Domino Festool

[Tim Goins]

I'm thinking about buying one and I wonder if it is worth the cost. I'm just a hobby wood worker. I do have the money but wonder should I invest it into some other tools

[Matt Meiser]

I suppose it depends on what you make. But I have absolutely no regrets on mine.

Anymore, its rare that I use anything but either Domino or pocket hole joinery. For fine furniture projects I tend to mostly use the Domino as well as anywhere the pocket holes would be visible.

[Jeff Monson]

Tim, its a tool in my shop that gets lots of use. I use it to build furniture, panel glueups, desktops, or anytime I need assistance with panel alignment. It has unlimited uses, you just need to learn the tool well and its capabilities. There is alot of good reading out there for manuals and reviews, most are free and downloadable. I'd never part with mine, I've considered the XL but not ready to make the move right now.

[Prashun Patel]

The Festool is definitely a great tool - super convenient and accurate and there's nothing (besides price) bad to say about it.

However, there are some other joinery tools that you might consider also:

Dowelmax or Jessem Doweling jig: Extremely precise. $200-300. You can research yrself and decide whether dowels are in the same strength/design league as loose tenons. Beware that with Festool you will have to purchase their cutters and dominoes. These dowel jigs use a standard brad point bit, your drill, and widely available dowels.

Mortisepal: Longer to set up than Domino, but $200. Loose tenons are flat cheeked and so are easier to make (although I buy mine). It also requires a router, so it's more set up. But it is quite accurate.

There's also the Leigh FMT which I have not used.

One big plus for the Domino is it's ability to place slots in the middle of a panel or wide piece like a biscuit joiner. That is not possible with the above jigs I mention.

I will say this: if you buy a Domino, and determine that it's not for you, then you'll probably be able to sell it for extremely close to retail. They just NEVER come up used (and I'm looking)...

[Sam Murdoch]

Tim, its a tool in my shop that gets lots of use. I use it to build furniture, panel glueups, desktops, or anytime I need assistance with panel alignment. It has unlimited uses, you just need to learn the tool well and its capabilities. There is alot of good reading out there for manuals and reviews, most are free and downloadable. I'd never part with mine, I've considered the XL but not ready to make the move right now.

This sums it up for me too. I have the DF500 and it the one Festool that never goes back in its systainer unless I'm traveling to a job site. I use it for something or other nearly every day. Some details I would not even attempt without the ease and accuracy of the Domino joinery at my disposal.

[Mike Henderson]

I have the Domino and find it useful in a variety of applications. In my mind, Festool tools are targeted at the worker who takes his/her tools to the job site, and for that application, some of their tools are quite good, especially in the dust collection area. For work in the shop, I've found that some non-Festools tools often are just as good, and a whole lot less expensive.

But the Domino is a "one of a kind" tool - nobody else makes an equivalent.

Mike

[Paul Grant]

I think it's not a good tool at the hobby level. If it's the first thing you reach for instead of knocking out some good 'ol mortice and tenons by almost any other method then you're losing out on skill development and a multiple of other benefits that you can apply to many situation where the Domino won't work.
I use mine professionally but for my personal work it stays in the systainer.

[John Fabre]

I had them all, first Domino on the market, JDS Multi-Routers, PC biscuit joiner, Leigh FMT, FaceMaker pocket hole joinery, Jessem Slot machine. These were all in a home workshop, used very little. If I was to buy just one, hands down would be the Multi-Router. Next would be the new Domino XL, I sure do miss mine.

[Matt Meiser]

I think it's not a good tool at the hobby level. If it's the first thing you reach for instead of knocking out some good 'ol mortice and tenons by almost any other method then you're losing out on skill development and a multiple of other benefits that you can apply to many situation where the Domino won't work.
I use mine professionally but for my personal work it stays in the systainer.

On the other hand, if you just want to build nice, strong stuff and don't care about tradition, its great.

[Steve Meliza]

Marc did a two part joinery series on his Wood Whisperer podcast where he demonstrates the Domino and gives his opinion on it (http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/videos/tenons-anyone-pt2/). I believe I am paraphrasing correctly to say that it is a great time saver for someone making a living from woodworking, but not essential for a hobbyist.

I'm not saying the Domino isn't worth the money, but since you said this is your hobby and have other tools you could buy then I'm going to say that you should buy whichever tool you need for the project you are working on, or save the money for later if you don't need a new tool for the current project.

