Thread: Another question about domino..

That's a really good question, Jasey, but the answer is likely to be totally subjective.

I own a Domi and love it--fast, accurate as, and strong joints that also look good. I do edge jointing on my router table, but clearly need both a jointer and a thicknesser. In the end, it really depends on what you want to build and how many of each kind.

Somehow I'm largely in cabinet making mode right now so the Domino is the duck's guts and a real time saver. But when it's time to make a bed headboard out of cherry I will also need the other tools.

So, buy what you need when you need it is my advice. And that's based on your current and near-term project list. As I said, very subjective.

Is Domi worth the investment? You bet it is.

This could be an interesting thread. If you do mainly panel and frame work, the Domino and the Festool circular saw system would probably take you a very long way without needing many more tools. I think that if you recycle timber you'll always need a jointer and thicknesser, however, you could probably replace the tablesaw with a decent bandsaw (note the bold and italics) and not have a problem. As Hon Bloke said though, it depends, it depends. It also depends.

Originally Posted by Jasey

I purchased a beadlock a way back and thought it was great! Could knock up strong joints in minutes, and they fitted great. Made some tables for the kids and it was strong and looked good.

What I'm asking is it worth buying a domino before getting a thicknesser, jointer, bandsaw, proper ts? I'm convinced of the worth of the domino, I can see the benefits. I've been buying DAR wood and just pocketholing or beadlocking joints up to now. Is the next step domino or should these other items come first?

some observations

The Domino can do what the beadlock can, but quicker and with more choices of size for the loose tennon, which translates to the ability to use thinner sections.

I'm not sure that a Domino is faster/easier than pocket screws.

my own aesthetic takes me away from DAR dimensions — which means a bandsaw, jointer, thicknesser and drum sander.


ian

I guess its fair to say that as long as my interests remain in creating basic furniture from available DAR then Domino will make things faster, easier and probably more accurate. But if I wish to use non standard dimensions or recycled lumber and get more artistic I may be better served by looking at the others first. Its hard because I've found that until you get that new tool and the opportunities come apparent you don't appreciate what your missing.

Thanks for the advice so far guys, its appreciated.

The problem is that most purchased DAR is not straight and square. You may quickly get frustrated with most DAR.

Originally Posted by mat

The problem is that most purchased DAR is not straight and square. You may quickly get frustrated with most DAR.

DAR can someone please explain the acronym for me?

Originally Posted by Burnsy

DAR can someone please explain the acronym for me?

I've always thought it stood for dressed all round- timber that is already milled square and faces planed. But it is true that it can be difficult to fine good DAR stock at reasonable prices.

Thanks, I figured it was dressed timber but could not work out the acronym.

I own a Domino, and am very happy with it. But, if I were in your situation, I would get a decent TS, bandsaw, thicknesser, and jointer first. By spending a couple of days making precision morticing and tenoning jigs (see my blog below for free plans), you can still make accurate m & t joints quite quickly, without spending $1600. Buying a Domino at this stage would be like using a Ferrari as a shopping car.

Rocker

If you are serious about making (fine) furniture then should a jointer and thicknesser first. You want to be able to mill your own timber to your own dimensions (or you can do it by hand). You want your stock flat and square before gluing up.

Timber moves. So you want to mill your stock as you go. That’s why DAR stock is no good. They move as soon as they leave the factory.

In my opinion you should get a jointer and thicknesser first and the Domino can come later.

Just do what I do, keep praying.

I think thats great advice guys. I'm starting to see that I will be limited by the stock available to me, and a domino will not be a cure all solution - need to be able to create straight wood before I can join it.

My name is bitingmidge and I own a Domino.



It's wonderful, BUT it cost as much as my tablesaw, thicknesser AND jointer combined. With those tools I have not needed one for many years, and would suggest as have those above, that you should really learn to use those before contemplating something as specialised (and expensive) as the Domino.

You can keep using your existing connections as you learn to become more accurate, then move to one of Rocker's jigs if you need quicker and faster M&T joints.

I was going to say that's my two cents worth, but at my charge out rate it's a lot more than that!

Cheers,

P

Originally Posted by bitingmidge

My name is bitingmidge and I own a Domino.

Hello bitingmidge.

You know what I dislike most about the idea of Domino, and the same goes for biscuit jointers? You have to buy consumables. You have to buy dominoes in the different sizes you think you'll need, and when you run out, which I bet I would, on Sunday afternoon at 2pm when the hardware shop is closed (not they they sell them anyway, but that's another story) that's the end of your day.

Me, I'll be still there whittling tenons and digging out mortices until the cows come home.

I also think it's way over the top for hobby use, considering the limited function. Yep, great for people doing this stuff day in and day out. Great for people who have spare cash and are looking for a new toy. But I certainly wouldn't put one ahead of other more traditional machines, considering that most woodworkers already have the perfect mortising machine - a router.