MFT3 or Domino...which is the smart purchase?

[Tezzer]

Strange thread. The Domino is one of the most incredible woodworking tools since the Saw bench, and the MFT is just a bench with holes in it.

Its Bit like, what would you prefer, a Ferrari or a pair of roller skates.

 

[Brice Burrell]

...Its Bit like, what would you prefer, a Ferrari or a pair of roller skates.

While not a completely fair statement I understand what you're saying. The thing is, you can't take your Ferrari to the disco night at the local roller rink. In other words, not everyone needs a Domino (or Ferrari for that matter) for the type of work they do. I use my MFT maybe ten times more than my Domino. I'm not saying I'm a disco night kinda guy but how practical is a Ferrari for everyday use? 

 

[Frank Pellow]

Since I own two MFTs and no Domino, the answer to this question for someone who works like I do is obvious.  As I have said in other threads, for me, the Dowelmax is every bit as good as the Domino and costs a lot less.  If I needed to work more quickly, I might purchase a Domino.

 

[jvsteenb]

I don't own a Domino ( yet ) but I think it's safe to say that the MFT-3 will be a purchase that can be of great value to just about any project you're likely to undertake.
The MFT-3 is definitely more than "just a bench with holes in it". I can envision lots of projects where a Domino wouldn't be of much use - it's a lot harder to come up with projects that couldn't  benefit from an MFT-3. It's very versatile and once you start using it, you'll keep finding new uses for it, and you'll wonder how you've managed without one. For example: the MFT-3, two sets of clamping elements and a role of butchers paper make the best glue-up surface for cabinetry I've come  across so far, but that's just one use - there are many, many more.
Since my trailer space is limited, I do leave the MFT-3 at home sometimes, when I think I won't have too many uses for it in the project at hand - it's portable, but only just.
In most cases I regret that decision, and pray for the toothfairy to bring me a nice van or a bigger trailer.

I really like the Domino, and I'm quite sure I'll get one sooner rather than later. But I'll have to watch myself closely, for there's an old adage that says "If the only tool you have is a hammer, all your problems tend to loo like nails...." and for me the Domino would bare that risk. I can envision myself thinking "OK, how will I fix/tackle/solve this with dominoes..." Not necessarily a bad thing, but something to be aware of.

Just my 2 cents.

Regards,

Job

 

[Mac]

Just wanted to thank you all for your feedback and thoughts...so much to think about and you've got me considering what my working requirements really are. On balance, I think the MFT is going to bring the biggest benefits for me now, so think I'll go with that. Will let you know how I get on in due course.

Again, thank you  [thanks]

Man, I love this place.
Rick

 

[Warrior]

DOMINO! the mfts are nice but the DOMINO is AMAZING!

 

[fso]

DOMINO! the mfts are nice but the DOMINO is AMAZING!

Second that. Went through the same dilemma and bought the domino first. It really helps to improve the accuracy of part alignment and speeds up case work. To me it is an enabler allowing you to do things I could not do before.

It also shows when the stock is not uniform thickness or when your cuts are off (differences of 0.5 mm in part thickness are very noticeable). So now I have to get a jointer/thicknesser (still on my wish list) and an MFT (maybe parallel guides) to make square cutting easier and parallel cuts more repeatable. For me took only two weeks after the domino to get the MFT [smile]. Next step, probably sell my small table saw and get a jointer/planer combo.

BTW be careful not to get sucked into the green slope. It is easy to loose perspective. Actually find that my old DeWalt 625 router is better build than my OF1010, but that is for another topic.