New or old model domino

[mbcabinetmaker]

New or old model that is the question.  ???  I was talking to my local dealer yesterday and he has both in stock. Which do you prefer and why?

 

[waho6o9]

Interesting topic.  It boils down to this,  it doesn't matter. The flippers can be tightened to get out of the way. The pins get stuck with glue sometimes. Some one on the board has a cool attachment ( think it's a GPS or GPM )  for the domino and its only 99.00 USD.  Get either one and you'll be fine.

 

[wnagle]

Here is Rick's new attachment for the domino and the manuals he created for Festool products as well.

http://www.waterfront-woods.com/festool/index.htm

 

[Wood_Junkie]

I specifically got the pin version about 6 months ago.  After using it a bit, I'm glad I got the pins.  I hardly measure anything when using it.  Just reference off the edges *and* the slots (the pins fit in slots 5mm or bigger).  Can't do that with the tabbed version.

The only big drawback of the older pin version, IMHO, is that you have to do a tad of grinding on the plate in order to center the cutter on 1/2" / 12mm stock.  The face and the body collide when it gets too close to the cutter (this is intentionally designed this way to prevent them from hitting).  It took about 5 minutes using a Dremel and pointy stone grinding bit. 

 

[bonedaddy]

I gave this subject way too much thought when I bought my Domino.   I consulted with several guys, three who own both versions (two of who are members of FOG) and Festool USA.  This is what I learned.

Both tools are great.  However, the ability to recess the "paddles" on the new fence is liked very much by everyone.  Especially if you use pencil lines to mark you're cut.

I was told that the pins do sometimes get in the way and can push ever so slightly the tool away from the work, leaving room for misalignments.

Glue can collect on the pins if you are not careful.

The new fence is all set for the 4mm dominos.  No filing.

With the addition of Rick's MGS you are getting the best of both worlds. (More $$$ though)

And lastly, according to Festool USA the new fence has been tweaked to a higher tolerance to avoid the horizontal alignment problems that some have experienced with the pin version.

The three I talked with who own both tools prefer the new fence, and that's what really made up my mind.

You can't go wrong with either, but this is why I bought the new fence design.  

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

bonedaddy, welcome to the forum and thanks for providing your insight.  I would agree that both fence versions are great.  I prefer to use pencil marks because I don't find that the pins always lend themselves to my preferred spacing although they are convenient.

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I have one of the early released pin models.  I generally use pencil marks for alignment and the narrowest setting for mortice width.  I have not had any problems with alignment due to the pins, although I agree that care must be taken particularly if your desired mortice location is very near where the pin position would contact the workpiece near its edge.  The improvement in vertical fence alignment is a welcome improvement.

Dave R.