New Domino XL Alignment Issue

[Bugsysiegals]

I did all the measurements being described when my XL was cutting slanted mortises. My fence aligned perfectly. My technique was very good (perhaps not perfect).

The problem was cured by a quick trip to Festool service.  I don't know what the technicians fixed, but the problem went away.

My guess is that the orientation of the cutter oscillation to the base gets thrown off over time.

The problem is this is a brand new tool which has only been used to cut sample pieces as practice before I begin using the tool for actual cabinets and destroying them.  When I exhausted all suggested options from similar threads and ruled out the possibility of user error or Seneca attachment, I sent it to Festool service who sent it back saying it's good yet it's not.

 

[RobS888]

I'm pretty disappointed in the tool and the response I got from support.

I've seen many videos, even on Festool's web site where it seems align, plunge and good to go, but not in my case at all.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

I've invested over $5,000 in Festool tools/accessories as I believe in using quality tools but this particular tool has left me feeling like I've purchased a re branded Harbor Freight tool.  I understand nothing is perfect and defects make it out the door but for a product of this cost I would NEVER expect it to be returned after service still having the same issue.

For those of you with a good working tool ... does the bit align with the base and produce near perfect joints when using it on a flat surface like I've demonstrated?  I ask this because in my humble opinion, this method is the most effective at removing the user error variable and best showing whether the tool is properly calibrated.

Since Festool doesn't want to acknowledge the tool isn't calibrated and I'm not going to use the tool as-is, does anybody know where I can find a diagram to confirm parts aren't going to fall out when I remove the motor?

 

[Mike Goetzke]

[member=60777]Bugsysiegals[/member]

I'm a hobbyist so don't use my XL that often but do not have the issues you have experienced at all. Only thing I have to remember is when using the Seneca plates I need to shim the workpiece or clamp it over the edge of the work table to assure the fence is in contact with the wood.

Sounds like there is something seriously wrong with your jointer. Maybe someone from the FOG with an XL is near you and you get together to figure this out?

Mike

 

[RKA]

0.1mm on the fence isn't bad.  I would try to get someone from Festool service on the phone and explain what you've done.  Get the fence out of the picture and emphasize you've clamped the machine and work piece to a table, plunged two pieces and when joined they are out 1/4" X distance from the floating tenon.  It does appear the side to side movement of the bit is not parallel to the base.
Ask them to reproduce that in the shop and see if it comes out that badly. 

 

[grbmds]

I'm not sure what you mean by "the base". My use has always referenced off the fence itself.

When placing Dominos on the edge of a board for glue-up of several to make a wider board, I reference the cut off the fence in its "standard" position. I have not had a problem with either the 500 or XL, but I admit I haven't used the XL nearly as much as the 500.

I have used it in the vertical position to set Dominos in the middle of a board. Again, that is essentially referencing off the fence.

When joining boards at 90 degree angles, the Domino which goes into the face of the board is also reference off the fence.

I own a Woodpecker Offset Base and sometimes use that because it allows me to be more sure that the Domino  is solidly anchored while cutting the mortises.

So, I'd have to say that I don't reference any cuts off the base (if I understand what you're asking).

I have always dealt with Festool just like I deal with any other company although I've had only one instance of a situation where I didn't immediately get satisfaction. I would keep at them until you get a resolution that you are satisfied with. Any company is obligated to do that whether they acknowledge it or not.

One thing you can do is to post in the Ask Festool section of the FOG and specifically ask that the Festool rep get your problem resolved. I believe it's still Tyler although sometimes it's unclear who is answering questions.

It's a little difficult to identify with your situation because I've never really had a serious problem (one minor one) that wasn't resolved either through a tool return within 30 days  or by a Festool rep.

 

[ChuckM]

The mystery to all this is that the machine was found to be working well by the technician, assuming he or she was well aware of what the complaint was.

I tend to agree that it is not a technique issue.

 

[JFelchlin]

Sorry to hear about your problems.
The calibration/alignment issues of the Dominos -
Has been a KNOWN PROBLEM by Festool for 10+ years -
Detailed repeatedly in the FOG. It’s a SYSTEMIC problem:
Dominos SOLD - That weren’t - Couldn’t be - Calibrated/aligned...
Then sent in to Festool Service - And returned to the customers without being fixed.

