I just purchased a Domino a day ago and spent most of the day calibrating and setting up and just basically familiarizing myself with the tool. I got pins and height scale aligned properly but could not get the horizontal site gage (plastic) to slide far enough to the right (in my case) to get proper alignment. I finally enlarged the screw holes laterally and because of the recess the screws fit in this did not do the trick. It was close, but not close enough. I finally resorted to chucking the screw(s) into my drill and turning down the diameter of the screw heads with a file. This finally allowed me to get the center sight line perfectly aligned. If I had done this first I could possibly have solved the problem without enlarging the holes. This was certainly not a show stopper but in case anyone else has this problem, perhaps my "fix" will be of interest to you.
Minor Domino problem
- Thread starter Hergy
- Start date
Christian93117
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- Jan 17, 2007
- Messages
- 159
There should never be the need to calibrate a tool you are buying from Festool. If it doesn't work out of the box,
return it. In no case there should be a need to enlarge screw holes or do similar alterations.
Each tool is calibrated in the
factory and is quality checked several times. In case of the Domino, they are doing test cuts with every
machine in a piece of wood and measure
the mortise. They keep that piece of wood and mark it with the serial no. of the Domino, so they can go back and
check the mortise in case of a complaint. They also have several other calibration stations for the Domino. Everything is done to make sure
you are getting a Domino that works out of the box.
We are getting reports from Dominoes that need calibration after they have been bought. In order to find out what
the problem is, we need a Domino back before somebody tried to calibrate it himself. We have yet to get one of those Dominoes
back. We are only getting Dominoes back that are completely out of whack because of calibration attempts. We can calibrate
those Dominoes for you, but we cannot find out anymore what the initial problem was.
Please help us finding out what the problem is, by calling our service no. before (!)
you try to calibrate it. Both repair shops have measuring devices, specifically developed for the Domino, to check the Domino. We can measure the Domino and then compare our measurements with those of the Festool factory to
find out what the issue is.
Last but not least: When you are getting a new Domino, please keep in mind that it takes a little practice to get perfect mortises. Don't
judge the accuracy of the tool after the first couple of mortises. Cut 20 mortises until you feel comfortable using the tool, then do
a test mortise and check the accuracy.
Thank you
Christian
return it. In no case there should be a need to enlarge screw holes or do similar alterations.
Each tool is calibrated in the
factory and is quality checked several times. In case of the Domino, they are doing test cuts with every
machine in a piece of wood and measure
the mortise. They keep that piece of wood and mark it with the serial no. of the Domino, so they can go back and
check the mortise in case of a complaint. They also have several other calibration stations for the Domino. Everything is done to make sure
you are getting a Domino that works out of the box.
We are getting reports from Dominoes that need calibration after they have been bought. In order to find out what
the problem is, we need a Domino back before somebody tried to calibrate it himself. We have yet to get one of those Dominoes
back. We are only getting Dominoes back that are completely out of whack because of calibration attempts. We can calibrate
those Dominoes for you, but we cannot find out anymore what the initial problem was.
Please help us finding out what the problem is, by calling our service no. before (!)
you try to calibrate it. Both repair shops have measuring devices, specifically developed for the Domino, to check the Domino. We can measure the Domino and then compare our measurements with those of the Festool factory to
find out what the issue is.
Last but not least: When you are getting a new Domino, please keep in mind that it takes a little practice to get perfect mortises. Don't
judge the accuracy of the tool after the first couple of mortises. Cut 20 mortises until you feel comfortable using the tool, then do
a test mortise and check the accuracy.
Thank you
Christian
Thanks for the reply Christian,
I went back and read my original post and I guess it did sound like I was unscrewing and moving everything, so I should clarify. By calibrating, what I meant was that I did cut mortises to verify that the pins were properly aligned (which they were) and measuring the placement of the mortises vertically to verify the accuracy on the centerlines of various sizes (thicknesses of lumber) for future reference. This was done for my own amazement and amusement and to get my brain thinking in metric vs fractional dimensions. We here in the US are metrically challenged, but I'm sure you know that. I did cut a number of mortises with all 4 sizes of bits and all 3 widths for each bit. Again, this was to familiarize myself the the various settings, bit changing etc.
The plastic horizontal sight gage was off as was verified by drawing a line across 2 boards, cutting a mortise in both boards, placing a domino in the slots to see how the pencil lines lined up. This was shown in the excellent instruction manual addendum by Mr. Rick Christopherson on page 21 . The lines were off approx, .035-.040. I could not get the sight gage to slide over far enough to get exact alignment. I didn't consider the fix severe enough to return the tool to my dealer as it was not that big a deal. The screw slots could have been the problem or the size of the screw heads being too large for the recesses in the plastic. At any rate, I'm happy with the tool. I do want to thank you for concern. I guess this is why I have been adding Festool tools to my shop. Had the problem been any more severe I would have called for help or returned tool to my dealer.
