New member of the Domino club! [Archive]

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 06:00 PM

Hi Scott!

Yep the Domi, a systainer with a pile of domi biscuits & the four different sized cutters, plus the two stops. All up, about $1,600 (a small discount applied :))

Pity that you spend around $500 on the PC Biscuit jobbie - the Domi's waaaaay better :D (sorry!) Can't resist.

This is my first Festool tool, and I have to say that the build quality and the way the various bits & pieces work is a real eye opener.

Tomorrow I'll give her a run to joint an extension to my router table top so as to accommodate the Incra LS-17 +Wonderfence gizmo that should arrive in ten days or so. :D :D :D

dazzler

24th August 2006, 06:07 PM

Hi Auld

When you get a chance can you take a pic of a mitre joint with the littlest of biscuits?

Well done:D

Groggy

24th August 2006, 06:07 PM

Steve, first things first, you suck - big time.

Second, I think you should keep such massive gloats to yourself, at least until I've got one.

Finally, the Code should include an entry to the effect of only allowing one gloat per thread, and no gratuitous mentions of yet-to-arrive tools should be allowed.

Anyway, I'm as jealous as I can be, ya lucky sod!

Rocker

24th August 2006, 06:09 PM

You bastard.

Now I really really want one. Hang on I just bought a porta-cable biscuit joiner and spent $1,300 on a Tormek. Maybe I should wait. :(

Did you buy the lot and what is the demage?

Wongo,

At least the Porter-Cable is an excellent biscuit joiner, but mine is totally redundant now that I have a Domino. But $1300 for a Tormek? That indicates alarming Dark-Side tendencies. I think you may need to seek counsellling.

Rocker

patr

24th August 2006, 06:23 PM

Well done Steve, good move! The DAC continues to grow. You are no longer a woose or a big girls blouse but a Domineer.

Pat

Lignum

24th August 2006, 06:34 PM

Lignum

24th August 2006, 06:55 PM

Tomorrow I'll give her a run to joint an extension to my router table top so as to accommodate the Incra LS-17 +Wonderfence gizmo that should arrive in ten days or so. :D :D :D

Steve after that you should be ready for a 3-way miter;) And we need pics:D

Flowboy

24th August 2006, 07:31 PM

Not wishing to detract from Steve's wonderful news, but..
Today I took down a seat frame dry jointed with 5mmx30mm dominos one on each corner, to the Upholsterer. It nearly blew his socks off and you could see his mind turning over the possibilities!

Regards

Rob

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 07:48 PM

Well done Steve, good move! The DAC continues to grow. You are no longer a woose or a big girls blouse but a Domineer.

Pat

Herr Pat!

I refute utterly that I was ever a woose or a big girl's blouse :eek: :D However, I (think!) I forgive your error in judgement given your closing statement. :) Methinks that I'll have to have a quiet word in Simou's ear to have him check your missives henceforth (Simou: are you listening?;) )

I have a nasty (in the wallet) feeling that Herr Festool will be receiving more of my hard earned in the not too distant future. Quality is hard to ignore.

Dear Sir, Mr Kindly bank mismanager...

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 07:51 PM

Woohoo, another member of the Brotherhood:D :D :D :D :D Just remember the Brotherhood have spies everywhere, and if you abuse her, misuse her, dont clean her every night and dont talk about her to perfect strangers at least 5 times a day you will be in serious trouble;)

Your shed time just wont be the same:D :D :D :D :D

I snuck out to the shed a few minutes ago and had a few crafty cuts on some innocent scrap. Cor! Just as advertised and dribbled on about here.

Naturally, I gave her a nice blow job and dust off :eek: :D :D afterwards.

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 07:53 PM

Steve after that you should be ready for a 3-way miter;) And we need pics:D

Done! I'll need some of those (or so I have persuaded my Buffet, etc. client this afternoon). He doesn't know what a Domi is of course. He'd think that I was referring to his wife :eek: :D

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 07:54 PM

Lignum

24th August 2006, 07:55 PM

Done! I'll need some of those (or so I have persuaded my Buffet, etc. client this afternoon). He doesn't know what a Domi is of course. He'd think that I was referring to his wife :eek: :D

Have a look at Rockers 3-way he done today:D :D :D

I believe it! I could hardly believe the strength and accuracy of my first joint with Domi!

Now after you have had it for just 5 minutes you can see why we keep going on and on and on and on and on and on and.....

Stuart

24th August 2006, 07:58 PM

Lignum

24th August 2006, 08:01 PM

Could one of you buggers make us a video so we can see this "wonder of the modern age" at work.

Buy your own and find out:p

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 08:11 PM

Have a look at Rockers 3-way he done today:D :D :D

Now after you have had it for just 5 minutes you can see why we keep going on and on and on and on and on and on and.....

I have, and yes. Sad bloody lot aren't we :rolleyes: :D :D :D

I mentioned to a female variety of the species (or so alleged:eek: :D ) that I was going to get a Domi. Eyes glazed over in nano-seconds. Oh well...