See my own experience - Detailed on the FOG (and Amazon).
“Festool Quality Assurance: Disappointing > Disgusted > Domino XL DF700EQ”http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...-dissatisfied-disgusted-gt-domino-xl-df700eq/
Finally resolved by Tyler C and Festool HQ (Germany).
Festool Service calibrated/aligned - Then sent me a NEW Domino 700.

I hope you get resolution. I truly do.
Stick with it. Tyler C (US) and Phil (UK) will be great allies in helping you.

 

[semenza]

  [member=57769]TylerC[/member]   

    Maybe can lend some help? Put you in touch with the right person?

Seth

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Thanks everybody, I feel I've demonstrated this is an issue with the tool, and you've all been very kind in providing advise, suggestions, confirmation this is abnormal, and resources to move forward.  I'll connect with Tyler and see how to move forward with this issue and confirm the final outcome.

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

[member=60777]Bugsysiegals[/member] Have you actually tried the machine, without the bit adaptor, and with a standard DF-700 cutter?

If not, I think you really have to, after doing all kinds of testing, don’t forget Festool will have tested the machine in standard form, with standard cutters.

 

[Bugsysiegals]

No I've not as it's logical that a bent adapter would widen the circumference of cutting diameter resulting in wider/taller mortise while maintaining it's parallelism (assuming the machine is not shaking violently or moving around which it isn't).  The mortise is a snug tight fit on the Domino so I conclude this is not the issue but I'm more than happy to buy an official XL 700 bit if Festool can then conclude I've got a Lemon rather than that good Green Koolaid.

 

[RKA]

Out of the box it includes the 12mm cutter, so you should have that at least.  If you need a few 12mm dominos, I can sent a few your way.

 

[Cheese]

Here's some cedar 2x material and a DF 700 with a Festool 8 mm cutter installed. I clamped the cedar to a plywood MFS to keep the front edge in position.

The first (lowest) mortise was with the base of the DF 700 sitting flat on the MFS.

I then extended the fence and placed the DF on the top of the cedar 2x and made the second (highest) mortise.

The numbers represent the distance from the bottom of the cedar board to the bottom of each mortise.

Extremely uniform & consistent.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Out of the box it includes the 12mm cutter, so you should have that at least.  If you need a few 12mm dominos, I can sent a few your way.

Thanks for the offer!  I was looking to see if I had a standard XL 700 bit to test with the other day and didn't see it.  Hopefully I didn't leave it attached when I sent the Domino in for service ... I'll have a look when I get home and let you know if I find it.

 

[RobS888]

Is it ok to glom onto this thread if I'm having the same problem or should I start another?

 

[Bugsysiegals]

Here's some cedar 2x material and a DF 700 with a Festool 8 mm cutter installed. I clamped the cedar to a plywood MFS to keep the front edge in position.

The first (lowest) mortise was with the base of the DF 700 sitting flat on the MFS.

I then extended the fence and placed the DF on the top of the cedar 2x and made the second (highest) mortise.

The numbers represent the distance from the bottom of the cedar board to the bottom of each mortise.

Extremely uniform & consistent.

Thanks Cheese, I love the detail you put into that!!  I'll  provide similar example as well as a picture showing the 2 rules which show the motor parallelism, assuming the motor arm is square, related to the base plate.

 

[RKA]

Is it ok to glom onto this thread if I'm having the same problem or should I start another?

[member=70366]RobS888[/member]
If it's a similar issue, just add to the thread.  If it's something different (ex. problem with the switch), just start another thread. 

 

[semenza]

Is it ok to glom onto this thread if I'm having the same problem or should I start another?

Hi,

  You fine on this topic.

Seth

  [member=57769]TylerC[/member]

 

[Jiggy Joiner]

No I've not as it's logical that a bent adapter would widen the circumference of cutting diameter resulting in wider/taller mortise while maintaining it's parallelism (assuming the machine is not shaking violently or moving around which it isn't).  The mortise is a snug tight fit on the Domino so I conclude this is not the issue but I'm more than happy to buy an official XL 700 bit if Festool can then conclude I've got a Lemon rather than that good Green Koolaid.

I know, and I agree about the logic but, you’ve come this far so why not test the machine just in the way Festool have.
Then, there’s no doubt, and you can put it to them again?
I hope you get a resolve, as it must be very frustrating, especially with a machine that’s had minimal use.