Talk Me Out of Returning the Domino 500 - Not happy with it

[Ajax]

Return it and be happy again.

Seriously, we all pay for the 30 day return policy (call it a feature of the product).  It's built into Festools costs (their business model must account for a certain percentage of returns).  If this were some cheap tool by another vendor you'd just throw it in the closet and write it off as a bad purchase.  But this is an expensive Festool.  For the price paid it better wow you right out of the box.  Otherwise, it goes back...as per the 30 day guarantee.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Return it and be happy again.
If this were some cheap tool by another vendor you'd just throw it in the closet and write it off as a bad purchase.

Most other tool manufacturers offer a 30 day return policy as well.

Where festool shines is their after the sale support. It really is amazing.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

At the end of the day, if you are not satisfied, return it and don't look back.

Having said that, it sounds like your particular Domino may have a problem.  Ask Woodcraft if you can try another Domino or have someone familiar with Dominoes try yours to see if they get better results.  If its the machine, then swap it out and try again. 

The idea that the Domino cannot build structural stuff is bull.  I have built chairs, beds, big tables, dressers, etc. with Dominoes and none of them has had a problem in spite of heavy use.  By the way, I may all my joints tight.

So there is great value in the Domino if it works for you.  It may not fit your style of work.  The MFK700 didn't fit my style, never could warm up to it, so I sold it and moved on.

Good luck and let us know how it comes out.

 

[GPowers]

Might be a dumb question but are you using the dust extractor. It is required to get a clean plunge.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes. 

Now a real M&T joint, preferably through, can just be pinned and nothing more. 

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes. 

I'm sitting on a lounge chair I made using my Domino.  The joints are 10x50 stock dominos.  The chair has dynamic loading cause it is tilt swivel and it's on casters.  No metal reinforcing on load bearing joints.  I weight 290 pounds.  The chair is over a year old.  I think that settles the structural question.

Good enough for me.

 

[grbmds]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes.   

Why not? It's a mortise and tenon joint. As long as the Dominoes are in line with the size of the project, there is no reason a loose tenon won't work on tables, chairs, almost anything. I assume that is why they are making the 700 - to make larger projects.

Of course, none of this is really addressing ctc1111's original question.

He should get the satisfaction from the tool he expected or return it. And, if the Woodcraft store he bought it from doesn't take it back easily, he should contact either the main Woodcraft number or Festool. I just saw an ad by Woodcraft that says Woodcraft is the largest Festool dealer in the US. I don't know if that's true, but they didn't get to that claim by being hard to deal with and not following the Festool guidelines. The Woodcraft store I go to wouldn't even question a return within 30 days and would certainly help me resolve the problem by either testing it with me or comparing results between their own demo and mine. I have never had a problem with the Woodcraft store in Madison, Wisconsin and have always been satisfied with their help and responses to me.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

The Woodcraft store I go to wouldn't even question a return within 30 days and would certainly help me resolve the problem by either testing it with me or comparing results between their own demo and mine.

That's a really good idea for the OP to try.

 

[promark747]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes.   

Surprised to see a quote like this from someone Festool has featured in their own promotional materials.  I think Festool would strongly disagree with your statement.

 

[ScoFF]

It's probably too late now but I would have loved to see a youtube video of your techique to try and see what the issue is.
I'm mostly interested in this because I just got an XL 700 which is in transit.  I never used a domino before and anticipate a learning curve and issues along the way but I'm throwing myself in there since I'm selling my other trusted joinery tools/jigs.
All of the videos I see are commericals and fanatics who use it every day and everything looks so easy.  I want to see a novice unbox it, try it for the first time etc.  Maybe I'll record one and that'll be my Festool video for free shwag, it might help others.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

The learning curve really isn't that steep.
I was literally cutting reliable joints by my 4th scrap board.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes.   

Surprised to see a quote like this from someone Festool has featured in their own promotional materials.  I think Festool would strongly disagree with your statement.

Oh man, I am gonna get in trouble?

I am not sure how everyone is missing the point. 

Does a domino really add much to an edge glued panel?  The glue is already stronger then the wood.  Yes those few dominos make it easier to get a flush surface fast.  Face frames don't get much added benifit from a domino, other then ease of alignment. 

Table apron to leg, personally I believe just glue and a domino is lacking there. 

I have made some pretty substantial items with dominoes and structural epoxy, but I was not relying soley on the domino for strength. 

I can build you a door or window sash that will require no glue, but it won't be with dominoes

 

[grbmds]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes.   

Surprised to see a quote like this from someone Festool has featured in their own promotional materials.  I think Festool would strongly disagree with your statement.

Oh man, I am gonna get in trouble?

I am not sure how everyone is missing the point. 

Does a domino really add much to an edge glued panel?  The glue is already stronger then the wood.  Yes those few dominos make it easier to get a flush surface fast.  Face frames don't get much added benifit from a domino, other then ease of alignment. 

Table apron to leg, personally I believe just glue and a domino is lacking there. 

I have made some pretty substantial items with dominoes and structural epoxy, but I was not relying soley on the domino for strength. 

I can build you a door or window sash that will require no glue, but it won't be with dominoes

I think the best thing is to address the original question. The whole thread is way off topic.

It's not important for this thread whether you're right or wrong.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes.   

Surprised to see a quote like this from someone Festool has featured in their own promotional materials.  I think Festool would strongly disagree with your statement.

Oh man, I am gonna get in trouble?

