Need help with Domino 500 technique

[KRKWW]

Hello,
I was recently commissioned to make a unique cabinet used for drying clothing that can not go through a dryer. The cabinet has six drawers with no bottoms that slide out that are topped with mesh fabric to allow the clothing to rest upon it and air dry. The front, back, sides and bottom of the cabinet are all open. For the carcass of the cabinet, I fabricated four face frames with 6 mm dominoes and joined the four frames together with the same. I also fabricated the six drawers joining each piece with a 6 mm domino.

The challenge I faced was poor alignment of the joints, especially the six drawers since one of the mortises was cut into the face and the tool did not have much to rest on. I was very careful to try and get those accurate by rocking the tool until it was resting flat, but it did not work well. I've unfortunately struggle with overall consistency in joint alignment on other projects too and I'm convinced it is operator error.

Can anyone help with tool technique or share any other relevant observations that can help? I've tried searching the archives but must not be using the right key words so I'm happy to be redirected if that's best.

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I'll try and add a picture to give a better visual description of the cabinet.

 

[KRKWW]

Here is a picture for better visual description.

 

[Mismarked]

I am really good with operator error.  For the mortise cut into the face, were you using the domino with the base support bracket installed? 

 

[KRKWW]

I am really good with operator error.  For the mortise cut into the face, were you using the domino with the base support bracket installed?

I had the trim stop installed to keep the mortise centered with the mating piece. Please forgive me, but I do not know what base support bracket you are referring to.

 

[ajones]

Its a additional fence support its plastic, but I don't see how it would help as its fitted when extra support is needed when the machine is used vertically

 

[Mismarked]

From his description of rocking the Domino over a small surface, it sounded like the OP was trying to do what is in the attached photo from the DF500 manual (page 14), which shows the support bracket. 

I have been trying to learn the domino myself, so I had been looking at that section of the manual yesterday.

 

[KRKWW]

Thanks, that should help! I didn't  even see it in the box. I bought the dominio about six years ago and have not used it too much. It was under my work bench where I had to reach in to grab the tool so never saw it.

I installed it with the trim stop and it appears to work. I'll give it a go and see if I can improve the joint alignment.

What manual is that you referenced? Mine is black and white.

 

[nclemmons]

The supplemental manual for Festools are here:
http://www.waterfront-woods.com/festool/

 

[copcarcollector]

What manual is that you referenced? Mine is black and white.

http://festoolusa.com/service/manuals/

Scroll down to Joiners, then click on Domino Supplemental Manual by Rick Christopherson

 

[KRKWW]

What manual is that you referenced? Mine is black and white.

http://festoolusa.com/service/manuals/

Thank you all very much!

Scroll down to Joiners, then click on Domino Supplemental Manual by Rick Christopherson

 

[RKA]

Another option is the domiplate to give you more stability if the festool support bracket isn't sufficient.  Google half inch shy domiplate for the video.  10:15 mins in is the part the will interest you.  The rest is worth your time as well, but you'll immediately see how much more surface area you have for support.

 

[KRKWW]

Another option is the domiplate to give you more stability if the festool support bracket isn't sufficient.  Google half inch shy domiplate for the video.  10:15 mins in is the part the will interest you.  The rest is worth your time as well, but you'll immediately see how much more surface area you have for support.

Thanks Raj, I'll have a look.

 

[ear3]

+1 on the Domiplate for additional stability on vertical plunges.  It always helps to have additional pieces of scrap of the same thickness to balance the machine on.  I sometimes even prefer this to using the trim stop.

 

 

[jimbo51]

Depending on where you live, there might be a Fogger nearby who could help with a hands on demonstration. A local Woodcraft dealer who is knowledgeable about the Domino might also be helpful.

 

[KRKWW]

Depending on where you live, there might be a Fogger nearby who could help with a hands on demonstration. A local Woodcraft dealer who is knowledgeable about the Domino might also be helpful.

I'm located in Northwest Arkansas and the nearest dealer is over two hours away and I do not think they are setup to give demos. But, I would love some hands on instruction! I believe this tool has incredible potential in my hands if I know how to use it. So, if there is anyone nearby...?

 

[KRKWW]

+1 on the Domiplate for additional stability on vertical plunges.  It always helps to have additional pieces of scrap of the same thickness to balance the machine on.  I sometimes even prefer this to using the trim stop.

Thanks Edward. Though my understanding of the domiplate is that it is used most efficiently with plywood. I am very curious about your technique in the vertical position. Would it be possible to post a picture or two?

 

[KRKWW]

From his description of rocking the Domino over a small surface, it sounded like the OP was trying to do what is in the attached photo from the DF500 manual (page 14), which shows the support bracket. 

I have been trying to learn the domino myself, so I had been looking at that section of the manual yesterday.

Yes, that is true except my pieces were only 2" wide.