Thread: Accurate positioning of Festool Domino

Hi and welcome!!

I assume you want to attach the top to the rails to effectively finish the job. Also are you going to use dominoes for the hold downs that give your table some movement protection as it expands and contracts?

If this is the case, this is what I do. I cut domino slots around the inner side of the rails so that the load will be even across the total table set (rails and top) From there, I lay the table top on it's back. Then I set the frame onto the top and line up the slots with where they will be when the table is finished. Then I set the dominoes into the slots on the rails, line them up properly and screw through the domino and into the bottom of the table. (Be sure to use appropriate dominoes to give yourself some length to go into the top). This will give you a stable top with allowance for some movement.

If you want to attach the top by having the dominoes fit between rails and top, then I would measure carefully the distance from the centre of the rail to the edge and cut your slot into the rail at that point. You could then mark from the end of the rail to the spots where the dominoes will go and move around the table that way. You will need to make wider cuts in the rails to allow the dominoes to move without restriction.

I find method #1 to be easier and a better way of holding the top to the rails. How many dominoes you want to use will depend on the table size and consideration for the porosity of the wood. That is, how much movement do you expect.

Regards,

Rob

Ah, I see what the OP was asking! Try google for "table top buttons" and look at the images.

One doesn't use Domino's in the top itself to hold it to the rails, though I do use Domino's to make the slots for the button to go into.

It's dead easy and as mentioned, handles expansion without dramas.

I used the Domino to make slots, and then added loose "buttons" ...










Regards from Perth

Derek

Two brilliant solutions! Thank you very much for the detailed well written response. Paul (Hermesswiss)

Derek, thanks for the photo, it speaks a thousand words and, unlike political words, provides an explanation and a solution. Paul

Thanks for pointing me to the Google images for table top buttons. The images jolted my memory of having seen these buttons on my mother's table 70 years ago Much appreciated. Paul (Hermesswiss).