Thread: A domino or a biscuit joiner?

I don't own a Domino but I do own a biscuit joiner.

My understanding is that with a Domino you can make floating M&T joints of various sizes and at various angles.

With a biscuit joiner, well you just biscuit join. A biscuit join is not nearly as strong as a M&T.

Also a Domino will set you back 1400 bucks. A biscuit joiner can be had for a couple of hundred (or less for a GMC).

If I could justify the cost I would buy a Domino. It's no contest.

Thanks craig, i agree that the domino does produce stronger joints then a BJ but for those that own a domino is it worth the $1400? just looking at photos of the domino, this thing looks really hard to set up? but then again i could be wrong....

oh my god..... do you know the price difference between a Domino and a biscuit joiner?

sorry, dont mean to be offensive, but do a search on domino, or go and ask how much one costs.

Let me re-phrase your question, if I may.............

A Domino or 16 biscuit joiners?

Gidday Joseph.

I guess the first question is how often are you going to want to use loose tenon joinery and when it all boils down to it how necessary is it to use loose tenon joinery???

Before Lig starts on me Theres no doubt that the Domino shines in "The Shop" environment particularly in regards to versatility accuracy and production run situations in a commercial environment.

For the brief nano second I thought about buying one (Luckily I went for a Bandsaw Instead) I just could'nt justify the use of Loose M&T joinery exclusively for most of my Woodworking needs & applications.............Frankly for me and the kind of woodworking I do its overkill.

For most of the woodworking I do the humble biscuit will do fine and at the end of day provide effecient long lasting joinery at next to nothing compared to the Domino.......................I suspect however that It would be a competely different scenario if I worked in a commercial environment.

REgards Lou

lol, a bunch of comedians

Hi Joseph

Initial Outlay - Expensive
Ongoing Maintenance - I would think more expensive compared to BJ

Reasons why you would pay the extra..Have a look through the threads in the Festool section and you will constantly read how easy it is..

I own one and while I haven't used it mush for various reasons I have not found it difficult.. it gives nice solid joins a biscuit is how many mm's? the dominos vary in thicknesses 5, 6,8 and 10mm with lengths from 30 -50mm this means there is a selection to choose from not a one size fits all.. because of this you can choose one or a combination for the best fit for the join..

Read Lignums posts he cant stop raving over it, constantly square joints so much he says he has given up measuring diagonals.. the dominos fit so nicely you can almost do away with clamps when you do a dry fit.

I think Flowboy has played around and has found the perfect router bits for making his own dominos.. (that'll reduce costs a bit)

The people who use the Domi often are constantly amazed at what she can do using it for applications they did not think possible..

it is easy to use - just practise on scrap for a few minutes and you'll get the hang of it.. and yes they cost more but there are some gadgets you can get to go with it that are invaluable..

as to prices Check out http://www.festool.com.au/ the Australian website or there is a forum member NT900 who runs an outfit called Ideal Tools that is a seller of Festool products..

Anyway enough from me I'll let the Big Boys tell you in their own words..

My advice as a low ranking pleb in the domino world is GET ONE!!!! if you can there is no comparison between the two products

Hi Joseph

The answer to all your questions, and more, are in the various threads in the Domino Forum because they have been asked before. Costs of cutters/domis are on Anthony's website http://www.idealtools.com.au/.

The majority of points made on cost, difficulty of use/time to set up and the lack of any advantage over a biscuit joiner are usually made by those who have either never seen a Domino in use or have never used a Domino. The praise comes from those who have bought and used one. A recuring theme throughout the early Domino threads is:

a. initial dismissal on cost (I was one ) but intrigued
b. attend demonstration of the tool and marvel at its versatility
c. immediate purchase or order
d. incredulity at the speed, accuracy and strength of the join
e. enthusiasm at the range of uses
f. total amnesia (or couldn't give a Flying F) at the initial purchase price. The tool adds value.
g. tool paid for after one or two commissions by the pros
h. absolute delight in owning one of the very best powertools in the World
i. the need to defend Domi's honour at all costs
j. delete ex-smokers and converted Catholics, insert Converted Domi owners!


I gave my old Elu Biscuit joiner to my son and sold my Lamello on EBay. I would never go back to biscuits but do appreciate that there are many who still prefer the BJ. Its a matter of choice.

