Next Purchase: OF 1400 & LR-32 or Domino 500?

[72anthony]

Trying to get some advice on my next purchase. The OF 1400 & LR-32 is $990 before the price increase and the Domino 500 is $1185 with the Domino assortment systainer. I can't purchase both right now.

I will have some cabinet projects coming up, ranging from paint-grade cabinets for the garage to some stain grade built ins for the house.

I have an older 2HP Dewalt plunge router that is ok for basic tasks like round-overs, etc., but it does have horrible dust collection. I also have a biscuit joiner and recently bought Kreg K5 pocket hole jig. I also have a shelf pin drilling jig from Rockler with the spring loaded drill bits.

In the past I've used a dado blade on the table saw for making cabinet carcases: it takes time to get the dado set up properly and the glue up is a pain. I have read about some of you using Dominos and pocket screws for cabinet construction: Dominos for alignment & strength and pocket screws to eliminate or reduce the number of clamps.

Thanks,
Anthony

 

[Birdhunter]

The Domino is truly a game changer while the OF1400 is a very good router.

The Domino is my go to tool for book cases, large to small boxes, and anything else I can imagine where joining two pieces of wood together is involved.

If you buy the Domino, buy the whole set. You get all the cutters and an assortment of tenons. Also, watch Halfinchshy's videos. They will save you a lot of grief and time. The Domino is a very capable tool, but requires technique to get the best results.

Both the Domino and the 1400 require a good vac.

 

[sancho57]

tough decision. I have both and I dont know which one I couldnt do with out.

If ya get the LR32 be sure to get 2 1400 guide rails, you can connect the 2 together using the end stop in the LR32. I will give you the 32mm spacing in between the 2 rails,Just used it today

 

[shed9]

The Domino is truly a game changer while the OF1400 is a very good router.

What ^ he/she (delete as applicable) said.

 

[RC]

Since you already have a router & shelf pin jig I would definitely get the Domino first since it does so much more than your old bisquit joiner whereas you can do all the jobs the LR32 and OF1400 with your existing kit.

I've got all of these and use the LR32 the least and the domino the most.

You might want to look at the DF700 + the Seneca bit adapter as an option to the 500 if you can afford only one.

 

[Asterix]

??? I've bought the LR32 + OF1010 and the Domino 500 all recently (swapped router brand)...

I would say:
1: 1st Domino - game changer
2: OF1400 - a must have
3: LR32 - when you need it you will buy it. [laughing] as the accuracy is so damned good.

I've skipped buying the domino for a long long time but had the opportunity to buy a brand new one for ±$550 and couldn't resist.
Having one now... it's like the air compressor if you never had one you won't miss it, but if you've got one you never will do without.

A good vac: get a dust deputy or similar 8) which you can put in between almost any kind of vac.

 

[jackandhenry]

I own both and couldn't be happier

However the domino is a game changer for any cabinet/ furniture work. The tenons are so amazing you can actually make table tops and doors with ease and strength. Love this tool to death.ske sure to get all cutters too. You won't regret this purchase

The router is great too. An amazing machine with a descent dust collection option. I mean it's definitely not 100% but it sure does keep the dust down. I don't think there is a better machine that works better with a dust extraction system

I don't own the track or pin jig but that is something in the list. Currently I use the woodpecker jig for shelf pins and a 5mm vix bit. This works well and if you're only doing shelf pins then this may be all you need. The benefit however on the festool system is you can make larger bores and actually do a makeshift top for a workbench with 20mm holes or whatever you want.

Both options are great. I would start with the domino machine however first!! Best machine ever!!

J

 

[dltflt]

I would buy the Domino first.  Then get the 1400 and LR32 when you get more green saved up.

 

[sheeschen]

I agree with the others above - get the Domino first.  Of course, I say this having used a biscuit joiner once, and that was just to test it out.  However, I've used my Domino a lot, and it's a joy.  All kinds of cabinets - for the garage, bathroom, and kitchen.  Together with the pocket hole jig I've got, things go together quickly and solidly.  I had no experience building cabinets before getting my Domino, and though I'm still a beginner, I feel my results with it are top-notch, with a really easy learning curve.

I've also got the 1010, 1400, and LR32 system, and although they work great, there were times when I felt a shelf pin drilling jig would have been just as handy.  

So there's another two cents from an amateur woodworker/cabinet maker.

    Scott

 

[jacko9]

I would buy the Domino set first since you can already do the other functions (although not quite as nicely as with Festool) but the Domino gives you a new capability.

Jack

 

[batcave]

You have to buy a rail to go with the lr32 kit, unless you have one already. That will add another 120 to the tab.

 

[jacko9]

LOL - I love spending other peoples money - Domino all the way and if you can afford it buy both Domino JOINERS.

Jack

 

[72anthony]

Thanks for all of the helpful replies! Seems like the consensus is a Domino. I've updated my signature with my current line up.