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 08:17 PM

Could one of you buggers make us a video so we can see this "wonder of the modern age" at work.

I still need a lot of convincing that a hand power tool is worth more than any major item in most sheds!

The only video camera that I have is the one in my mobile phone (!?!), but will endeavour to capture some images. Then again, just look at the things that Lignum, Rocker, Flowboy, Patr, etc or many others have done. Serious woodies all, and all hollering to the rooftops about this tool.

Is a Mercedes expensive to buy? yes. Is it expensive to own. No. Ditto Audi or BMW. The same logic applies to Festool kit it would seem.

From just a few minutes fiddling around, I can see that this tool will save me 20 or more hours in a current commission alone.

MajorPanic

24th August 2006, 08:31 PM

Auld,

I'm extremely disappointed!!!!!

You of all people.........!!!!

I'm not , really, I'm just VERY, VERY envious!!!! ;) :D :D :D
Well done :cool:

Auld Bassoon

24th August 2006, 08:43 PM

Auld,

I'm extremely disappointed!!!!!

You of all people.........!!!!

I'm not , really, I'm just VERY, VERY envious!!!! ;) :D :D :D
Well done :cool:

Take heart Major! My little Domi will be used for tasks beyond my modest hand working skills for larger projects, but the darkside will still prevail!

As Lignum once (approximately) stated, the Dom is a darksiders power tool. :D :D

Besides which, saving over 20 hours on hand cutting M/T joints on my current commission alone is worth it :D

patr

24th August 2006, 09:26 PM

Stuart
The link below is the demo that you get with the Domino and gives a very good basic idea of what she can do. But as HolzMeisters such as Lignum, Rocker and others have shown she is a very adaptable Lady.

I have a home made video of my Dominatrix but I fear that it could induce shaking hands und eventual blindness so have returned it back to the top shelf. :D

http://www.festool.de/ipt_domino/

Regards
Pat

Stuart

24th August 2006, 09:27 PM

The only video camera that I have is the one in my mobile phone (!?!), but will endeavour to capture some images. Then again, just look at the things that Lignum, Rocker, Flowboy, Patr, etc or many others have done. Serious woodies all, and all hollering to the rooftops about this tool.

Is a Mercedes expensive to buy? yes. Is it expensive to own. No. Ditto Audi or BMW. The same logic applies to Festool kit it would seem.

From just a few minutes fiddling around, I can see that this tool will save me 20 or more hours in a current commission alone.

Agreed, that is pretty good reasoning. Now if only I actually made stuff in my shed for a living, I'd be a happy camper, (and could justify the expense).

Lignum

24th August 2006, 11:54 PM

Done! I'll need some of those (or so I have persuaded my Buffet, etc. client this afternoon

And what about a Domitooth instead of a Houndstooth:D :D

Honorary Bloke

25th August 2006, 12:56 AM

"And what about a Domitooth instead of a Houndstooth?"

D%#! clever Lignum. I see just how that works and have another attack of Domi-envy.:o

I have high hopes that the wait is almost over. My Festool dealer (on another forum) just put his Lamello biscuit cutter for sale. That can only mean one thing (I hope).:rolleyes:

Auld, you are making me quite ill. Stop it at once! :D

Lignum

25th August 2006, 01:08 AM

Gee Bob the wait must be killing you:D

NewLou

25th August 2006, 01:19 AM

Congratulations on your new baby Steve:D

Just a question for you guys ..............whats the collet size of the router bits made for the Domino???

REGards Lou;):D

Lignum

25th August 2006, 01:40 AM

lou the little threaded rod is 10mm long and 5mm dia and its the 5mm cutter in the pic:D

NewLou

25th August 2006, 01:47 AM

Thx Lig

Appreciate you showing me that

REGards Lou;):D

Rocker

25th August 2006, 04:17 AM

And what about a Domitooth instead of a Houndstooth:D :D

Darn it, Lignum, that is an interesting way of making drawers. I am afraid that it might cause some of the Dark-Siders to have an apoplexy, though. Theoretically the joint should be rather weak, since the mortices are cut across the grain in the drawer sides, but I think in practice it would be plenty strong enough for the job. But, if you stopped the mortices in the drawer sides before they penetrated the outer face, say, by using a spacer to enable the Domino to cut a mortice 10 mm deep, the joint would be stronger, and would look less disturbing.

Bob,

The news of the Festool dealer selling his Lamello does indeed sounds encouraging; but my Festool dealer, Anthony, told me that he was told by Festool that the Domino would not reach the shores of the Land of the Free until next year. Nevertheless, I think I had better hurry up and finish the Domino version of my rocker CD so as to be in time for its intoduction over there.

Rocker

Flowboy

25th August 2006, 06:32 AM

Lignum

25th August 2006, 09:57 AM

Darn it, Lignum, that is an interesting way of making drawers. I am afraid that it might cause some of the Dark-Siders to have an apoplexy, though. Theoretically the joint should be rather weak, since the mortices are cut across the grain in the drawer sides, but I think in practice it would be plenty strong enough for the job. But, if you stopped the mortices in the drawer sides before they penetrated the outer face, say, by using a spacer to enable the Domino to cut a mortice 10 mm deep, the joint would be stronger, and would look less disturbing.

