clark_fork
Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2015
- Messages
- 306
People who make things sort down to the creative and the copiers. The creative invent; the copiers adopt. Nowhere is this more evident than in the emerging world of 3D printing. In the last two years, the sections “Festool” on various 3D sites have added hundreds of 3D printed jigs, accessories and add-ons. Remarkably, these items are not only offered for sale but these sites include the 3D file for those who want to print their own item. The “copiers”, then, can make or buy. Although 3D printing is in its infancy likely comparable to the dot-matrix level of computer printers, pricing of printers under $250.00 is drawing new users willing to buy now, knowing that soon their purchase will be obsolete. The most significant barrier is the daunting learning curve of programing designs. Not only a challenge to the retro-generational, it’s evidently difficult to those born after the introduction of the Apple McIntosh mouse and Windows. These instinctively intuitive users admit to finding learning 3D programing a steep learning curve. However, there is precedent that likely in some distant laboratory or garage, a creative sort is working on a 3D mouse and/or a voice activated CAD program making programing available to the masses both to the retro-generational and the younger more intuitive generation.
In the few purchases made on these sites, my experience was disappointing. The Kreg dust hood compatible with my Midi hose came loose and the hose turned out to be loose fitting. The hose clips to attach the vacuum hose to the side of the MFT quickly broke in use. I then sat out to await the evolution of newer, less flimsy products. That day has apparently arrived with the recent introduction of a remarkable add-on for both the Domino 500 and Domino 700 XL
In my recent purchase of the DomiRail manufactured by ToolCurve, I found a 3D printed tool that is well-made and when tapped has a reassuring “thunk”. The difference is that ToolCurve uses a high density gyroid infil which provides better stability. The overall look is impressive with the attachment to the Domino accomplished with professional looking thumb screws conveniently attached by inset lock washers to remain in place when the DomiRail is stored.
As my sainted grandmother would say, “What’s the good of it?” Both the Domino 500 and Domino 700Xl have inspired the after-market to produce an array of tools. These after-market products mostly center on using the two 5mm holes on the bottom plate. All of these add-ons use the Dominos in their horizontal position with the Seneca Domiplate using both machines in their upside down position.
Comes the Tool Curve DomiRail breakthrough, finding a way to use both the Domino 500 and Domino 700Xl in the upright vertical position. I never feel comfortable when using the Domino in the plunge mode to just having to set the Domino down and then find my way to make the next plunge. Now, the Domino stays in place upright and easily moves to the next position along the track rail whether it is the Festool or competing brand. In my work, I found the UJK Progrip clamp useful and I was pleasantly surprised that the DomiRail is completely compatible with the UJK Progrip Clamp.
In practice, the first project using the DomiRail was a set of simple shelves that fit behind my Biesmeyer chop saw track. I use the DomiRail to mortise the sides of the shelf unit. It worked so well that I also purchased the shortest Festool Rail ( 32” -800mm) since my family imposed to-do list consists of a seemingly never-ending list of book cases, shelves and cabinets.
For my shelf sides, I used the 20mm offset tabs to locate the position of the mortises from the side edge. This allowed a quick way to locate the mortise on each of the shelves. For the mortises on the top of the shelf, I made those in the traditional way. Since the DomiRail drops into the rear of the rail, other settings can be set up by using the Festool stop block. (Part No. 73240).
Locating the mortises is a simple process of marking a line at the center point of the mortise and adding the 10mm to account from the edge of the base.
The process is then simple. Move the rail edge to the mark, slide the Domino to the 20mm tab and plunge. Then move to the opposite side, set the tab and then plunge. Then slide the rail down to the next mark.
In practice, I went ahead and seeing frequent applications for the DomiRail, I added the shorter FS 800/2 Rail to my rail inventory. Securing the rail turned out to be a very able application for the Quick-action Clamp-Rapid/R (Part No. 489790) The FS-Rapid Clamp is a worthy addition to any shop. The clamp is designed for rapid positioning and clamping of Festool FS Guide Rails. The clamp includes fixed jaw and clamping jaw for fast and reliable clamping of guide rails to sheet goods material such as the plywood I used for by simple set of shelves. After setting the Guide Rail in place along the dimension line, the one-handed trigger action enabled a quick set up on the material edge providing a firm clamp of the shelf side. Then I was able to easily slide the Domino along the Guide Rail for each plunge.
