Thread: Buying a Domino

Originally Posted by Lignum

Haven’t you got your Domino yet? Seems like forever this thread started

I'm just waiting on Anthony from Ideal Tools to get back to me when the next course will be. I'll be in Melbourne the weekend of the 16/17th October - hoping there will be a course then.
As soon as I know, i'll be buying one

Originally Posted by groeneaj

I'm just waiting on Anthony from Ideal Tools to get back to me when the next course will be. I'll be in Melbourne the weekend of the 16/17th October - hoping there will be a course then.
As soon as I know, i'll be buying one

Their is a course on the 16th so you are in luck

Really?
That is great news!
I'll be ordering in the next week

Andy, if you still don't have your Domino yet, and want to come have a play with one, PM me

(yes, of course I have one )
TN

Thanks for the offer mate!
Allan (ajw) invited me over the other week and I had a play then. Very easy and accurate!!
I payed and booked myself in for the domino course in October last week.

It's just frustrating I got to wait until then, I got a few projects that the domino would be very useful!

Good to hear you got a chance to play with one. Nice bit of kit huh??

What would you need to go on a course for? hmmm. maybe I'll PM you after you've been to see what you've learnt. I can't think what they could show you that you can't figure out for yourself once you've played with it for a few weeks. But hey, please prove me wrong (it wouldn't be the first time!)
I guess they're going to show you advanced joining (as in how to create complex angles and use the domino to join them), because basic functions of the machine itself are quite straight forward. Do you have a link that lists the course content??

Originally Posted by TimberNut

Good to hear you got a chance to play with one. Nice bit of kit huh??

What would you need to go on a course for? hmmm. maybe I'll PM you after you've been to see what you've learnt. I can't think what they could show you that you can't figure out for yourself once you've played with it for a few weeks. But hey, please prove me wrong (it wouldn't be the first time!)
I guess they're going to show you advanced joining (as in how to create complex angles and use the domino to join them), because basic functions of the machine itself are quite straight forward. Do you have a link that lists the course content??

I have a fair understanding of how to use the domino, even though iv'e only cut a few mortices with it. Iv'e also owned a biscuit joiner, although not entirely the same, it still gives me a better understand on technique etc. I'm sure i'd be able to buy one and do prety much everything I want. If i'm going to spend that sort of money, i'd also like get full use of the machine.

However the course covers it more in depth, with some other uses. The course is also free when you purchase the Domino kit. I have attached the link below. Also it's more financially suitable for me to get it in Octoboer - as you know their expensive!

I am visiting family and friends on the weekend of the course, and the Melbourne working with wood show is also on that weekend too.

Tool Training: DOMINO Techniques

I know this thread has dragged on, sorry

Andy

What's to stop you from buying the domino off Amazon at US prices of $700, or $1600 with a Vac and all the guides and just buying a replacement 'plug-it' power cord that fits the Aussie power points?

I don't think it is primarily to do with the plug. The US runs on a 110V supply and so the motor is different to the one you get here. If you want to buy a US machine you need to buy a step down transformer, and of course there are the warranty issues (or lack thereof). There has been a fair bit of discussion on this in previous threads.

I just bought a Domino and i am absolutely amazed at how easily it is to use - given i'm quite a novice at joinery.

I've tried dowel jigs and they just me off - as the moment your a 1xMM out on a pair piece its just frustrating to know that your work is then 1xMM proud etc.

I've tried finger joints, these are pretty awesome if you have areas which aren't viewable. I built my work bench using these and it made it quite fast to snap together - downside is your drill can get awkward in terms of getting into tight places etc. So whilst these are ok, it still can be frustrating to use

I've tried Biscuit joiner etc, I don't mind these and compared to Domino they're pretty much the same from my perspective. I do find them not as accurate and setting up / unsetting can be a bit annoying depending on your powertool of choice (biscuit joiner).

Domino is awesome. You just line it up, hit the button push in slightly and boom you're done. Setting up the device is easy although the heigh adjustment isn't what i'd hope for espec if you don't have material that's in the range of the prescribed heights (ie 19mm sheets for example can be annoying to get dead centre on a piece -that or maybe i'm not doing it right).

But yeah, Domino is $$ but worth it imho.

Worth doing a few test cuts with the different depth settings. I found there is a trick to getting the fence to sit properly prior to tightening the depth clamp, because of the trapezoid shape of the sliding surface. Need to pinch the fence and frame with finger and thumb to ensure the fence sits square and depth is as marked.

Note Festool prices seem a bit screwy. Prices should be coming down with the exchange rate movement, but are only dearer than when I got mine a couple of years ago. Those wishing to save money may benefit from waiting a few months.

Originally Posted by mossyblog

Setting up the device is easy although the heigh adjustment isn't what i'd hope for espec if you don't have material that's in the range of the prescribed heights (ie 19mm sheets for example can be annoying to get dead centre on a piece -that or maybe i'm not doing it right).

There are 2 scales for height adjustment, the prescribed one that you're talking about, and one above it in a vertical position. This one reads where the centre of the cutter is, just line up the arrow to the scale on say 9.5 and you'll have it in the centre of 19mm.

I find i rarely use it though, as i always use face marks to go by as i'm sure you've been doing...

Amazing machine, i believe Festool have these on offer at the moment for $1600, thats with the 5 cutters and Systainer full of Dominoes.

For a job I am doing at the moment I need to put dominoes in the middle of a 66mm leg. Since the unit is limited to 30mm I have removed the dovetailed stop plugs to get the bit extra. Not recommended generally but if you take care you can get another few mm.

Originally Posted by Groggy

For a job I am doing at the moment I need to put dominoes in the middle of a 66mm leg. Since the unit is limited to 30mm I have removed the dovetailed stop plugs to get the bit extra. Not recommended generally but if you take care you can get another few mm.

I have been using it without the dovetails tabs for over three years now and havnt had any issue. You can comfortably plunge into the center of a 110mm leg with no slippage.