Rocker, Ahhhhh what would the Darksiders know with their out-dated primitive practices and over sharpend tools :D :D

Actualy this is a variation of a drawer join that is cut by hand, but with the hand cut one the through tenons are smaller (and square) But in the flesh this looks good. Plus im soooooo sick and tired of Dovetails as they are done to death. Very boring to open a drawer and see yet again another Dovetailed drawer...Yawn:rolleyes: Their are NO dovetails at all in the furniture i make. This one is designed as a Domi Quickie Drawer and the trick is to make the normal rebated drawer then put Domi onto her and plunge the cut and insert the Dominos and trim them off.

Just before i went and give it the strength test and a considerable amount of force was needed to snap the join. Oh and it dose solve that annoying problem of fixing the back of the drawer to the sides by setting the back 10mm in and Dominoing two 6mm Domis into the side. Looks neat and very strong:)

Auld Bassoon

25th August 2006, 10:21 AM

And what about a Domitooth instead of a Houndstooth:D :D
Oh neat! very neat! :D :D

Stuart

25th August 2006, 11:59 AM

Not sure if I am going to be able to describe this but here goes:

Take Lignum's impressive joint shown above, and instead of the equivalent of a half-blind joint, do it as a mitre joint.

Do the exposed dominos from one side as Lignum has done, but then, do the same from the other side, alternating so the dominos lock into each other inside the joint (bit like a log cabin!).

Super strong joint, and decorative to boot :)

Be interested in seeing what it would look like anyways. Kind of a domino equivalent of a dovetail

Lignum

25th August 2006, 12:39 PM

Im not sure if this is what you had in mind;) but i realy like it and ill be using it in future. Its called the Studomiter Join:D :D

mat

25th August 2006, 01:30 PM

Lig

Now you will have to make some domino loose tenon material from different timbers?

The next challenge for you!

Lignum

25th August 2006, 01:42 PM

Tomorrow I'll give her a run to joint an extension to my router table top so as to accommodate the Incra LS-17 +Wonderfence gizmo that should arrive in ten days or so.

Steve post a pic soon as you get it done. The idea of the exposed Domis on drawers and miters etc has got the old brain ticking on overdrive at the moment.

It would be very interesting to have a small add on plate to the Incra fence that the two Domi pins sit into so it can move with the repetative precision of the Incra to cut all sorts of variable spacings on the "outside" of joins.

Im going to make a Domi Bench soon that has all the hold downs, clamps etc and the idea of the Incra fence added on so timber can slide "under" it with the Domi attached is very appealing:)

Lig

Now you will have to make some domino loose tenon material from different timbers?

The next challenge for you!

Matt its on the cards all ready. Im looking into having some 5,6,8,and 10mm machined in Jarrah and Blackwood so its a perfect fit. When i get it done ill ask here if anyone wants to order lengths and ill include that as well. I dont think it will be real "cheap" but its only for decrotive through tenons and not standard joining so it will still be worth it and not break the bank:)

Rocker

25th August 2006, 01:58 PM

Lignum,

Presumably to make that joint you would need at least one concealed domino perpendicular to the faces of the mitre, so as to hold the joint in position while the glue cured, since the visible dominoes would have to be inserted after the glue had cured. I still have my biscuit joiner, so I would probably use a couple of biscuits to hold the joint in position during the curing process.

Rocker

Wood Butcher

25th August 2006, 02:18 PM

While I don't think I could ever persuade SWMBO to let me get a $1200 hand power tool I think there are ways to do similar work with a router (and lots of jigs)

Lignum, I like the look of both those joins and with (in the right circumstances) the use of contrasting timbers will look amazing. I especially like the drawer joint, looks great and has, I think, more than sufficient strength!

Lignum

25th August 2006, 02:32 PM

Rocker, you are right, but when you say biscuit joiner, what is that? Anyway i would just pop in a few little 5mm Domis, glue it up (i have a way when i want to do something to a join before it dries, i leave a dot or three glueless and put some yellow hot stuff their and when i clamp it i hit the edge of the hot stuff area with the spray and bingo. Use straight away and the propper glue goes of in its own time... Also great for putting on beading:D )

Woodbutcher:D You are also right. Everything Domi can do can be done with a variety of other tools/methods. So others seeing all this Domi stuff if they like it shouldnt dismiss it because they dont have a Domi. It will just take more time and stuffin around but it can be done. The beauty of Domi is its so natural at what it dose and super quick. It took me 30 minutes from Stu posting his idea to me trying what i thought it was and posting the pic here. Thats how fast, easy and accurate she is:D

But I would love to see some out their with a Woodrat and/or Rocker Jig-Router do some of the Domi ideas and post it. :D

Lignum

25th August 2006, 04:01 PM

Now lets play join the dots:D

Rocker

25th August 2006, 05:06 PM

But I would love to see some out their with a Woodrat and/or Rocker Jig-Router do some of the Domi ideas and post it. :D

Lignum,

How did you join the dots? Is there a jig involved?

