I've been looking at the Festool Domino for a bit. I make some CVG fir tables that I have to mortise and tenon due to biscuits not being strong enough. I think this tool would work good but having someone else try it out ahead of me is always preferred. It's just over $1,000 for a setup once you have the tool and an assortment of tenons.
even 5 cents would be appreciated.
David
I don't have one, but I've been dreamin' about one....... ::) ::) ::)
So far I've only cut a few practice motrices with mine....
I did finish cutting most of the material for a craftsman style end table last nite, hopefully tonite I can set up the Domino and start actually using it. ;)
Ed
It looks like a very interesting machine. But the $$$$ is way too much for me. In the same price range is the Leigh Mortising jig. On which you can cut any size mortise used in furniture making. Have you looked into this as well?
Special Ed,
I am looking forward to your full and complete review of the Domino. ;) :D
Gilman, I bought the $660 plus $200 systainer about a month ago, and am building a kitchen so really haen't used it seriously yet but have tried it and love it. In fact, sold my biscuit joiner on ebay! A guy could easily make his own tenons! When mine are gone I'll make them!
I got the demo unit from our Woodcraft so I could do the special Saturday demo last month. My impressions;
1) It is still a handheld machine and can only hold as much precision as you can hold it with your hands. If I would have bought one, I would definitely make up a fixture to hold it and the stock in position for stuff like face frames and as much joinery as I could do on the bench. I made one miscut because I must have hooked something on the fence and did not position it correctly.
2) The plastic add on fence that gives more holding area while postioning the Domino vertically is not cast at a true 90 degrees. I first lined it up by making it flush to the base of the machine and tightened it down. I was not getting flush joints so I started checking things. You have to hold the machine on a flat surface and then slide the fence into position. Then tighten the screws. It will not be dead flush with the base now, but will work as additional surface to hold the machine.
3) Those little pins that let you position off the edge of the board or another slot are annoying. I would prefer to locate off a pencil mark. The pins take one more tweek of the wrist to hold the machine in position before pulling the trigger and you can't always watch those little pins when you make the cut. Just one more thing to have to "feel" with your hands.
4) The wood dominoes are for the most, really tight in the slot. They have a raised line at the middle of the radius on the sides where it locates in the slot. I don't like tapping tenons in with a hammer. I always think that I am wiping off too much glue. At this narrowest setting in the oscillation the domino is really tight on the sides and snug on the thickness.
NOW THE PLUSES
1) It is a joy to use. It stays where you put it during the cut. Hardly any vibration from the oscillation. The mortises are very clean in plywood, softwood, and particle board. The precision and function of the machine itself is flawless.
2) It will really excell in small picture frame and small face frame (window mullions) work.
3)I feel the domino will be quite alot stronger than a biscuit.
I was really ready to buy the machine before the demo, but I did not do that. I have a biscuit joiner, the Leigh FMT, and a Multirouter (for making loose mortise and tenon). Note, I ran a custom woodworking business for 8 years and bought the Multirouter then. I had planned on selling some equipment and replacing it with the Domino. It just didn't impress me that much and I am a REALLY easy sell when it comes to woodworking tools. ;) I don't want to have the slightest chance of a miscut when doing mortise and tenon, and I didn't feel like I could do that with a completely hand-held machine. And that price! :o Spending over $1000 for a handheld tool and it's accesories, is not too easy to swallow.
Thanks low, heck of a review.