Please help me choose the right kit!

[koselig]

Hi all!

We have been building our a home on our remote property, and need to close out the construction financing by May. I have trim (baseboard and casing) left to do, and I won't have the material until April.
Based on so many items being backordered or delayed right now, I think I only have one chance (now) to get what I need in time, so I am asking for help to ensure I am set up.

We are using simple square 3/4" prefinished poplar everywhere, keeping with a modern aesthetic. Baseboard is 3-1/4" wide and casing 2-1/2". I am planning on using a Domino to butt-join the baseboard and casing joined square (or maybe mitered with clam clamps?).

Considering I have a Bosch track saw and dust collector already, what would you recommend as far as MFT, Domino, and clamps/accessories for handling the trim task? I plan to purchase from Bob Marino. Can these items even be had by April?

For context, I'll also be building beds, a dining table, school workspaces for the kids, and other items. So I am conflicted between the DF500 and DF700 with the Seneca bit adapter and plate. Would the DF700 and Domiplate be workable for 3/4" trim? Mostly I see mention of its use with plywood specifically. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time!
Patrick

 

[squall_line]

Hi all!

We have been building our a home on our remote property, and need to close out the construction financing by May. I have trim (baseboard and casing) left to do, and I won't have the material until April.
Based on so many items being backordered or delayed right now, I think I only have one chance (now) to get what I need in time, so I am asking for help to ensure I am set up.

We are using simple square 3/4" prefinished poplar everywhere, keeping with a modern aesthetic. Baseboard is 3-1/4" wide and casing 2-1/2". I am planning on using a Domino to butt-join the baseboard and casing joined square (or maybe mitered with clam clamps?).

Considering I have a Bosch track saw and dust collector already, what would you recommend as far as MFT, Domino, and clamps/accessories for handling the trim task? I plan to purchase from Bob Marino. Can these items even be had by April?

For context, I'll also be building beds, a dining table, school workspaces for the kids, and other items. So I am conflicted between the DF500 and DF700 with the Seneca bit adapter and plate. Would the DF700 and Domiplate be workable for 3/4" trim? Mostly I see mention of its use with plywood specifically. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time!
Patrick

I'm not a trim carpenter, but dominoes seem a bit overkill for trim joinery.

I'm pretty sure Bob Marino retired a while ago.  I think he transferred all of his resources and responsibilities to Beaver Industrial Supply in St. Louis, MO.  Or else it was someone else with almost the same name?

 

[woodferret]

Never assume framing is square as a drywaller.  Never assume drywall is flat as a trimmer.   

Caveat, i installed painted trim so some things may be different to prefinished. 

A compound mitre saw was more useful to me while trimming than the tracksaw.  Pocket holes were used to pre-attach jambs and window casings (separately).  You can use the DF500 if it floats your boat but a Kreg R3 was easier to maneuver and clamp on long ends.  Baseboard mitres can be 'clamped' with CA glue 2P-10.  If the framing/drywall exerts more force than the CA glue, then a vodoo doll comes in handy.

As for furniture, I'd say you're more into DF700 if you're doing solid wood style.  If you're doing modern plywood versions, then the DF500 would probably be more functional.

 

[koselig]

yeah I should have specified - this is painted prefinished trim, to match the doors. We just don't have time to finish.

Kreg jig and pocket screws - yep I have thought about that, definitely another good option.

Since this is flat 3/4" stock I am definitely not expecting flat drywall! But making the casing nice and flat/square, and filling any gaps behind or to the jambs seems like the right approach for the look we're going for, so that is why I'm thinking of assembling first, then hanging.

Re:Bob - I see! It is Beaver Industrial Supply, that makes sense. I may have to just call them to check on availability.

 

[Ajax]

BIS is great.  I live about 20 minutes away so I go to them for all my Festool needs.  No shipping for me. 

 

[rvieceli]

[member=75351]koselig[/member] The folks at Beaver Tools are great. But given current supply chain problems on everything, it's always a good idea to call them to check inventory.

Ron

 

[woodferret]

Ya, assembling the top and sides casing for hanging makes it easier.  Trim screws and glazer shims are your friend if you have to do the jamb too.

As for 3/4 flat baseboard thing, I guess i missed making the point that I found it exceedingly rare to ever have a 90 butt joint (inner corner).  While not as complicated as profile coping, it's still pretty much that so a DF500 doesn't really have a nice reference to work from.  Hence the compound miter.

Before you go down that route of prefixing 90 butt joints on baseboards, try some scrap assembly on all your corners first to see how much the wall tilts.  Unlevel floor can also pull corners up away from the ideal.  I had to trim 1-2 deg at times.  When properly coped, the angle is less noticable than a wall-baseboard gap filled in.

* 2 cents opinion

 

[afish]

Ok, Im going to chime in with a different and possibly unpopular opinion. First Im not impressed with BIS at all.  I have been waiting on an item from them since Nov.  I cant even get ahold of anybody there.  I try and call probably close to 10 times now wait on hold and the funny part is they keep updating you on your expected wait time and it sometimes goes up not down then it kicks me out after waiting on hold for like 10min.  Dont believe me go ahead and try out option #3 on their phone.  I dont think I will ever be ordering from them again.   

As far as the domino for trim goes I like to use them in my miters on flat casing.  Takes a little longer but makes them strong, flat and seamless.  IS it good for production? no but 5 years later there isnt even a hair line crack at the miter.  I assemble my casings at the bench and install as 1 piece.

I would also recommend you look at the DDF40 Its a good compromise between the 500 & 700 domino since it goes up to 12mm dia. and 40mm deep.  While its not as deep as the 700 its still considerably deeper than the 500.  If I could only have one it would be the DDF40. 

As far as the April deadline thats probably optimistic.  You will probably have better luck getting a used one.  I think I saw a 500 in the classified section.  Unfortunately if you check ebay prices can be crazy with the short supply some used stuff is selling for more than new.  I would check with timberwolf tools on the DDF40 they were back ordered too but I think the supply chain is moving faster for Mafell. 

 

[koselig]

Thanks all for your comments!

For butt-joining long runs of baseboard, the Kreg R3 might indeed be the way to go.

As for the 90-deg square trim, yeah I am not entirely wedded to it. I did it in our shop for a Scandinavian look, but mitered might work better and look simpler in here with the painted trim, while still modern and "square".

Do you see an MFT and any specific clamping setup to be ideal for this job?

I will check out the DDF40 too.

 

[afish]

I would save the money on an mft. I don't know the actual size but it might be a little on the small side imo.

 

[woodferret]

I'd be wary of using a butt joint with pocket holes (or dominos) for baseboard extension.  Why not the standard scarf joint if you don't mind my asking?