Video Review of the SCG-10 Self-Centering Guide for the Domino

[luvmytoolz]

@MacBoy The fact the SCG isn't made of plastic was a huge plus for me and the extra functionality was a bonus!

 

[Stevenski]

Many years ago, a local said he was having troubles locating either guide. I sold mine to him. Since he had no luck locating one quite a long time ago, I'm assuming the used market would be your only recourse. Maybe post a WTB in Classifieds

Ok thanks.
Out of curiosity, did you let it go because you were no longer happy with it?

 

[PaulMarcel]

Ok thanks.
Out of curiosity, did you let it go because you were no longer happy with it?

It works well if you have a paddle fence for the Domino as it adds additional paddles for different offsets. Highly likely you have a paddle fence.

I have the original <the-missing-we-are-not-worthy-emoji> pin fence and have some amazing offset guides I got off an eBay maker (pre-Etsy). These offset guides slide over the pin to center the bit on stock of specific widths:

I lasered the 'stile width' onto the embedded magnet since my Sharpie notes were getting worn... one on the right is flipped to show the hole. That's where the pin goes then you butt the stock to the edge of the offset guide. So. freaking. fast. I routinely swap the spacer from one pin to the other if the reference surface calls for it. Or even to a different size as it is ridiculously fast. I can't use the paddle fence (which I also have) as long as these exist. The flat portion is so you can still tip down the fence.

I am also an advocate for never actually centering Dominos. Having them off center makes it obvious during the hectic glue-up where-as a really-close-but-not-flush joint doesn't call it out. I follow that advocacy after very nearly botching a glue-up when I flipped a stile.

So, I only ended up using the fancy centering and offset fences (two different products) when making the review and a few other times. The other times, I felt it was slower than my offset guides. However, the pin fence was already long discontinued when I bought the centering and offset fences. My wallet made a sacrifice to try those guides for paddle users in hopes they would supplement the offset spacers. They failed that challenge, but are good for paddle users.

Sorry for too many words; it's a thing...

 

[Stevenski]

Sorry for too many words; it's a thing...

I like many words - especially when they as useful and insightful as these! seriously - no sarcasm

1. Question: I have a new DF400R (with the four pins a la 700 and no plastic paddles) so from the sounds of it in fact the SCG-10 wouldn't work for me? Which is a shame because I really liked the sound of it and feel it would be a tremendous help to me on a project I am working on now (I'd REALLY like to do exactly what you'd in the demo - center one domino longitudinally and easily space from the edge on the other piece ie rails and stiles)

2. I also love the simplicity and efficiency of those "slip on" offset guides. But the task that the SCG accomplishes is really what I would like to have even if it is slightly longer

3. I had noticed that you are a proponent of off-centering as a strategy to help make final assembly mistake free . I must admit that increasing familiarity over the past week with the DF500 (I'm a domino newbie) plus being a user of 18mm sheet goods and having an awareness of the lack of 100% accuracy of sheet goods, my POV on this has shifted significantly and I think that I will be adopting this strategy myself. I'll just need to overcome my psychological need to have things "centred"...

Sorry for my too many words and thank you for your time!

 

[PaulMarcel]

I like many words - especially when they as useful and insightful as these! seriously - no sarcasm

1. Question: I have a new DF400R (with the four pins a la 700 and no plastic paddles) so from the sounds of it in fact the SCG-10 wouldn't work for me? Which is a shame because I really liked the sound of it and feel it would be a tremendous help to me on a project I am working on now (I'd REALLY like to do exactly what you'd in the demo - center one domino longitudinally and easily space from the edge on the other piece ie rails and stiles)

2. I also love the simplicity and efficiency of those "slip on" offset guides. But the task that the SCG accomplishes is really what I would like to have even if it is slightly longer

3. I had noticed that you are a proponent of off-centering as a strategy to help make final assembly mistake free . I must admit that increasing familiarity over the past week with the DF500 (I'm a domino newbie) plus being a user of 18mm sheet goods and having an awareness of the lack of 100% accuracy of sheet goods, my POV on this has shifted significantly and I think that I will be adopting this strategy myself. I'll just need to overcome my psychological need to have things "centred"...

Sorry for my too many words and thank you for your time!

I had to look up the DF400R, ha! typo.

The SCG-10 connects to the fence base just like the support bracket (or @TSO_Products Big Foot, highly recommended btw). It doesn't touch the paddles/pins. It was created long after the pins were a very fond memory.

I'd have to look at my 700 again in more detail to see if those offset guides could be used. I think not because the 700 pins are significantly fatter (and I'm certain I checked when I got the 700). Maybe a different set that takes in account all the McBurgers?

I just added (likely: again...) finding a way to make the offset spacers for the paddles and 700 pins. For anyone else, feel free to beat me to it and send me a link to promote it (a resurrection is planned very soon)

 

[Stevenski]

o sorry! I have the DF 500R . I didn't notice my typo!

The new 500 now has 4 drop down pins instead of two + plastic paddles. So maybe the SSG would work after all? I misunderstood and thought that it used the Domino's pins/paddles in some way but apparently this is not the case - just the holes on the base plate (which have remained consistent across the evolution of the machine AFAIK)

 

[PaulMarcel]

o sorry! I have the DF 500R . I didn't notice my typo!

The new 500 now has 4 drop down pins instead of two + plastic paddles. So maybe the SSG would work after all? I misunderstood and thought that it used the Domino's pins/paddles in some way but apparently this is not the case - just the holes on the base plate (which have remained consistent across the evolution of the machine AFAIK)

Yes, it worked on the paddle base and the pin base. It was developed after the pin base was retired iirc. Regardless, same holes and attachment so it works.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I tried to buy a SCG-10, back in the day, (after Paul's review) but they were unavailable, pending an improved version. I Emailed back and forth with Rick a few times, but it still never materialized?

 

[luvmytoolz]

Was the market too small for the product to continue, as it really looked a terrific product?

Or maybe it was just a bit too ahead of itself at the time, as I think there'd be far more people buying Domino's in recent years than there were around 2011?