The mortices for your drawer joint and the Studomitre could easily be cut with the Rocker morticing jig. The trouble is that it is diffficult to prepare your own loose tenon stock accurately enough to look good as a decorative feature. Maybe Festool could be persuaded to stock dominoes made from decorative woods like, say, blackwood, rock maple, jarrah, mahogany and ebony.

Rocker

Auld Bassoon

25th August 2006, 08:37 PM

Im not sure if this is what you had in mind;) but i realy like it and ill be using it in future. Its called the Studomiter Join:D :D

I like it! In fact I like it a lot! It does make for a very interesting construction feature. Thanks - methinks I'll be plagiarising. Again. :D :D :D

Auld Bassoon

25th August 2006, 09:01 PM

Steve post a pic soon as you get it done. The idea of the exposed Domis on drawers and miters etc has got the old brain ticking on overdrive at the moment.

It would be very interesting to have a small add on plate to the Incra fence that the two Domi pins sit into so it can move with the repetative precision of the Incra to cut all sorts of variable spacings on the "outside" of joins.

Im going to make a Domi Bench soon that has all the hold downs, clamps etc and the idea of the Incra fence added on so timber can slide "under" it with the Domi attached is very appealing:)

Matt its on the cards all ready. Im looking into having some 5,6,8,and 10mm machined in Jarrah and Blackwood so its a perfect fit. When i get it done ill ask here if anyone wants to order lengths and ill include that as well. I dont think it will be real "cheap" but its only for decrotive through tenons and not standard joining so it will still be worth it and not break the bank:)

G'day Lignum,

After work today I joined the extension to the extant 'Engineered Router Table top' (from Professional Woodworkers) with some laminated ply and Masonite using Herself - I'm still grinning over how easy it was to make a strong tight join that aligned the two panels perfectly.

Grahame is popping around tomorrow with the Incra LS-17 kit - and methinks that your idea for the Domi locating plate is an excellent one - will be trying that...

I also began a refurb. of my old Fwumping bench by quicklly ripping & cutting some Tas. Oak to frame the bench top and cut some Masonite as infills. Not finished yet, but used Her Majesty to locate and secure the bench front. Piece of Pi$$! The effort so far took about 30 mins :)

I used the Feston recommended approach of making one index mortice at normal size and, using the machines index pins, marched a series of mortices at normal +1. Lined up perfectly! 10 x 50 set at max depth, then trimmed off the waste for those that might be interested.

Will finish this tomorrow before starting on the current commission...

And before you ask, yes, I did give her ladyship a nice clean-up after work :D :D :D

Auld Bassoon

25th August 2006, 09:03 PM

Im looking into having some 5,6,8,and 10mm machined in Jarrah and Blackwood so its a perfect fit. When i get it done ill ask here if anyone wants to order lengths and ill include that as well. I dont think it will be real "cheap" but its only for decrotive through tenons and not standard joining so it will still be worth it and not break the bank:)

I'll certainly be interested in some of that! Let me know what timbers, lengths and $ and I'll buy some :) !

Auld Bassoon

25th August 2006, 09:06 PM

Now lets play join the dots:D

:D :D :D Smartar$e :D :D :D

Stuart

25th August 2006, 10:18 PM

Im not sure if this is what you had in mind;) but i realy like it and ill be using it in future. Its called the Studomiter Join:D :D
Mate, that is exactly what I was picturing in my head - way cool, and I love the name :D

Like the adaption you have done with it as well.

Auld Bassoon

26th August 2006, 10:36 PM

Due to some other customer having a delay in his plans, Grahame was able to deliver an LS-17 and w/fence today. No charge for delivery - so we had a short shop tour in lieu :D I'll post some pics tomorrow as the gear is almost installed. I'll say again, Grahame is a top bloke to deal with. (Anyone else wanting some Incra gear: get in quick as there is a fairly big price increase hitting the stuff on, I believe, 1 Sept. Speak to Grahame...)

BTW, after the glue had set overnight on the Domi'd extension to the router table top it was rock solid and absolutely level. I have put under it a steel support bracket, but that's probably the braces to go with the belt ;) Incra's lead screw mechanism and the fence just glides over the surface - and has a very easily repeatable .001" level of accuracy. Ok that's the fence part, the trick will be getting the Bassoon part up to speed :eek:

Faffing around this morning, I finished off the much needed new top for my Fwumping bench - just some Tas.Oak to frame the top and some inset Masonite. The job made much easier and faster with the aid of a few strategically placed Domis - plus a few DomiDogs (TM Lignum). I had to sand the Domis a bit in order to be able to insert and retract them - ordinarily the fit is a friction one, and makes the "loose tenons" a real stuggle to get out once inserted (danger of multiple hernias here :eek: ). I also took the opportunity to make up a new Beech outer vice face - with a couple of Domi clamping blocks:rolleyes:

I'm sorry that the pics aren't that crash hot as I'd just applied some uBeaut wax to the Masonite to help seal it, and it's a bit shiny:rolleyes:.

