs when you need to connect  wide and long pieces such as table top boards or cabinet carcase assembly. With wider setting domino allows place for play and adjustments. With DD machine you must be extremely precise with machine placement
2. very narrow stock. (30mm (1 1/4" or so)). I can use 5mm or 4mm dominoes, and they won't rotate. DD machine can't do that.
3. Domino sizes.  Dominoes can be used in many "heavy duty" applications such as doors, tables, beds e.t.c.

VictorL

 
After owning and using both machines I wouldn't eliminate either.  Both have there application.....when you have the option you will use the best method for the need.

I have yet to meet someone who has owned the mafell dowler who doesn't like the tool.  Most negative information is from those who have little to no experience with the tool.

One thing to remember is to use good quality dowels.  Check this blog for parts 1,2,3 on dowels.

http://www.rpwoodwork.com/blog/
 
VictorL said:
2. very narrow stock. (30mm (1 1/4" or so)). I can use 5mm or 4mm dominoes, and they won't rotate. DD machine can't do that.
3. Domino sizes.  Dominoes can be used in many "heavy duty" applications such as doors, tables, beds e.t.c.
Click to expand...

I haven't used one (yet) but after some research, I'm not so sure.

2. Different size drills ranging from 3 to 16mm can be used. A series of offsets can be snapped on the pins which allows drilling multiple holes closer together than the default 32mm spacing for narrow stock.
dd40p_detail03_online.jpg

3. Like the domino, there's 2 versions of this machine. They don't differ much though. The more powerful can go up to 75x16mm dowels, the other up to 60x12mm.
Although it doesn't compare to the Domino XL's capabilities, 60x12mm & 75x16mm dowels seem capable of some pretty strong joints to me.

This machine is now on my test list in the coming months  [big grin]
 
The Domino XL is on the list as well as the Lamello Zeta......its best to have options and I want them all!  

Mafell makes some of the best machines for Carpentry just like Festool.  Sometimes Festool gets all the credit but the reality is far from true.  

If I was a hobbyist and had only one option then the thought of a Mafell or Lamello would be much harder to justify.  Mafell like Lamello is focused on the professional market....its a different demand and price!

One thing is true about all high quality products....they work flawlessly and only bring disappointment to those without a purpose for the function.

 
jonathan-m said:
This machine is now on my test list in the coming months  [big grin]
Click to expand...

Perhaps after time in use you will give some feedback for the North American market.  Those like myself end up buying Mafell products and are happy with the results, yet never seem to review the tool. 
 
Seriously, if the build quality is half as good as their saws you wont be disapointed
 
The Mafell Biscuit joiner has the "pitch cutter" accessory......a neat option for the right application.  Are the Lamello fasteners compatible with the LNF20?
 
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