I am not sure how everyone is missing the point. 

Does a domino really add much to an edge glued panel?  The glue is already stronger then the wood.  Yes those few dominos make it easier to get a flush surface fast.  Face frames don't get much added benifit from a domino, other then ease of alignment. 

Table apron to leg, personally I believe just glue and a domino is lacking there. 

I have made some pretty substantial items with dominoes and structural epoxy, but I was not relying soley on the domino for strength. 

I can build you a door or window sash that will require no glue, but it won't be with dominoes

I think the best thing is to address the original question. The whole thread is way off topic.

It's not important for this thread whether you're right or wrong.

This was part of the orginal disscussion, I can't help it if some people try to get snarky over a simple matter. 

Then there comes the chastising,  seems ok for others, but I always get the crappy PMs over it. 

Take the darn domino back if he doesn't not like it. 

 

[ctc1111]

Ok, here's the update to answer some questions.

The bit was fine, I was having the same issues with various size bits. Including the poor cut quality on some cuts. I was also using a ct26 extractor on full power and allowing ample time for it to clear chips before moving the domino.

Like I said, I'm a very able person and I'm confident in saying that while I'm not an expert woodworker, or some kind of authority on power tool use, I'm very capable and confident in my skills and learning ability. There's never been a tool or technique that I just 'couldn't figure out'.

All that said, the Domino was returned this morning to Portsmouth, NH woodcraft. The woman in there was EXCELLENT and no questions asked. They even took back the systainer with an unknown amount of dominos used in it (they didn't even open it to check) and a separate package of opened dominos with an undisclosed amount used. They also took back the extra cutter head I bought, and again barely even glanced at it. AA++ customer service today. By the kids reaction on the phone, I went in expecting a lot of issues. I had printed photos to its cut quality, print outs of festools warranty from their site, etc. Again, Woodcraft in Portsmouth, NH - I only have good things to say about my experience today.

I am now the proud new owner of a TS55 REQ and a MFT/3 table. I have the TS55 (I'm going to try it for the first time in a couple minutes) and the MFT is paid for and on order as they didn't have one in stock. The cost of the two units was almost down to the dollar what I paid for the Domino and accessories, so it was about an even swap.

Of course I can't go into Woodcraft without buying something,  [cool] so I also walked out with the Kreg track and stop system for the miter saw as I'm about to build a new stand for mine. I also grabbed the Kreg shelf hole jig since it seems like a cheaper simpler alternative to the LR-32. New toy night tonight in the shop!

Thank you everyone for the helpful feedback on this issue. I still haven't decided if it was a defect or my operation (maybe some of both?) but either way for that kind of money I need a completely perfect experience. I feel happy with my decision so far. Thanks again and I look forward to participating in this forum on more positive topics!!

 

[peter halle]

Glad it worked out in the end.  When you get your MFT and if you have questions while setting it up, don't hesitate to ask.  My guess is that of all the tools the ones with the most questions are the Domino followed by the MFT.

All the Best,

Peter

 

[ctc1111]

Glad it worked out in the end.  When you get your MFT and if you have questions while setting it up, don't hesitate to ask.  My guess is that of all the tools the ones with the most questions are the Domino followed by the MFT.

All the Best,

Peter

I bet it is, I have begun my research by watching some lengthy youtube videos. Any direction you would point me in to start as far as resources?

 

[duburban]

Good grief.  It does add some structural stability, but you aren't going to make a table, or chair with nothing other then Dominoes.   

Surprised to see a quote like this from someone Festool has featured in their own promotional materials.  I think Festool would strongly disagree with your statement.

Life is not perfect. If i get the impression festool owns its sponsor boys they'll loose all credibility.

When a company chooses to do its advertising through its users and social media, they should expect a little honesty now and then.

 

[peter halle]

Glad it worked out in the end.  When you get your MFT and if you have questions while setting it up, don't hesitate to ask.  My guess is that of all the tools the ones with the most questions are the Domino followed by the MFT.

All the Best,

Peter

I bet it is, I have begun my research by watching some lengthy youtube videos. Any direction you would point me in to start as far as resources?

Festool has quite a few videos on YouTube.  Search for Festool.TV.  They have everything for getting started and setting up onward.

Peter

 

[JFelchlin]

Glad to hear to hear things worked out. My Woodcraft Festool dealer in Norfolk, VA - And now my current one in Colorado Springs, CO - Have both been great to work with. I've bought a lot of Festool products - And love 'em.

The cost of the Domino wasn't the deciding issue. I like to collect and use good tools. And... Festool = Money well spent.
But after reading some of the "Domino difficulties", I decided to "pass" on this Festool product.

It also wasn't the "learning curve". I have/use a Leigh FMT Pro Mortise & Tenon Jig (and Leigh's D4R Pro Dovetail Jig) - Anyone will tell you that they both have a significant "learning curve" (and both are expensive).
I also have/use: A DowelMax, a Kreg K3 Pocket Hole Jig, and a Porter-Cable 557 Plate (Biscuit) Joiner.
I use whichever jig/tool is best for the joinery project at hand. And all of them give me great results.

But... I'm a hobbiest - Who enjoys the "process" - And making tight fitting joints - Resulting in cabinets and furniture -
For my home and family - Versus "the need for speed" of professional tradesmen.
I "get" the professional's "time is money" thinking. The Festool Domino looks like a great tool - For them.
But it's not for me. I'll spend that $1,000+ on some other great Festool product.