Three-way mitred/domi'd joint exercise to follow (and a wee Domi'd mitre joint for the person who asked for one).

Next up is to get the blerry great load of Blackwood into the shed (from A. Lewis & Co) for the current commission and get the Bassoon's ##### into gear and start making stuff :D . This is going to be so much easier with the Mistress :D :D :D. For those that have one, don't you just love the precision of the tool?

See ya!

riri

26th August 2006, 10:46 PM

Yes we do love the precision of The Tool. Thanks for yr enthusiasm.

riri

Auld Bassoon

26th August 2006, 11:16 PM

Hi Steve,

If you are going to purchase more festoolnalia, I strongly advise the Rotex 150 FEQ. Sounds like a wood wasp and really it is. Loads of power when using in the Orbital mode, but smooth as silk in RO mode. I can get a mirror like shine on raw timber with no swirlies by using orbital from 80 to 320g, then ROS dry from 400 to 600g.. fast! Its equally at home with thin stock (e.g. 50mm) as it is with large surfaces. I run mine on average 20hrs a week and it just keeps going. (Reminds me of my Mak DB9240 belt, but much more sensitive). There is very little vibration through the handle, so you can sand for long periods with very little fatigue.Only thing, though, find a dealer that stocks the full range of sanding discs. I'm sure Anthony does and I know Power Tool Specialists do. Many only carry low grit numbers up to 240g and some 800g. Great value I have to say even at approx $840. Oh, and dust extraction is excellent, especially when the vac is connected not chocking to death on its own sawdust.

Regards

Rob

Hi Rob,

As a w/end warrior, and much as I love (already!) my Domino, I find that for the relatively small amount of sanding that I do my Blue Bosch 125mm ROS is fine. After all, I do have an 850mm wide drum sander :p . Seriously though, most of my finishing work is with hand planes (like a Spiers replica or even an LN :D ) and/or with scrapers.

I am tempted, though, by the new cordless drill (around $600), but what gives me the eebie jeebies is that the systainer with the bits, etc is about the same again. Cor!

BTW, I've rigged up a means of connecting Domi to my shopvac, and this works just fine.

Lignum

27th August 2006, 02:02 AM

For those that have one, don't you just love the precision of the tool? the precision of the tool? the precision of the tool? the precision of the tool?

We do:D We do:D We do:D We do:D

Hi Rob,

As a w/end warrior, and much as I love (already!)and want to marry my Domino, I find that for the relatively small amount of sanding that I do my Blue Bosch 125mm ROS is fine. After all, I do have an 850mm wide drum sander :p . Seriously though, most of my finishing work is with hand planes (like a Spiers replica or even an LN :D ) and/or with scrapers.

Agree 100% If your stock is dressed properly and your saw is accurate then Domi puts it together so perfect sanding becomes a very minor part in the whole process.

I hardly use my ROS now because Domi is so accurate.

Steve just wait until you do your first large panel or table top, you will spin out when you find you only have to scrape the glue off and give it the lightests of touch ups. Gone are the days when a S&!t load of planing and sanding are needed on a panel or table top.

And somewhere way back buried in the Domi threads i said the Domi is a "Darksiders Powertool" and its PERFECT partner is a LN or LV smoother and a few months after saying that im more convinced now than ever;)

Flowboy

27th August 2006, 07:00 AM

Hi Steve and Herr Doktor Lignum:D ,

Steve, I have the C12 and all accoutriments that go with it. Total Cost $840 with two 3 hour batteries and charger. The two countersinks, (which are great) cost about $150 total. I gave my opinion in the "My C12" thread and it just continues to impress. So comfortable and easy to manipulate in tight situations.

Lignum, I don't normally use a ROS to level up timber before or after joining, (I use LN smoothers, #4 and low angle and #6 foreplane for this) but do use it for friction sealing the oils I use. This still requires sufficient power and long periods of sanding at high grit values. I am indeed looking forward to using the domino on some long panels and will have the chance as soon as I can get these bloody chairs to the Upholsterer (this week I believe.) I've chosen the fabric BTW, a NZ wool, dark blue with some reddish counterpoints throughout. Sounds weird, looks good.

Regards and have a great Sunday all,

Rob.

Lignum

27th August 2006, 02:32 PM

How did you join the dots? Is there a jig involved?

Rocker, here is the simple little jig. It will be a ripper to use on all mitered boxes.

Its very easy to see through the hole to align it accuratly to get the desired spacing, and the distance between the red lines is the same as between the retractable pins to keep it perfectly aligned.

Running some good masking tape along the edges and pressing it in firmly will stop any tear-out.

It would also be easy to have the fence angled to have the simulated dovetail look :D

Rocker

27th August 2006, 03:05 PM

Lignum,

Great jig! But I am not sure whether joining the dots isn't overkill.:)

Rocker

nt900

27th August 2006, 03:26 PM

I think I agree with Rocker, the jig would be great for creating a simple spline look - that look works better for me.

