The DOMINO has evolved.

The initial redesign process started when it looked like the pins were a patent infringement. This turned out not to be true. Market tests however showed that customers preferred the new design. This is the reason why we decided to go with the new design.

Christian
 
Shane Holland said:
cdconey said:
I understand about the length of the cutter and plunge depth, but where do you set the fence to?  Do you need to add a shim to center it on the stock?

Sorry, I didn't fully understand the question.  You are correct.

The fence height would need to be set around 6mm to get the mortise in the center of the material.  That being the case, you would need to either shim the workpiece or allow it to overhang the edge of your MFT.  The reason is that otherwise the base of the Domino will not allow the fence to make contact.

Also, here's a link to the updated Domino manual for those who are interested.

(Edit to add link to manual)

If I remember correctly the minimum setting on the original fence is 8 mm (when the fence is perpendicular to the face of the stock) so you'll need a 2 mm shim on top of the work to get the mortice in the middle of 12 mm stock. Does the new fence actually go down to 6 mm for edge mortises?
 
Michael Kellough said:
If I remember correctly the minimum setting on the original fence is 8 mm (when the fence is perpendicular to the face of the stock) so you'll need a 2 mm shim on top of the work to get the mortice in the middle of 12 mm stock. Does the new fence actually go down to 6 mm for edge mortises?

Michael,

In looking at a few Dominos here in our training center with old and new fences, it looks like the fences bottom out around the 6-7mm mark.  From my quick research, it looks like both fences have the same minimum height settings.  Using an old fence at the lowest height setting, the mortise was very well centered in the 1/2" material.  I think if you check your Domino, it's going to be the same.

Of course, the mortise doesn't have to be exact center.  The important that is that ample material is left on either side, especially in thinner stock.
 
Shane Holland said:
Available August 1st, here is the pricing on the new components.

495 666 New Base Support Bracket $22.00
495 663 Domino Cutter 4mm $30.00
495 661 Domino Beech 4x20 mm, 450 pc $15.50
495 348 New Domino Fence $300.00

Shane,

Let me ask a silly question, if one replaces the old fence with the new fence ,,,,,,, is there any advantage of going back and using the old fence for any particular task?

And do you foresee any trade-in policy from Festool on those that have the old fence at a reduced price?

Since the $300 price tag is for the fence if you have the new one and need to replace it due to breakage, yes it will also work on the old one,,,,but my point is the line above.

,,,,,,,r
 
Is the only difference between old and new fences the pins Vs. the new plastic dogs? Are their any other changes?
 
Taos said:
Is the only difference between old and new fences the pins Vs. the new plastic dogs? Are their any other changes?

No, but on the new model Indexing is very difficult with the new tabs, and near impossible on the 5 and 6mm mortise slots. It even makes it totally impossible to use the 5mm slots on my shelf jig. Now that sucks big time. Get the old model while you can, its far superior.
 
@Roger: I don't see any advantage if you had the new one to go back to the old one.  In essence, they both perform the same function, just in different ways.  See reply below to Taos for something I consider an advantage with the new fence.  The new fence is being sold as a spare part.  I don't think there's any real expectation for people to plunk down $300 just to replace a perfectly good "old version" fence.  With that in mind, I doubt we will see a trade in program.

@Taos: The clear plastic in the center of the fence was redesigned to extend the reference marks and make it easier to read.  In my opinion, I think most people will see this as an advantage.  These are the only changes to the fence, but the support base has also been redesigned and is included with new Domino models.  See my original post for details.

@Tezzer: Everyone will have their own preference and opinions.  There's no doubt that will be the case.  I do know that end user testing was done and the results were that most people preferred the new design.  I've not had any time using the new fence so I can't weigh in.  Maybe Roger can find someone who would be willing to trade fences  ;) 

It could be argued that the new fence, in conjunction with the cross stop (which is included with the Domino SET), offers the best of both worlds... pins and paddles.  I'm sure the debate will wage on about which people prefer.
 
Shane Holland said:
@Tezzer:  I do know that end user testing was done and the results were that most people preferred the new design.

Thats fascinating, do you know how they did their research. Something tells me they are feeding you a line. Did they offer a test loan to existing pin users (Not just the usual reviewers like some on this site, but ordinary everyday users) for a period of time?  It would be fascinating to read their procedures and conclusion. Too me, they have mucked up on this so called improvement.

I (and 3 other long term users - one is a member here) have had the pin version for over 3 years and been using the new version on and off for around 5 months, so I guess I can offer a reasonable comparison. If you are content using it in a basic way just to join boards its fine. But if you want to explore it to the max with jigs and templates then it becomes very frustrating.

Shane Holland said:
It could be argued that the new fence, in conjunction with the cross stop (which is included with the Domino SET), offers the best of both worlds... pins and paddles.  I'm sure the debate will wage on about which people prefer.

No way. But we will leave that for another time ;)
 
Shane Holland said:
@Taos: The clear plastic in the center of the fence was redesigned to extend the reference marks and make it easier to read.  In my opinion, I think most people will see this as an advantage.  These are the only changes to the fence, but the support base has also been redesigned and is included with new Domino models.  See my original post for details.

Is "new" clear plastic part interchangeable with "old" one? If answer is "yes" then what's part number and price?
 
@Victor: Yes, it's available as a spare part (469 800)  $2.42 ea.  There are two screws used to remove it and also to calibrate alignment.  Rick has information on calibration in his manual referenced earlier in this thread.  Yet another reason Rick's manuals are regarded as comprehensive and a must read.

I'm a pencil mark kinda guy.  Scribe lines across the two pieces and use the window on the fence for alignment.
 
Shane Holland said:
@Victor: Yes, it's available as a spare part (469 800)  $2.42 ea.  There are two screws used to remove it and also to calibrate alignment.  Rick has information on calibration in his manual referenced earlier in this thread.  Yet another reason Rick's manuals are regarded as comprehensive and a must read.

I'm a pencil mark kinda guy.  Scribe lines across the two pieces and use the window on the fence for alignment.

Thanks a lot. Another question: Are you planning to change Domino's systainer insert? Current insert has slots for 4 cutter heads. Will new insert hold 4 mm cutters too? Will spare part insert have decals for cutters?
 
Tezzer, not sure what the testing procedures were to be honest.  You obviously feel very strongly about which fence version you prefer.  I am just looking to provide information about the changes and answer questions so folks are informed. ;D  I would prefer to stay out of the debate about the merits of each.  I'll leave the opinion to you guys to sort out, maybe in a new thread.  My apologies if you felt like I was ignoring your post.
 
Gary you will love the new 4mm cutter. We have been using it for some months now and its the bees knees. Adds a refined delicacy  to the Domi. A must have

I have a mitered trim box jig for the 4mm cutter i should post soon :)
 
 
 I had a chance to use the new fence and IMHO, it confirms what I have thought initially; if you like the idea of pins to register successive  mortices, the old fence would be preferable. If not, the new fence is perfectly fine and can see where others may prefer the newer fences'  "paddles".  This is only my initial impression, and wouldn't argue with Tezzer in his comments about the original fence with the pins being preferable for use in more esoteric applications. The new support bracket which  can be used on both fences is a nice upgrade - get you closer to the edge and the 4 mm cutter and dominos allows to easily use 1/2" material.
Your choice, but do act soon if you prefer the older fence; supplies are running out.

Bob
 
Thanks Bob M. for your input and first hand experience.

I don't want to draw any conclusions; but I'm perfectly satisfied with my current Domino.
the 4mm cutter and d's will be a welcome fit to my small hobby shop.
 
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