Thanks again.
I went back and read my original post and I guess it did sound like I was unscrewing and moving everything, so I should clarify. By calibrating, what I meant was that I did cut mortises to verify that the pins were properly aligned (which they were) and measuring the placement of the mortises vertically to verify the accuracy on the centerlines of various sizes (thicknesses of lumber) for future reference. This was done for my own amazement and amusement and to get my brain thinking in metric vs fractional dimensions. We here in the US are metrically challenged, but I'm sure you know that. I did cut a number of mortises with all 4 sizes of bits and all 3 widths for each bit. Again, this was to familiarize myself the the various settings, bit changing etc.
The plastic horizontal sight gage was off as was verified by drawing a line across 2 boards, cutting a mortise in both boards, placing a domino in the slots to see how the pencil lines lined up. This was shown in the excellent instruction manual addendum by Mr. Rick Christopherson on page 21 . The lines were off approx, .035-.040. I could not get the sight gage to slide over far enough to get exact alignment. I didn't consider the fix severe enough to return the tool to my dealer as it was not that big a deal. The screw slots could have been the problem or the size of the screw heads being too large for the recesses in the plastic. At any rate, I'm happy with the tool. I do want to thank you for concern. I guess this is why I have been adding Festool tools to my shop. Had the problem been any more severe I would have called for help or returned tool to my dealer.
Thanks again.
I actually had a similar problem that I had forgotten about until reading this. Not only could I not get a correct calibration but one of the screws stripped underneath not on the head with little to no pressure on the turning of them. I love my Domino and for the most part do not use it as I would a biscuit cutter but when needed I do think it should be up to par with the rest of the famous Festool quality. This piece of plastic, no way to truly calibrate it on a very small scale without endless trial and error and a poor screw setting is way out of line for Festool. Fred
PS I own three MFT 1080s, CT 22, CT Midi, Domino, Trion, TS 75 and four sanders so I am a true believer and not a basher. ;D
PS I own three MFT 1080s, CT 22, CT Midi, Domino, Trion, TS 75 and four sanders so I am a true believer and not a basher. ;D
Dave Schmitt
Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2007
- Messages
- 4
I too just purchased the Domino and am having the same problem with alignment horizontally. I have adjusted the sight glass per the directions but still have to line up the sight to the right of the pencil line in order to get the alignment close. It is still not right on but much closer than it used to be. Is this something I need to make an adjustment on the screw head size also or is there another remedy? I love the tool just want it to be right given the price tag.
Brice Burrell
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- Mar 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,385
Dave see Christian's post #2.
Dave Schmitt
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- Dec 8, 2007
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- 4
All I did was move the alignment guide per the instructions in the manual. It is still not correct. I will be glad to return it because it obviously still has a problem because it is still off. I am going to contact Festool tomorrow to see what they want to do.
Brice Burrell
Member
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- Mar 13, 2007
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- 7,385
Dave that is a good idea, for what the Domino costs you really want it to work correctly (and so does Festool). Good luck and let us know how it turns out.Dave Schmitt said:
Dave Schmitt
Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2007
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I talked to David at Festool about the alignment problem. He suggested that I undo the set screws where the alignment guide pivots and move the assembly over to compensate for the extra "room" I needed to get the alignment just right. I did this and after 6 different test mortises I finally got it to line up correctly. I hope it stays, because if the set screw loosens the alignment will go back to being wrong. I am perplexed about whether to go ahead and send it back or let it go.
Dave Schmitt
Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2007
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- 4
John at the place where I bought the tool called me back this morning (very impressive) and asked me about my conversation with Festool. I told him I got the tool working but was hesitant about the long term because the alignment was dependent on one set screw not wearing out. He said that it would be best for "my satisfaction" that he ship me a new one. So, it is on its way and I am very pleased with my purchase. By the way, I got my OF1400 today and am looking forward to test driving it on the chest of drawers I am making for my youngest daughter.
Christian O. ? I just received a new Domino and its ?sight glass? is off (needs to be moved to the right). According to your post you want to look at one of these before someone tries to re-calibrate it. I?ll happy to send you this one. It will be a couple of weeks before I?ll need it for a project. This is my first time dealing with Festool, what?s my next step in getting this back to you?
BTW - I also just bought the CT33, ETS150/3 & TS55
BTW - I also just bought the CT33, ETS150/3 & TS55
Christian O. said:
"In case of the Domino, they are doing test cuts with every
machine in a piece of wood and measure
the mortise. They keep that piece of wood and mark it with the serial no. of the Domino, so they can go back and
check the mortise in case of a complaint. "
Wow, are you kidding. This is like a dream to me. I buy a power tool & they have kept a test cut, block of wood from my machine?
That's what I'm talking about. I really feel that this company stands behind these products, but that is astonishing, & I love it.
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