Lignum

27th August 2006, 03:34 PM

Interesting though in the flesh the tas-oak is similar to the domino and it is very subtle and looks good, but i would never use a stronger timber as that would be over kill;)

But the original reason in doing it is more to push and explore just what Domi is capable of. We are only just finding our way with her and as time rolls on the uses will just keep on increasing. :D

nt900

27th August 2006, 04:38 PM

Auld Bassoon

27th August 2006, 10:39 PM

Today I cut, milled and jointed some of the Blackwood for the Server (1st piece of current commission).

After a run through the jointer and a swoosh or two with a hand plane, I marked out a few Domi lines and Whoopee, Bingo, I've won the lottery! Two boards perfectly (not close, perfectly) aligned and flat. A couple of hours later I did much that same thing for the breadboard ends. Purrfect!

Aprons are milled (including the curved underside) and Domi'd ready for the legs. One more day (bar the finishing with shellac, etc) and that piece will be done. Lubberly!

Auld Bassoon

1st September 2006, 04:34 PM

G'day,

Well, it had to happen:rolleyes: Picked up my new Domi and a systainer of munchies today :) :) :) :) Pics to prove it too ;) I'll have to wait a few days apparently for the two stops though.

No time to have a play just yet, but she looks rather fine. Rather frightening too that she's the single most expensive tool in the shed :eek: (except me of course :D )

Cheers,

Update: I picked up the two stops this afternoon, so I'll be having a play with them over the weekend.

One thing I need to do is to cut a series of Domi mortices on a flat panel in two parallel rows a precise distant apart, and equidistant from the panels edges (to locate the apron rails of the server table I'm making). Any suggestions other than using a transverse alignment bar clamped to the workpiece with its own depth stop to the boards edge?

Cheers!

Auld Bassoon

1st September 2006, 06:56 PM

Heyup fellahs, I need your opinions before I stuff-up!

patr

1st September 2006, 10:43 PM

Steve

I try and use a straight edge whenever I can usually after a snifter or two but I have domied across a board without a guide. Mark the line across the board where you want your holes to go and do a parallel line 10mm under. Align the base of the Domino to this line and plunge using the cross slide to space the holes. The base is 10mm from the centre point of the cutter.

This is method 3 from my KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Manual which was especially written for me by Simou.

Regards
Pat

Lignum

1st September 2006, 11:10 PM

patr

1st September 2006, 11:24 PM

Probably to late Pat:( We (the Brotherhood) have no doubt let one of our newest members down when he was calling for help in one of his darkest Domi hours. I hope alls not lost and he can drag himself out of the sawdust and live to be a equidistantly better Dominatrixer for it :o

Donner und Blitzen

As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger when they were up to their arses in Apaches, "whose this We Paleface?" :D

Steve
if you are still alive and haven't committed Domikari give method 3 a go. If not try Method 4 which is half a bottle of Laphroig.

dan_tom

2nd September 2006, 07:58 AM

patr

2nd September 2006, 08:31 AM

Welcome to the DAC Dan!

Hang on a mo. Am I dreaming? Did you say you were a girl? :eek:

If so take your Domino back to that nice Festool man and exchange it for girly things like ribbons and dollys and the like. I have never heard anything like it. Next you will post that you are able to vote and walk alongside Tom during daylight hours. :D

Congratulations on ordering what is quite possibly the finest tool ever designed. Mind you, yours will have to be called Dom.

Kind regards
Pat and his trusty mate Simou

Auld Bassoon

2nd September 2006, 09:52 AM

Donner und Blitzen

As Tonto said to the Lone Ranger when they were up to their arses in Apaches, "whose this We Paleface?" :D

Steve
if you are still alive and haven't committed Domikari give method 3 a go. If not try Method 4 which is half a bottle of Laphroig.

No worries - problem resolved. I just made a jig that Domi runs across. The jig has a transverse leg that is adjustable in length and hooks onto the outer edge of the panel to ensuring parallelism with the edge of the board, then another notch for the second row :)

Lignum

2nd September 2006, 10:05 AM

A CHICK:eek: !! :D :D Me! I just ordered a Domino, nothing like breaking into the Festool market with a versatile tool like this one. How exciting! I get it next week and if Tom's lucky, I might even share it with him. Lignum, it'll go on my bedside table, not Tom's.;) :D

Wahoo.

Cheers:cool:
Dan

Woohoooo Dan welcome to the Brother `n Sisterhood :D :D And i bet it will make a beautiful addition to your Bedside table. Word of caution, just remember to have all the paper work in order just incase the unthinkable happens and sometime down the track their is a custody dispute. Tom can have the house but you get Domi :o

Wongo

3rd September 2006, 12:14 AM

Not a member yet but can I bet a guest? :o

Flowboy

3rd September 2006, 06:58 AM

Hi all,

Does Dan's conversion mean we really do have a dominatrix now?

Oh and Wongo, like to watch do we??

Regards,

Rob

Auld Bassoon

6th September 2006, 08:29 PM

Had a play with the Festo Domi stop accessories today.

