misalignment of joints using the domino

[Boosel]

I have the earlier version of the fence and I had this problem of "vertical" misalignment. The first Domino was replaced under warranty and the same misalignment occurred.

After numerous calls to service centres, it appears that the fences of that time needed to be pushed down on the right side (from the back of the Domino) as you were locking the lever down. This has solved the issue. The fence was not parallel with the plane of the cutter, it was angled upward, if you did not put pressure on the right hand side as you locked it down.

It is a disappointment that a tool of this "quality" and Festool's design permits a  fabrication flaw or excess play in this critical area. 

I was really upset at the time as my biscuit joiner was better at alignment.

Has anyone upgraded the original style base to the new style and can it be done? Does Festool offer an upgrade?

Emanuel

 

[tbellemare]

I have one of the originals and have never had any alignment problems of the sort you described.

I have also upgraded it to the new base and have the original base sitting in front of me all alone. You can buy just the base and swap out the motor in a few seconds. You just take it off and change it just like you would do to change a bit.

Tom

 

[GPowers]

Has anyone upgraded the original style base to the new style and can it be done? Does Festool offer an upgrade?

Emanuel

There was a thread, some where, that discussed the purchase of the new fence with the paddles vs metal pins.  However the fence is pricey $300 plus. It can be purchased as a repair part as I recall.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I've never heard of a known issue with the old-style fence nor have I heard about some "special" procedure being recommended for locking the fence in place.  Also, to my knowledge, the only thing that changed between the old fence and new one is the indexing system and the small clear window now has better markings. So, I don't believe changing the fence will change your results.

The most common problem when it comes to the mortise alignment is due to technique.  Not keeping firm pressure on the fence handle is generally the cause. I would recommend that you make sure you are keeping the fence firmly pressed against the material and plunge the Domino while holding near the rear of the machine.

Edit: The service department is in the best position to diagnose if there is an issue with your Domino.  If there is, I'm sure they will do what it takes to correct the problem.  I would recommend that you contact them again if you're still unable to produce acceptable results.

 

[Corwin]

The "issue" with the original fence on the Domino is/was that its mating surface was machined a little too smooth, allowing a possibility for it to slip.  The newer version has a rougher finish.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

The "issue" with the original fence on the Domino is/was that its mating surface was machined a little too smooth, allowing a possibility for it to slip.  The newer version has a rougher finish.

Corwin, the problem he described was that the fence was not parallel to the bit.  Which, to me anyway, implies that the mortise was plunging downward or upward.  Granted, I was aware that some people experienced slippage whereby the clamping mechanism would allow movement in the fence height.  It can be corrected in a number of ways, the most common is a simple adjustment of the locking lever.  Basically removing the screw which holds the locking lever, turning it 60 degrees to the next notch on the hex-shaped post and re-fastening the screw.  This provided greater clamping force.  My apologies if I misunderstood the problem.

Again, the service department would be able to diagnose this type of issue and offer corrective action to resolve the problem.

 

[GPowers]

Shanes got a new photo [eek]

 

[Spike]

I've never heard of a known issue with the old-style fence nor have I heard about some "special" procedure being recommended for locking the fence in place.  Also, to my knowledge, the only thing that changed between the old fence and new one is the indexing system and the small clear window now has better markings. So, I don't believe changing the fence will change your results.

The most common problem when it comes to the mortise alignment is due to technique.  Not keeping firm pressure on the fence handle is generally the cause. I would recommend that you make sure you are keeping the fence firmly pressed against the material and plunge the Domino while holding near the rear of the machine.

Edit: The service department is in the best position to diagnose if there is an issue with your Domino.  If there is, I'm sure they will do what it takes to correct the problem.  I would recommend that you contact them again if you're still unable to produce acceptable results.

There has been an alignment issue since day 1 with the original Domino fence. Back in the day, David and Mark sent me the new fence and all has been good since. The original fence would slip regardless of how tight it was and regardless of who was using it. Technique has almost nothing to do with it unless said person is a complete bumbling fool and is unaware of  basic power tool techniques, I don't believe that applies to anyone here.
I strongly suggest Lester send this user the new fence.

 

[widco]

I have the same problem with my domino, every once in a while the material flushes out, but most the time they do not which is ridiculous considering how much this thing cost. Just to clarify, With the fence only resting on the material being mortised and not the table (board being mortised hanging over edge of bench), and say for example joining 1 1/4" walnut together to make stair treads like I am doing now. When the pieces are put together, the results are very poor, the surface is not flush.

 

[peter halle]

I have the same problem with my domino, every once in a while the material flushes out, but most the time they do not which is ridiculous considering how much this thing cost. Just to clarify, With the fence only resting on the material being mortised and not the table (board being mortised hanging over edge of bench), and say for example joining 1 1/4" walnut together to make stair treads like I am doing now. When the pieces are put together, the results are very poor, the surface is not flush.

First, welcome long time member first time poster!  My guess is that you have had the Domino a  long time and have read every thread here regarding how to use the Domino and hold it, etc.  I would suggest that you give Festool USA a phone call and talk to them.  

Peter

 

[mouppe]

I have the same problem with my domino, every once in a while the material flushes out, but most the time they do not which is ridiculous considering how much this thing cost. Just to clarify, With the fence only resting on the material being mortised and not the table (board being mortised hanging over edge of bench), and say for example joining 1 1/4" walnut together to make stair treads like I am doing now. When the pieces are put together, the results are very poor, the surface is not flush.

Is it possible the fence is slipping and the cam lock needs to be tightened? It's an easy fix. Your issue is either a user one or a tool one, but it's certainly not a common issue.

 

[PeterK]

I have had the same problem since I got mine a couple years ago. Took it to class with me and worked with Steve and Brian but was no better. I still use it for joinery but when building up a table top, I now use a DowelMax for that as it gives me virtually perfect flat joints. The DowelMax is quite a bit slower but saves me lots of surface sanding time.

 

[semenza]

I have had the same problem since I got mine a couple years ago. Took it to class with me and worked with Steve and Brian but was no better. I still use it for joinery but when building up a table top, I now use a DowelMax for that as it gives me virtually perfect flat joints. The DowelMax is quite a bit slower but saves me lots of surface sanding time.

I am curious, did Steve or Brian use your Domino?  Did they have the problem also? Or is it a problem with the your Domino machine itself?

Seth

 

[Rocky]

3 year warranty

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

Sorry I missed the post yesterday. As was mentioned, please take advantage of our support and warranty to help get any potential problem resolved. I'd be happy to assist if you want to contact me at sho@festoolusa.com or you can call our service department, number below in my signature.

Peter, same for you. If it's not working to your satisfaction, give us the opportunity to check it out for you under warranty.

Shane