Multiple Domino Set Up With DF700

[Custard]

I'm a long time user of the DF500, but I've only used it for smaller components that only need a single tenon. I'd like to use the DF700 for heavier applications, but even with the beefy 14mm x 140mm tenons some joints would still require multiple tenons before I'd be comfortable getting rid of my morticing machine!

So here's the question. Imagine for example you were building a heavy workbench, and wanted to mortice and tenon a 5"x 2 1/2" rail to a 4" x 4" leg, the bottom of the rail needs to be a few inches above the bottom of the leg to give some room for your feet, in other words you can't reference from the base of the leg. In order to replicate the mighty traditional through tenon that I'd normally use, I'd want to use four 14mmx100mm or 14mmx140mm dominoes. Can the DF700 be set up to bore these four mortices with absolute location precision, and if so how?

Thanks!

 

[nclemmons]

I don't think there are issues with the request and using the DF500 that you ahve - you just need consistent alignment.  To be honest, I've had very good luck using pencil lines and a square to consistently align dominoed pieces.  But there are other alternatives that can speed it up if you need repeatability...

I understand in this application you want to index off of 5 inches away.  The Domino cross stop extensions could be one approach for consistently indexing that far up, but you'd need to adjust them for each mortise.

For shorter indexing, have you considered the guide accessories from Rick?

http://www.dominoguide.com/

Paul-Marcel has a video demonstration of it here:  http://www.halfinchshy.com/2011/09/domino-self-centering-guide-scg-10.html

I have the self-centering guide which works great - you can flip up or down either side or both guide stops to index from wherever you need to be. 

I also have the domino cross stop extension guides that could work for the longer indexing. 

http://www.festoolusa.com/products/domino-joining-system/stops/domino-cross-stop-498590.html

The other alternative is to build an' indexing station' of sorts - to hold the leg or rails and use wood spacers to consistently move the Domino a given amount.  Certainly doable and could be the cheapest option if you are doing it only occasionally.

neil

 

[fritter63]

I'm a long time user of the DF500, but I've only used it for smaller components that only need a single tenon. I'd like to use the DF700 for heavier applications, but even with the beefy 14mm x 140mm tenons some joints would still require multiple tenons before I'd be comfortable getting rid of my morticing machine!

So here's the question. Imagine for example you were building a heavy workbench, and wanted to mortice and tenon a 5"x 2 1/2" rail to a 4" x 4" leg, the bottom of the rail needs to be a few inches above the bottom of the leg to give some room for your feet, in other words you can't reference from the base of the leg. In order to replicate the mighty traditional through tenon that I'd normally use, I'd want to use four 14mmx100mm or 14mmx140mm dominoes. Can the DF700 be set up to bore these four mortices with absolute location precision, and if so how?

Thanks!

See, the problem is you're not buying into the system completely. Why would you need a bench like that with an MFT and the Festool system?  [poke]

The trick would be make sure you're indexing from the same face. Ie, you'd have two side by side on two different offsets from the face. Providing the fence can reach down far enough, you should be fine.

Ie,

1) set depth of fence at 20 mm
    - cut two mortices on mark lines (both pieces)
2) set depth of fence an additional X mm down
    - cut two more mortices on mark lines (both pieces)

 

[davee]

What you are describing really calls for the Domino XL which is supposed to come in June!  That being said, the original Domino would also work as described by the others.  I've been surprised how accurately one can position dominos using the reference lines built into the fence and face of the Domino itself.  Using these, I've done similar to what you are describing - I'm also looking forward to the Domino XL.

 

[Custard]

Thanks for the replies and links, some really useful advice there, either stop blocks or extending the slot width on two of the four mortices seems the way to go. Incidentally, I'm in the UK and the XL has been available for over a year here.

 

[PaulMarcel]

This thread might have other options for you instead of an array of tenons for a joint.

 

[Stone Message]

I would not worry about making oversized dominos for a bench. I made a bench during my video review of the DF700 and used the standard dominos - it is as solid as a rock.

Peter