I used the index pins on the trim stop to cut a series on mortices on the edges of 4 boards for edge jointing. One index mark across the four boards and that was it for measuring or marking! Brilliant!

Did they line up? Is Festool German? Do bears go poo in the woods? Naturellment!

One 1800mm x 500mm x 22mm top panel jointed (machine jointed then hand planed of course) and glued up in < 3 hrs. Flat as, and perfect joins.

BTW I used my old (pre WWII) Stanley #8C (with LN blade and chip cutter) for the first couple of passes on the edges after the machine, then a LV #7 with fence to ensure perfect squareness, and finally an LN Bronze #4 smoother, just because I wanted to :), and to get rid of any small tearout).

This Blackwood (or Silver Maple?) is HUGELY prone to tear-out. It's driving me nuts! It's not that the blades are dull; not hardly!

One small issue though: the Dominoes between the boards (200mm spacing) required some SIGNIFICANT clamping to close up the joint. I noticed that even with strong hand pressure some Dominoes would press home fairly readily, whilst others needed a good whack with a mallet.

Any ideas on why that might be? They were lined up properly.

I also noticed that without D/C the poor lass was gasping for breath after the first couple of cuts. Cleaned her up, and attached the shop vac and all was well.

Going to need another bag of 10x50s soon! :D :D

Flowboy

6th September 2006, 09:40 PM

Hi Steve,

I've also noticed an increase in tightness of fit and the need for increased clamping pressure on a small RG table top I'm making. They fit, but with effort. I suspect change in humidity with the pre and intra rainy period over the last 3 days. This phenomenon may not affect everyone in Melbourne, depending on each Workshop setup and conditions.

Regards,

Rob

Lignum

6th September 2006, 10:53 PM

Grab some muslin cloth (or an old hankie) and put a heap of sea-salt in and tie it up and pop it in with your dominos (in a sealed container) that will stop moisture penatrating. Also good for biscuits:)

Auld Bassoon

6th September 2006, 11:46 PM

Thanks for that mates!

I wondered if it was the humidty as I noticed that the shop hygrometer was up at around 75%b this afternoon - and the European Beech from which the Dominoes are made are suceptible to moisture absorbtion.

I guess Herr Festool hasn't yet figured out a way to overcome nature... :) :eek: :D

Flowboy

7th September 2006, 08:29 AM

Hi people,

Steve, I'm not sure it's overcoming nature that is the problem. The percent hydration in the dominos ( and biscuits) for that matter is critical to their success in creating a tight joint. You could only go for a range when dealing with a world market. Lignum's answer will do the trick. The only thing I'd like to see is Silica gel in the containers when they ship the dominos. It's cheap stuff and can be reused. ( Not as cheap as salt though!):)

Regards,

Rob

Auld Bassoon

7th September 2006, 07:56 PM

Just a brief update.

This afternoon when I got back home, I cut off the excess lengths on the top for the buffet, and found that in doing so that I'd also removed the outer-most set of Dominoes on one end. (the boards were deliberately not board end aligned, but rather grain aligned, thus leaving a board-in, board-out, etc effect on both ends.

Curious as to why they Domis were so hard to press home, I took a cut-off and resawed it in half on the bandsaw, going through the Domis. The mortices were trapezoidal in shape :eek: tapering inwards towards the bottoms :eek: :eek: See pic. Note also that ALL of the glue had been squeezed out resulting in a dry joint...

Domi was set to cut 10 x 50 mortices, and ususally the cuts have parallel sides, but not this time!

I'm wondering if I have a problem here? Love to hear if anyone else has a similar issue or ideas on what the cause might be...

Lignum

7th September 2006, 08:07 PM

Have you tried it again on a fresh board with 5, 6, 8 and 10mm cutters on the 3 lateral settings on different plunge depths to see if their is a prob?

Flowboy

7th September 2006, 08:15 PM

Hi Steve,

To me, it looks like you may not have backed out square. On one side, the wall of the mortise extends below the base a reasonable amount, while on the other side the curve is nowhere nearly as pronounced. If you had the domino turned off and the cutter was freewheeling, this may explain the difference. Most torque used on side and not so much on the other. Its easy to be tempted to really speed along, but you need to think of whats happening in the mortise. Personally, I think this effect becomes more pronounced with the larger cuts such that a 32x10 cut while accurate, cannot be compared to a 6x40 cut. The answer is "slow down your withdrawal!!"

Hope this helps,

Rob

Lignum

7th September 2006, 08:18 PM

The answer is "slow down your withdrawal!!"

When Steve has his little "Highness" in his hot little hands i cant see that ever happening ;)

Auld Bassoon

7th September 2006, 08:18 PM

Not yet mate, that's #1 priority for the weekend or maybe tomorrow night.

The top's ok - nice and tight seams and very flat, but I'm concerned that SWMBO (:eek:) isn't performing as she should - story of my life with women :eek: :D

In case you were wondering, I had dust extraction going, so there was no build up of chips to limit movement, and no undue noise or vibration. I've already come to trust Domi so that I went straight to glue up. Of course with a big top (1800 x 500 plus waste length and width), that's always a bit fraught - especially when one has to use levers on the panel clamps/cauls' turnscrews :eek: Sounded like a Medieval torture rack!

