Thread: Will a Domino do it for me?

I don't have a Domino, but I'm sure it will do all you want and more. I don't think I've ever seen a dis-satisfied Domino user.

I have both the Ozzie and Dowelmax (and other) jigs. Should you choose to go down that path, the Dowelmax is better.

It'll save a heap of time and give accuracy, but since you're only intending to use chipboard or MDF, I'd just use a biscuit joiner.

But then later down the track you might move to hardwood stuff, so the Domino purchased now could save the time on spending the money on a biscuit joiner

A domino should allow you to do all those things and a whole lot more.

BTW there is nothing tricky about those two dowel jigs that you have mentioned. They are pretty much idiot proof. I have used both and I own a Dowelmax, for the sort of work that you mention a Dowelmax would be very handy.

regards

Marios

Originally Posted by Manix77

G'Day

This is my second post after over a year away from woodworking so forgive me if I ask about something that's been covered previously.

I have a bunch of jobs on my "to do" list and most of them involve a fair bit joinery. I'm convinced that the Domino is the MASTER of power tool joinery but I'm not sure if it's what I'm after.

The stuff I''m building is all furniture for practical home use, nothing too flash, just good looking durable and practical furniture. Items are:

1. Computer desk.
2. Shop counter.
3. Bedroom suite for kids (bed, bedside table, corner desk unit, chest of draws)
4. Entertainment unit (low line style)

With the exception of (maybe) the entertainment unit all these things will be made out of 16mm particle board or MDF melamine.

Big question is, how does the almighty Domino go joining this stuff? I'm looking at picking one up at the Canberra WWW Show and I'm 90% convinced it will save me time and frustration.

Currently the other contenders are my trusty Kreg Pocket Hole jig or one of the tricky doweling jigs like the Ozy or the Dowelmax (preference going to the Ozy).

I know that there are dozens of joinery alternatives but time spent in construction is a big consideration for me. I'm saving dark side fine joinery for my retirement. Right now I want strong quick and accurate but still something my kids can proudly say "my Dad made that".

Any comments and/or advice appreciated.

regards

Manix

Originally Posted by Manix77

G'Day

things will be made out of 16mm particle board or MDF melamine.

Big question is, how does the almighty Domino go joining this stuff?

I've got a Domino & use it to join this stuff all the time, excellent results. However I have never used a dowelling jig so can't compare the two. My biggest tip would be to get the mdf/melamine cut to final sizes where you buy it; try a joinery suppliers instead of Bunnings.

Manix, if you have the money then you should get it.

Originally Posted by Wongo

Manix, if you have the money then you should get it.

You sound very convinced about this Wongo, are you really that sure?

Yes. I always needed one. The only thing that stopped me for 2 years was money. Yes, it is all about money money money. It is a great tool but it is expensive.

If you are only going to be joining 16mm sheetgoods for the forseeable future, you don't need to buy the extra bits - Festo recommend that the hole/tennon be 1/3 or less than the thickness of the timber.

You can pick up buckets of biscuits from Carbatec that fit the Domino for a bit less than Festo's.

Although I now own a Domino, I have several heavily loaded ply bookshelves that are put together with pocket hole screws, no glue, and they are still rock solid, so don't feel obliged to buy one unless it is at the 'right price'.

Make a sub-table or jig to hold the timber when cutting the holes with the Domino - it is very sensitive to misalignment due to bits of sawdust getting in the way - basically you want one like various plan sites have for biscuit joiners.

Originally Posted by Groggy

You sound very convinced about this Wongo, are you really that sure?

He's very much become the newly converted zealot that has seen the light and is proclaiming it the unbelievers.

I've only recently succumbed to the temptation to Buy a Domino, and while it is bit on the side of expensive it does everything it claims with ease and accuracy, I also own the ozy, which is a great tool, no mistake, but I think its been relegated to its box for the foreseeable future.

Hoppoz

G'Day

Thanks all for the replies.

The comments and suggestions inspired me to do a more detailed search and I now realise I've opened a whole 44 Gallon drum of worms!