In summary, the DomiRail is well made, with sufficient heft to endure heavy use in the workshop. It represents a significant breakthrough in the whole process of plunge routing Domino mortises by allowing controlled and more precise mortising in the upright vertical position. Without having to lift , move and seat the Domino 500 or 700 Xl for each plunge, the entire operation is more efficient and went along easier and faster. I also appreciated the safety factor of leaving the Domino in the upright position from mortise to mortise.
While ToolCurve will soon have standalone website for purchasing the DomiRail, it is available on Etsy Shop For those outside of the US, ToolCurve also sells them through Etsy. In my shelf making process, I found convincing evidence, the DomiRail is both convenient to use and practical in the Domino plunge mode.
In the few purchases made on these sites, my experience was disappointing. The Kreg dust hood compatible with my Midi hose came loose and the hose turned out to be loose fitting. The hose clips to attach the vacuum hose to the side of the MFT quickly broke in use. I then sat out to await the evolution of newer, less flimsy products. That day has apparently arrived with the recent introduction of a remarkable add-on for both the Domino 500 and Domino 700 XL
In my recent purchase of the DomiRail manufactured by ToolCurve, I found a 3D printed tool that is well-made and when tapped has a reassuring “thunk”. The difference is that ToolCurve uses a high density gyroid infil which provides better stability. The overall look is impressive with the attachment to the Domino accomplished with professional looking thumb screws conveniently attached by inset lock washers to remain in place when the DomiRail is stored.
As my sainted grandmother would say, “What’s the good of it?” Both the Domino 500 and Domino 700Xl have inspired the after-market to produce an array of tools. These after-market products mostly center on using the two 5mm holes on the bottom plate. All of these add-ons use the Dominos in their horizontal position with the Seneca Domiplate using both machines in their upside down position.
Comes the Tool Curve DomiRail breakthrough, finding a way to use both the Domino 500 and Domino 700Xl in the upright vertical position. I never feel comfortable when using the Domino in the plunge mode to just having to set the Domino down and then find my way to make the next plunge. Now, the Domino stays in place upright and easily moves to the next position along the track rail whether it is the Festool or competing brand. In my work, I found the UJK Progrip clamp useful and I was pleasantly surprised that the DomiRail is completely compatible with the UJK Progrip Clamp.
In practice, the first project using the DomiRail was a set of simple shelves that fit behind my Biesmeyer chop saw track. I use the DomiRail to mortise the sides of the shelf unit. It worked so well that I also purchased the shortest Festool Rail ( 32” -800mm) since my family imposed to-do list consists of a seemingly never-ending list of book cases, shelves and cabinets.
For my shelf sides, I used the 20mm offset tabs to locate the position of the mortises from the side edge. This allowed a quick way to locate the mortise on each of the shelves. For the mortises on the top of the shelf, I made those in the traditional way. Since the DomiRail drops into the rear of the rail, other settings can be set up by using the Festool stop block. (Part No. 73240).
Locating the mortises is a simple process of marking a line at the center point of the mortise and adding the 10mm to account from the edge of the base.
The process is then simple. Move the rail edge to the mark, slide the Domino to the 20mm tab and plunge. Then move to the opposite side, set the tab and then plunge. Then slide the rail down to the next mark.
In practice, I went ahead and seeing frequent applications for the DomiRail, I added the shorter FS 800/2 Rail to my rail inventory. Securing the rail turned out to be a very able application for the Quick-action Clamp-Rapid/R (Part No. 489790) The FS-Rapid Clamp is a worthy addition to any shop. The clamp is designed for rapid positioning and clamping of Festool FS Guide Rails. The clamp includes fixed jaw and clamping jaw for fast and reliable clamping of guide rails to sheet goods material such as the plywood I used for by simple set of shelves. After setting the Guide Rail in place along the dimension line, the one-handed trigger action enabled a quick set up on the material edge providing a firm clamp of the shelf side. Then I was able to easily slide the Domino along the Guide Rail for each plunge.
In summary, the DomiRail is well made, with sufficient heft to endure heavy use in the workshop. It represents a significant breakthrough in the whole process of plunge routing Domino mortises by allowing controlled and more precise mortising in the upright vertical position. Without having to lift , move and seat the Domino 500 or 700 Xl for each plunge, the entire operation is more efficient and went along easier and faster. I also appreciated the safety factor of leaving the Domino in the upright position from mortise to mortise.
While ToolCurve will soon have standalone website for purchasing the DomiRail, it is available on Etsy Shop For those outside of the US, ToolCurve also sells them through Etsy. In my shelf making process, I found convincing evidence, the DomiRail is both convenient to use and practical in the Domino plunge mode.
