Other Uses for the Domino

butzla

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Started this thread for all to post pictures and ideas for uses of the Domino other than it's intended purpose of loose tenon joinery.  Mods please move if this has already been covered. I think this would be a great sticky.  If you have an idea, please post here.

I just built some tables and I used my 500 to cut slots in the aprons for the table top hold down clips.  I used to just route or cut a long dado but this looks more professional.
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In addition to cutting slots for the table aprons (used with wooden buttons) like you, I have used the DF for these:

- Clamp-friendly bench apron
- As spline slots for a tray
 

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Perfect slots for nylon webbing tie down straps in wood frames

[attachimg=1]
 

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I used mine to make a short dado (about 4 in/100 mm long) using overlapping plunges in a small cabinet to hold a 1/4 in divider.
It was a little tedious, but a lot quicker than setting up a router for just that cut.
 
I have used it to make elongated screw hole for drawer fronts.

Seth
 
Why use metal clips when you can make a wooden button out of two domino’s?  [wink]
 
Bert Vanderveen said:
Why use metal clips when you can make a wooden button out of two domino’s?  [wink]

I am trying to visualize this. Could you post a picture? Thanks.
 
I recently picked up some more figure 8 clips to attach a top and I found these same 'z' looking clips.  I asked the salesman how to use and he tried to describe this cut slot in the apron.  I think I had the idea but after seeing this picture above, its much clear.  Another score the for Domino  !  Thanks.
 
One can make a wooden button by stacking and gluing two dominoes offset. To make wooden buttons out of dominoes, it is a more costly and time-consuming approach if a lot of them are needed.

I make wooden buttons out of scrap hardwood or plywood, 40 or 50 a time, on the table saw.

By the way, others have used dominoes as shelf pins, though I haven't, as discussed in this old thread:https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/domino-shelf-pins/
 

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Peter Durand said:
Bert Vanderveen said:
Why use metal clips when you can make a wooden button out of two domino’s?  [wink]

I am trying to visualize this. Could you post a picture? Thanks.

Quick sketch:
[attachimg=1]

 

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I have one more unusual use of the dominoes to add to my list:

As connectors for my split bench hook (so you'll never need to find the spacer part when you need it for working on long stock)

Slogan for the day: "Be a r-e-a-l woodworker...own a Domino Joiner!" [tongue]
 

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I’ve been using Z-clamps for table top hold downs for years, but cut the slots using a biscuit cutter.

I’m building a large table with two benches. I’ll use your Domino trick on this project. Just in time!
 
Birdhunter said:
I’ve been using Z-clamps for table top hold downs for years, but cut the slots using a biscuit cutter.

I’m building a large table with two benches. I’ll use your Domino trick on this project. Just in time!

Here's a tip,  put a note where you store them for fence height reference.  It takes a bit of trial and error to find the right height and this will save time the next time you use them.  There's nothing worse than a loose fitting clip.  Ask me how I know!

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I do all kinds of stuff.

Drawer handles and hinges for boxes  are two I regularly do.
 
Terry Fogarty said:
I do all kinds of stuff.

Drawer handles and hinges for boxes  are two I regularly do.

It would be helpful if you posted pictures.
 
Jim, I really like the look of the metal "Z" clips working in the Domino slots...I know they won't be seen but they have a finished appearance and are very tidy looking.  [big grin]  When I build a table I'll go with those.

I've used Domino's as an alignment/fixturing aid for a removable storage cart rail I made. The rail/track has to be removable for attic access.

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For alignment pins on a long dining room table leaves . Sorry no pictures, there on the last phone that died.
A winery customer had a 23’ long live edge table. They wanted the option to have a regular square edge table for more formal dining.
I used apple ply and glued dominos on one side of a leaf.
Also the aprons dominoed the same way with over laps of the top pieces to hold it together.
Rick
 
A trick on the Z clamps is to have the slot for the clamps a tad higher than where the clamp would slide easily into the slot. So, when the clamps are screwed down, they pull the two pieces of wood together.
 
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