Regards
Pat

:confused:

Originally Posted by patr

The majority of points made on cost, difficulty of use/time to set up and the lack of any advantage over a biscuit joiner are usually made by those who have either never seen a Domino in use or have never used a Domino. The praise comes from those who have bought and used one.

Exactly, couldnt have put it better myself All of us Domi owners were the same in the begining. I couldnt believe someone would be stupid enough to pay $1200 for a "Powertool" Now its the "total amnesia" about the price as im one of the lucky few who own the "Worlds Greatest Powertool" that was once held by the Elu MOF.

Originally Posted by patr

I gave my old Elu Biscuit joiner to my son and sold my Lamello on EBay. I would never go back to biscuits

Same, i sold my Dewalt a week after owning Domi as i knew i would NEVER use such a crap way of joining timber again.

I think it comes down to; if you are a pro woodworker who does high end pieces, well the you wouldn't be without a Domino because it would save you so much time.

If you are just a weekend warrior (like me) the amount of time it takes you to cut a M&T is neither here not there. It's just part of the journey. Learning how to do it properly and consistently is one of the reasons we are woodworkers and not wood machinests.

This is mo.

Just ask Steve, he is a self confessed weekend warrior who now owns one and is in love with his little Highness

And it appears from reading other Festo forum threads, this forum and talking to the dealer i got mine from, those who purchase the Domi are fairly well split down the middle between weekend wariors and the cabinet shops.

Owning a Domi ISNT all about doing things fast in a production enviorment (although it dose ) but its all about experiencing the King of the Power tools weaving magic in helping you construct furniture like you have never done before.

And if you are a weekend warrior you will be doing things to such a high standard you will blow your self away. This is more than a remarkable product, its the new King of the workshop

No one is being forced to buy one, but have anyone of you Domi-Doubters out their wonder why all us Domi owners carnt stop raving and defending her???????????????????? Think about it

Learning how to do it properly and consistently is one of the reasons we are woodworkers and not wood machinests.

Craig

Thats a very fair comment but at what point, and with what powered tool, do you go from woodworker to wood machinist? I used to spend all of my weekends with my trusty Sandvik hand saw and Record No4 until my beloved bought me a Black and Decker D720 drill with the jigsaw, circular saw and orbital sander attachments ( hands up those who remember that magnificent set of tools! ).

I believe that purchase was the beginning of my transition from useless woodworker to useless (but much faster) wood machinist.

Regards
Pat

"I want to die quietly in my sleep like my Uncle did. Not screaming and shouting like his passengers"

Hi Joseph,
Thought I'd buy into this

Domino Dowels: $121/box (which is between 500 and 1800 depending on size. You won't know which will be the one you use most till you try the system in your situation.)

Cutters: Between $45 and $55 each. Again, story as above. They seem to last well. You should allow about $1650 to set up the Domino properly. This includes accessories and the Starter's kit, which gives you all necessary cutters and a plethora of dowels.

Ongoing Costs (other): A 3 year warranty including 48hrs pickup/return (in most cases) gaurantee.

My opinion: Its worth it. Stronger joints, more flexible with regard to applications (e.g. Picture frames with 15mm width and mirror frames.) Can make your own dominos in the same stock you are working with. Can cut tenons on a TS, round the edges and fit them to a Domino mortise, at any size!!
Gives you the ability to think more about what you are trying to achieve rather than saying "Oh well I'm cutting mortises now, I'll have to use tenons of this type and size."
Option of deciding how strong a board to board joinf, or M&T will be rather than having it decided for you.
Importantly, gives you another high precision option with regard to many other joint set ups, giving you evan greater control and personalisation of your project.
Don't get me wrong, I am a M&T man, but you just can't ignore the powerful way the Domino does things. You make the call on what you'll do.
As far as set up, when I bought mine I had the house retarded ant set it up (me) and it took 5 minutes to make the first joint. And boy was it a good one! It could not be simpler.

So, in short. from a guy who is extreeemely sceptical and hard to please,

The Domino, take the Domino!

Oh, and incidentally, if you don't like it:eek: , people are queueing up around her to buy.


Regards and happy choosing,

Rob.

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