To Domino or not to Domino? That IS the question....

[MacBoy]

The handle is not retained by the back screw …

Mighty cool — thank you for sharing!

Peter Millard tested one which was not secured to the body of the Domino. He had moments of fright when holding the Ergo Handle and arm-swinging the Domino downwards into a vertical position. I guess it’s a natural movement by the human body, even when the brain says “don’t do it”.

With the current design, could the Ergo Handle be secured to the Domino body

 

[gwendal]

Mighty cool — thank you for sharing!

Peter Millard tested one which was not secured to the body of the Domino. He had moments of fright when holding the Ergo Handle and arm-swinging the Domino downwards into a vertical position. I guess it’s a natural movement by the human body, even when the brain says “don’t do it”.

For reference, Peter's review video you are referencing. The orientation of that handle is not natural, the handle works well when it is at the same angle as the DF700 or DFC500. My design uses the 4 pins so there is more friction, but it is still not secure.

With the current design, could the Ergo Handle be secured to the Domino body

The handle could be modified to go over the back screw (part#88). But since this is a plastic screw, the handle must be somewhat permanently attached to the Domino. The DF500 will not fit in the systainer anymore.

Another solution I considered was to modify/recreate the rear cap (part#90) to add insert(s) to screw the handle in. That will fix the problem. Having said that with the handle upright, the center of mass is very far from the back hand; I now need both hands to lift the domino, so the risk of dropping it is more limited.

 

[ChuckS]

It seems to me that if the handle is used with the dominant hand grabbing it as shown at 13:12, the palm would be sore or the wrist would get tired soon from milling a lot of mortises. The pushing should take place as far back as possible at the end of the machine.

With friction fit, I wouldn't hold the machine and carry it around by the handle with just one hand. I'll find a pic of my handplane handle and post it here.

Once I try out gwendal's handle, I'll share my thoughts. I happen to be having about two dozen of mortises to mill shortly.

Here's the handle for my DF500 (installed only when I have lots of mortises to mill horizontally). I carry the machine with both hands, not just with the handle as the plane handle could break off at the bottom.

 

[ChuckS]

Just upload one on printable. Designing an ergonomic handle has been more time-consuming than expected:
View attachment 380445
The handle is not retained by the back screw (it is not designed to be screw/unscrew many times). After testing existing designs, a 2 part solution, one replacing the back cover of the domino with a 3d-printed part with threaded insert is an overkill. The handle gives more control when plunging.

I'm getting these two 3D accessories tomorrow (handle and improved support bracket). My friend's bro charged me $40 Cdn for them ($20 each).

Sasquatch - Base Support for Festool Domino DF 500 by element54 | Download free STL model | Printables.com

 

[cdbugler]

I’ve just pulled the trigger with a DF 500 from the recon site. My domino assortment and bits will be delivered Tuesday, and I’m ready to roll. I justified my purchase with comparing some estimates for a build in mantel project. Buying the domino and a few other small tools/jigs/new saw blade, materials, etc. I still ring in under the lowest estimate for the project.

 

[waho6o9]

Congratulations cdbugler the domino is a great addition to your shop.

 

[ChuckS]

Finally, I tried out the 3D printed accessories. They worked as designed. The handle fits inside the systainer perfectly.

For the handle, the main force of push should be at or close to the bottom of the handle. I know this because of the experience of using the DF700. The lower the better unless you enjoy arm fatigue.

Anyone my physical size (small) who has ever made a few dozen of mortises with the DF700 would know what I'm talking about. I've never borrowed a DF700 since.

 

[MacBoy]

For the handle, the main force of push should be at or close to the bottom of the handle

Thanks for drawing the red line on the photo to emphasize the pushing location and direction of the force.

Why is the handle so tall? Is there utility to such a tall handle?

 

[luvmytoolz]

Why is the handle so tall? Is there utility to such a tall handle?

That's exactly what I was wondering, it seems way taller than necessary or practical, given the bulk of the pushing force is usually fairly close to the Domino body to maintain control?

On my DF700 I always grip at the lower rear of the handle for this reason.

 

[gwendal]

Thanks for drawing the red line on the photo to emphasize the pushing location and direction of the force.

Why is the handle so tall?

The last picture may make it bigger than it really is. It is designed to fit your hand. See on printables:

 

[cdbugler]

I am not a physicist, but think the long handle and holding position make it easier to control. With all the force produced by the multi-axis rotation, the long lever should make it easier to handle than a shorter one would.

 

[luvmytoolz]

I am not a physicist, but think the long handle and holding position make it easier to control. With all the force produced by the multi-axis rotation, the long lever should make it easier to handle than a shorter one would.

It does on the DF700, the trouble here was due to the angle of the shot the handle looked abnormally huge!

 

[ChuckS]

I am not a physicist, but think the long handle and holding position make it easier to control. With all the force produced by the multi-axis rotation, the long lever should make it easier to handle than a shorter one would.

I tried it...compared to holding the end of the barrel near the cord, wrapping around the handle and pushing it felt harder as the force was angled towards the body.

Test runs might not count, and I'll use it more intensively in a project before making a final conclusion.