Popular Woodworking - Top 2007 new tools

[TomCrawford]

The Domino is included - they say;

"So much praise has been written about the Festool Domino this year that it?s hard to add anything new. This new handheld loose-tenon tool is quite simply one of the smartest new tools we?ve ever seen introduced. Yes, some people complain about the price tag, but they haven?t used the tool. Once you cut a few mortises with the Domino, you?ll join us in our applause for this German company."

 

[Dan Clermont]

I privately exchanged e-mails with Christopher Schwarz who is an avid hand tool fan much like myself. He feels guilty using ia machine to make a traditional joint but at the same time it is accurate and efficient.

Dan Clermont

 

[HowardH]

I don't know why he should feel guilty. If this tool had been around a 100 years ago, craftsmen would have used it like we do today. Personally, if I ever need surgery, I don't long for the old days before anestetic or modern instruments. Nor would i want to mow my yard with a hand push mower. I can do it but why?  100 years from now, the domino will appear quaint. Dont get me wrong, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be derived from a well executed hand cut joint and there many who wouldnt do it any other way even if given a domino.  Let us rejoice in what advances technology can bring to us while we fondly remember the past.

 

[bruegf]

Personally, I view modern precision tools as a way to compensate for my lack of skill.

Fred

 

[Dave Ronyak]

I view modern tools as the primary reason I can do most of what I can in woodworking and carpentry.  The only reason I can think of someone feeling guilty would be if they advertised their products as being hand made using classical tools and methods, a la Colonial Williamsburg reproductions.  The wood doesn't know if it was removed with hand tools or power tools.  I also view powertools as a blessing that enables me and others to produce much more per unit of time.

Dave R.

 

[Dan Clermont]

I think some woodworkers such as Chris and I prefer to do things the old fashion way for "bragging rights". I like to do handcut dovetails cause they are challenging.

I too own a Domino and bought it for speed. Their are times I want to build a small box or a cabinet with handcut dovetailed corners or M&T joinery and then their are times I want to GET THINGS DONE in a quick and efficient manner. That is where the Domino comes in

Chris's words to me were along the lines of his mockups used to be done with screws and biscuits. The Domino has replaced that and made the mockups so good their is no need to build the final piece.

Dan C

 

[Eli]

Nor would i want to mow my yard with a hand push mower.

Isn't it funny, this is one of the things I take great pleasure in. Of course my lawn hasn't been that big these last couple of years. I wouldn't want to do the front lawn at Pepperdine this way.

 

[Tinker]

Nor would i want to mow my yard with a hand push mower.

Isn't it funny, this is one of the things I take great pleasure in. Of course my lawn hasn't been that big these last couple of years. I wouldn't want to do the front lawn at Pepperdine this way.

you wouldn't want to WALK there to do it  ;D
Tinker

 

[Tinker]

or swim
Tinker

 

[Eli]

The push mower was one of the things I knew for sure wouldn't have conversion issues when I moved here!

 

[lynnsr]

I just came in from mowing my yard with the domino. It only jamed once and I have ruined my slacks.

I too am please I no longer have a huge yard.

Lynnsr

 

[CharlesWilson]

I just came in from mowing my yard with the domino. It only jamed once and I have ruined my slacks.

I too am please I no longer have a huge yard.

Lynnsr

Mowing? I would use it for aerating the soil.

Charles

 

[Dave Ronyak]

The push mower was one of the things I knew for sure wouldn't have conversion issues when I moved here!

Eli,

Are you sure?  Do you have metric blades on that "pusher"?

Dave R.

 

[HowardH]

just remember this... If it's worth doing, it's worth hiring to get it done..  ;D  Woodworking excluded, obviously...

 

[Eli]

That's how I ended up with a push mower in the first place. I had a gardener in LA (Westsaaieeed Javier!), and the push mower was for when he was on vacation.

 

[Ron Pegram]

This is a fascinating thread. I have to ask this question.

How do you all feel about pre-made jigs? Take an excellent tool like the Dowel-max. Because it involves more set-up by hand than the Domino, do you derive more satisfaction from the job or is it still somewhat of a 'cheat' because you're using a jig you didn't make yourself?

I can't wait to read the answers of anyone interested to give me their perspective.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

This is a fascinating thread. I have to ask this question.

How do you all feel about pre-made jigs? Take an excellent tool like the Dowel-max. Because it involves more set-up by hand than the Domino, do you derive more satisfaction from the job or is it still somewhat of a 'cheat' because you're using a jig you didn't make yourself?

I can't wait to read the answers of anyone interested to give me their perspective.

Interesting question.  I think for me the only excuse for doing much setup on a pre-made jig is flexibility.  Since I'm not in a production shop, if the jig requires a lot of set-up its probably quicker and easier for me to do it by hand.  On the other hand, when your craftsmanship is going to be buried anyhow (e.g., mortise & tenon vs. dovetails) I find it hard to justify the additional time (and cost to the customer) to do it myself.

 

[Eli]

The only thing I really don't mind taking time with is making curlies with a hand plane, and it's rare I'll do that on the clock. Only if it's really necessary. Anything else I'd rather it went fast so I can keep moving. I don't mind pocket screws, but I  haven't used the dowel-max, so I guess that in itself says something.

 

[Ron Pegram]

...but I  haven't used the dowel-max, so I guess that in itself says something.

My guess is it says you have a Domino?  ;D

From all that I've heard, the Dowel-Max is very precise but, of course, you have nowhere near the speed you do with the Domino. This conversation made me think of it due to the guilt Dan mentioned his friend had over using a machine. I can't help but wonder how many people feel that way.

I guess it depends on how you're wired. For some, I bet the act of creating is the best part while others may enjoy the finished product more than the process. I can't help but wonder how many people will slow down their projects on purpose to have more time spent in what they see as the fun portion.

 

[Eli]

Yes, have a Domino.