[Jim Tobias]

Tim,
I,ve cut mortice and tenons before on table saw, bandsaw, morticer, etc. Used a biscuit jointer, etc. Since I bought the Domino (a couple of years ago), I don't use the other methods. It is precise, easy to set up, creates a strong joint, and with all the different sizes of dominoes, it is very versatile.
I can't imagine not having it to use on a regular basis.

Jim

[Kevin Gagne]

I have used mine on pretty much everthing I have built since I purchased. Woodworking is a hobby for me but I do build a lot of things. Yes there are some cheaper products you can get but I don't feel they compare to the quality, ease of use and precision that you get from the Domino. I have no interest in hand cutting mortice and tenons especially on a piece that the joinery will never be seen. They are plenty strong enough to use for jsut about any project. Another great feature is that since they fit so tightly you can completly dry assemble a project and it will stay together. Makes the glue up much less stressful because you know it fits together properly. Domino paired with pocket screws is a great combination. If you do get it I have used mine on pretty much everything I have built since I purchased. Woodworking is a hobby for me but I do build a lot of things. Yes there are some cheaper products you can get but I don't feel they compare to the quality, ease of use and precision that you get from the Domino. I have no interest in hand cutting mortise and tenons especially on a piece that the joinery will never be seen. They are plenty strong enough to use for just about any project. Another great feature is that since they fit so tightly you can completely dry assemble a project and it will stay together. Makes the glue up much less stressful because you know it fits together properly. Domino paired with pocket screws is a great combination. If you do purchase it strongly consider purchasing the assortment systainer with it. It has come in very handy for me. You don't always need the bigger ones but for for those times it is nice to have them handy and not have to run out and buy them.

[Tim Goins]

Which one? The newer version (DF 700) or the DF 500. I build most what ever I can from doors to chairs to tables, to boxes. So which one I see the DF 500 takes a smaller bit4 to 10mm. Where the DF 700 takes a larger bit, from 8 to 14mm. So which one????????????

[Brian Kincaid]

Which one? The newer version (DF 700) or the DF 500. I build most what ever I can from doors to chairs to tables, to boxes. So which one I see the DF 500 takes a smaller bit4 to 10mm. Where the DF 700 takes a larger bit, from 8 to 14mm. So which one????????????

The 500 is more versatile. You can use it for trim with 4mm, you can use it for panel alignment with 5/6mm, structure for 8 and 10mm.

700 starts with 8mm bit and goes up, so it is more for structure and heavy work. It does have a deeper plunge which I would have liked on a chair refurbish I am working on.

-Brian

[John Fabre]

The DF 700.

[Jeff Monson]

Another great feature is that since they fit so tightly you can completly dry assemble a project and it will stay together. Makes the glue up much less stressful because you know it fits together
properly.

That is a great point that I meant to touch on Kevin.

[Kevin Gagne]

Which one? The newer version (DF 700) or the DF 500. I build most what ever I can from doors to chairs to tables, to boxes. So which one I see the DF 500 takes a smaller bit4 to 10mm. Where the DF 700 takes a larger bit, from 8 to 14mm. So which one????????????

The 500 is best for me. The 700 is really too big for material 3/4 and under.

[John Lanciani]

The 500 is best for me. The 700 is really too big for material 3/4 and under.

+1. I've built everything on your list with the 500. For interior doors I use eight 10mm x 50mm dominoes for the bottom stile & rail and four of the same for the rest of the joints. I wouldn't even consider the 700 for my shop, If I had the need to make lots of large mortises I'd pick up the slot mortiser for my combo machine.

[Kevin Gagne]

If you get it check out the Domino plate on the FOG. A very useful jig for the Domino for joining pieces at a right angle (box building). It centers the slot for 3/4 or 1/2 inch stock and lines up corners perfectly. Well worth the money.

