Should I turn my domino off while using it?

[Toller]

I have to cut slots in the ends of 50 slats. It takes me maybe 20 seconds to go from one to another.  Do I leave the domino on the whole time, or turn it off between cuts?
It doesn't seem right to just leave it on for 20 minutes, but it doesn't seem right to turn it on and off 50 times either.

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

I would recommend leaving it running versus turning it on and off.  Presumably less wear in running it constantly.  There's no harm or issues with running the Domino for 20 minutes (or longer) at a time.

 

[chrisrosenb]

I leave mine running when doing operations like that.

 

[slb]

I usually leave it running.  Just be careful where you put your fingers!  The oscillating turret is exposed underneath, and the cutter is exposed after only a small amount of plunge that is easy to get by minor pressure on the fence.

 

[Wood_Junkie]

Also, put it on a non-slip pad or something, or clamp a stop-fence to block it.  I've had it "vibra-dance" itself nearly to the edge of my work table and risk falling off (onto concrete).

I know this is perhaps a ghetto solution, but harks back to my inner computer nerd before computer did "Sleep"...
Hook the Domino up to a power strip.  Turn the power strip on and off, leaving your Domino in the ON position.  Saves wear and tear on the Domino mechanics, without leaving your machine running.

 

[tigger]

I would recommend leaving it running versus turning it on and off.  Presumably less wear in running it constantly.  There's no harm or issues with running the Domino for 20 minutes (or longer) at a time.

Gotta second this opinion. I could give you the whole long drawn out reasons from an engineering point of view as to why, but it definitely serves no good to any electrical motor or accompaning parts to be turned on and off at short intervals! Increased wear and tear would be the first point to take note of.
I also agree to have a non-slip pad available to place the domino on should you need to free up your operating hand. Festool motors can generally run for very long periods with no risk of damage. Festool still remains as a serious piece of equipment that is designed and built to take the work-load. Sorry to put it like this, but I will probably die before any of my Festool's will.
This is, after all, why we all bought Festool, is'nt it?

 

[tbellemare]

I leave mine running under similar situations. I generally either keep one hand on it or, if I can't, use a couple of dogs from the Clamping Elements to limit its travel. It can tend to wander around if unattended.

Tom

 

[John Stevens]

Thanks, Shane and Tigger, that's good to know.  Is the same true for the Festool dust extractor I use with my Domino?  I've felt the underside from time to time, and it seems to get quite warm, but I've never had it shut off during extended use, like when sanding.

Regards,

John

 

[tbellemare]

I'm not Shane or Tigger, so please excuse this reply if it is an intrusion...

Festool products are intended for continuous usage and are designed to protect themselves.

Tom

 

[Jesse Cloud]

I wouldn't worry about the stress on the tool from staying on, but leaving a tool running unattended is an accident waiting to happen.  You might put together some sort of 'keeper' for it to rest in between uses.  

 

[RONWEN]

I leave mine running while getting ready for the next mortise.  At the very least, the switch is usually the weakest link on portable power tools although I'm sure Festool engineers design all of their switches  for a very long life cycle.  Another point that you may have missed in the manual -- Only change the slot width setting while the Domino in running (not when turned off).

 

[tigger]

I'm not Shane or Tigger, so please excuse this reply if it is an intrusion...

Festool products are intended for continuous usage and are designed to protect themselves.

Tom

Agreed Tom, The great thing about Festool is just that. If you overwork the tool or the motor gets tired and wants a nap, It simply says no and goes to sleep. You really can break these tools using them for the operations they were designed for.
Don't you just love it?????  ;D