The Dowlemax is certainly very appealing, from what I can tell it offers all the accuracy and 90% of the versatility of the Domino. The big difference being the time it takes to prepare a joint.

The video in this thread - http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...light=dowelmax - indicates that it probably takes twice as long to set up a Dowelmax for one joint compared to a Domnio. However, the time difference increases dramatically if there are multiple dowels/dominos on the same piece.

From here I guess it's a matter of how much I value my time. Given that I'm a back yard, DIY hobbyist I can't put a precise value on this but from what I can gather the difference between a Domino and a Dowelmax could equal days on a bigger job.

Is anyone with experience with both willing to go out on a limb and say how much quicker a Domino is over a Dowelmax or Ozzie jig?

The cost differential isn't as great as I first thought either. It looks like a basic Dowelmax kit (10mm only) will cost me A$380 shipped to my door. This goes up to A$550 if I want the 8 and 6mm kits as well. Multiply this by three and I've got a Domino.

I can think of a few occasions over the last 12 months where I would have paid $1K for more time with the family! I'm sure I'd be more appealing to them as well if I'm not in the shed doing my best Gordon Ramsay impression because I've rushed something and buggered it up .

(If it sounds like I'm talking myself into this then you're right)

At this point I'm thinking that it won't take much to sway me towards to Domino when I wander past the Festool stand at the WWW Show this weekend.

One again, thanks for the replies.

regards

Manix

I have used various dowel jigs in the past and they just do not offer any room for a slight misalignment which can be caused by a hundred different reasons.

Products such as biscuit cutters are so good because the engineering allows for slight misalignment. The same goes for a domino machine. You can dial in slack or as I sometimes do re-position slightly left or right and re-bore to allow for some slight slop.

Go for the domino you wont regret it.

I doubt whether you will get any discount at the show as Festool generally have fixed prices. I have had success in getting a substantial discount at the time of purchase on accessories which when I bought the domino was the box of dominos and cutters.

Originally Posted by mat

I have used various dowel jigs in the past and they just do not offer any room for a slight misalignment which can be caused by a hundred different reasons.

Products such as biscuit cutters are so good because the engineering allows for slight misalignment. The same goes for a domino machine. You can dial in slack or as I sometimes do re-position slightly left or right and re-bore to allow for some slight slop.

Go for the domino you wont regret it.

I doubt whether you will get any discount at the show as Festool generally have fixed prices. I have had success in getting a substantial discount at the time of purchase on accessories which when I bought the domino was the box of dominos and cutters.

I have the dowelmax and I have recently bought the domino, which is in the mail thanks to Anthony. Both tools work and have advantages and disadvantages. The domino is probably faster but once again it depends what you are doing. I recently used the dowemax to join some frames together for a bed, the whole thing took less than 30 minutes and perfect alignment. It is a very well made tool and the range of applications is endless. Also using the dowelmax feels like you are using a handtool, not a powertool and that does have some appeal to me.

I have the full kit of the dowelmax (6mm, 8mm and 10mm) and I do not intend to sell it now that I have bought the domino, I think each has its place. Dont forget that if for some reason you dont have access to power, you can still put together a frame or a cabinet using the dowelmax and a cordless drill.

Also the dowelmax is much more convenient for putting together small boxes and thats something I do often. Dont forget dowels are cheap. I recently bought a whole box of dowels (500+) for around $10 on ebay, dominos are more expensive.

With regards to misalignment, the dowelmax is like no other doweling jig. You REALLY have to try very hard to stuff up a joint (ie slab of beer or 2 bottles of red)! Joints fit perfectly ALL the time.

If you are into making furniture and can afford it based on the experience of this forum members, most would say get the domino.

Kind regards

M

Manix,

Just make sure you don’t buy one thing then regret it and end up buying the other.

I used to buy a lot of cheap clamps, I hated them and ended buying a lot of Bessey/Irwin. I bought a couple of cheap routers, hated them and ended buying a few good ones. Now, I just buy the best I can afford.

If you are going for the cheaper option, make sure you are not going to change your mind. If you do, you will be worse off.