[frank shic]

I have used mine on pretty much everthing I have built since I purchased. Woodworking is a hobby for me but I do build a lot of things. Yes there are some cheaper products you can get but I don't feel they compare to the quality, ease of use and precision that you get from the Domino. I have no interest in hand cutting mortice and tenons especially on a piece that the joinery will never be seen. They are plenty strong enough to use for jsut about any project. Another great feature is that since they fit so tightly you can completly dry assemble a project and it will stay together. Makes the glue up much less stressful because you know it fits together properly. Domino paired with pocket screws is a great combination. If you do get it I have used mine on pretty much everything I have built since I purchased. Woodworking is a hobby for me but I do build a lot of things. Yes there are some cheaper products you can get but I don't feel they compare to the quality, ease of use and precision that you get from the Domino. I have no interest in hand cutting mortise and tenons especially on a piece that the joinery will never be seen. They are plenty strong enough to use for just about any project. Another great feature is that since they fit so tightly you can completely dry assemble a project and it will stay together. Makes the glue up much less stressful because you know it fits together properly. Domino paired with pocket screws is a great combination. If you do purchase it strongly consider purchasing the assortment systainer with it. It has come in very handy for me. You don't always need the bigger ones but for for those times it is nice to have them handy and not have to run out and buy them.

back when i was in my hand tools phase, i really tried hard to cut mortise and tenons by hand but after spending half a year in vain, i decided life was too short to spend sanding everything down by 1/4"! the domino has reduced my sanding quite a bit :)

[Paul Grant]

On the other hand, if you just want to build nice, strong stuff and don't care about tradition, its great.

I agree but I didn't mention tradition. My point is about developing strong skills that are applicable in all situations.

[Peter Hawser]

For what it's worth, I purchased one a while back and it is an incredibly innovative and useful tool. I was able to create perfectly aligned joints with hardly any education or reading. It is that well designed and thought out. Despite all this, I sold it. As a hobby wood worker I decided I wanted to use traditional joining and techniques. I am building less and less built ins and cabinet projects and more furniture. The good news is I got good money for my used Domino (about 75% of new value) and the time from posting an ad in Craig's list to having a buyer and cash in hand was about 2 hours.

I'll admit it, I do miss it some times, but I took the money from the sale and went nuts at Lie Nielsen and Bad Axe for great tools also dedicated to joinery (and more of course).

[Tim Goins]

I got the 700 from Rockler today

[richard poitras]

If you get it check out the Domino plate on the FOG. A very useful jig for the Domino for joining pieces at a right angle (box building). It centers the slot for 3/4 or 1/2 inch stock and lines up corners perfectly. Well worth the money.

Kevin are you talking about the Domiplate? If not please elaborate if you could.
Thanks Richard

http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/domiplate-for-1-2-and-3-4-ply

There is also theses accessories as well that look like they would be help full.
http://www.waterfront-woods.com (http://www.waterfront-woods.com/)

[Kevin Gagne]

Yes I was referring to the Domiplate. I wasn't sure if I could post a link to it.

[Erik Christensen]

I have a lot of Festool tools and the DF500 gets the most use in pretty much every project. One thing I find it invaluable for is cabinet case construction. I have made a few jigs that let me put precise domino slots on plywood faces and ends so that cases end up absolutely square and perfectly dimensioned. The only thing holding the cases together are domino's and titebond and I have had zero issues with durability.

highly recommended & if you try it and don't like it you can return it within 30 days for a full refund - after that a free CL add will get it sold quickly for 80-90% of what you paid - does not seem to be much downside to me.

[Richard McComas]

I've never quite understood the mind set of those who say "I'm just a hobbies" so all I need low quality tools that are inaccurate, time consuming, hard to setup and I may have to replace it in a short time.

I do understand budgets but I believe in best I can. No mater what I'm doing, I want a tool that works easily, accurately and quickly when I need it even if it's only occasionally. Maybe I'm just impatient.

[richard poitras]

I have made a few jigs that let me put precise domino slots on plywood faces and ends so that cases end up absolutely square and perfectly dimensioned. .

Erik can you elaborate on your jigs as in how they are made and or possibly some pictures for a visual?
Thanks Richard

[Mike Henderson]

I've never quite understood the mind set of those who say "I'm just a hobbies" so all I need low quality tools that are inaccurate, time consuming, hard to setup and I may have to replace it in a short time.

I do understand budgets but I believe in best I can. No mater what I'm doing, I want a tool that works easily, accurately and quickly when I need it even if it's only occasionally. Maybe I'm just impatient.
Perhaps what people mean is that because they're a hobbyist they have the time to do things in other manners. For example, I used to cut mortise and tenon joints by hand because I'm a hobbyist and I can use my time in place of money. Then I made a good sale of a piece of furniture and decided to buy a Domino. I'm still a hobbyist but now I can make mortise and tenon joinery quicker.

But no matter what I was making, and what techniques I used for my joinery, I always tried to do the best I could (still do).

Mike