Auld Bassoon

7th September 2006, 08:23 PM

Thanks Rob!

I really can't recall if I pulled out (withdrew!) before or after turning Domi off; I'll experiment and see if I can replicate the problem and similarly solve it.

You're quite right, it most likely is an issue between head and hands :o

I'll try your withdrawal method :D

Thanks!

Auld Bassoon

7th September 2006, 08:24 PM

I'm not sure quite how I should respond to this Lignum, so in the interests of not going 'Orange', I won't :D

Rocker

8th September 2006, 02:34 AM

Steve,

I have never had that happen to me, so I am only guessing here. But it looks to me as though your machine must have migrated from a medium width setting to a narrow one whilst you were making the cut. The manual says that the motor should be running when you change the width setting. I suggest that perhaps you changed the setting with the motor turned off. Am I correct in thinking that the narrow inner end of the mortice is still no narrower than the width of a domino? If it is actually narrower, I would think you must have a major problem with your machine.

[Edit] I wrote the above before reading Rob's suggestion. His is probably more likely than mine.

The issue of the glue being squeezed out seems to me to be a separate one, probably a result of your dominoes having swelled in humid conditions. Perhaps it might be worth nuking them in a microwave to bring them back to the correct thickness. I have never tried this, so I don't know how long you would nuke them for.

Rocker

Flowboy

8th September 2006, 07:54 AM

Hi Steve,

Two things further.

1. When retracting the Domino from a completed mortise, it's essential to ensure that the plate remains flush and straight against the workpiece. I know this is bleeding obvious, but check that all the same. The margins are very tight.

2. I agree with Rocker on the Humidity issue, however, I also wonder if, given the change in gap area between the dowel and the mostise wall, if some kind of capillary action is set up, such that the glue is drawn from the joint. This would appear as excess glue leaving the join when clamped, or as excessive glue residue around the domino joint when you part the joined boards. (Does that make sense??)

If the issue is expansion of the dowels due to humidity, then God help them on the Eastern Seabord and Southern states of the U.S.!!
I don't regard it as accetable that if this is an issue we are not informed, and it isn't our responsibility to find out for ourselves at our cost. It would not be hard for Festool to warn about this issue and place Silica Gel in the boxes of Dominos. Hopefully, this isn't the issue.
Again, this is just my opinion of the difference between run of the mill and high end company procedure.

Regards,

Rob

dan_tom

8th September 2006, 09:39 AM

Well today is an exciting day. We got the Festool Domino delivered this morning! I wish I wasn't at work, my attention is rather distracted at the moment as I am thinking of the things we can make with it (designs are darting through my head!). Can't wait to use it!

I opened up one of the systainers in the courier box and there it was - all shiny and black and new.... aaah!!:D

Cheers
Dan

Auld Bassoon

8th September 2006, 10:03 AM

Hi Rocker,

All of the cuts were made on the standard (ie narrow) setting as I was using the index pins on the trim stop for accurate spacing, so fully expecting all the mortices to line up, as they did.

I will be experimenting this afternoon or tomorrow, and will report back with my findings.

I'm hoping that Rob's right and it was just user error...

Auld Bassoon

8th September 2006, 06:25 PM

I performed some experiments a short while ago, and Domi is performing perfectly! :) I tried to replicate the issue, but couldn't. I could make the entry wider by skewing the withdrawal deliberately, but not make the bottom of the mortice narrower :confused: .

I guess that I'll just put it down to experience :rolleyes:

Auld Bassoon

25th October 2006, 05:48 PM

Steve after that you should be ready for a 3-way miter;) And we need pics:D

Well, today I had a chance to stuff around in the shed, and thought I'd have a go a the 3-way mitre joint - using Domi, of course!

I was so chuffed with the result I only took pics of the finished joint made with some scrap Crapiata...

Now I'll have to try it for real :eek:

Cheers!

MajorPanic

25th October 2006, 07:51 PM

Well, today I had a chance to stuff around in the shed, and thought I'd have a go a the 3-way mitre joint - using Domi, of course!

I was so chuffed with the result I only took pics of the finished joint made with some scrap Crapiata...

Now I'll have to try it for real :eek:

Cheers!Sorry Steve!!!! :( :( :(

It's no good! you better send it to me to look after for you :p :p

This course of action will save you any angst with joints that don't work out. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ..........
It's only what a mate would do!

Auld Bassoon

25th October 2006, 08:00 PM

Sorry Steve!!!! :( :( :(

It's no good! you better send it to me to look after for you :p :p

This this course of action will save you any angst with joints that don't work out. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: ..........
It's only what a mate would do!

:D Of course I'll send it (the crapiata test joint) to you, just send me $99 for postage & packing...

The Dom will cost a tad more :p :p

Now that I've worked out how to cut the mitres and allow for the loose tenons (aka Domis), it's all systems go!

MajorPanic

25th October 2006, 09:28 PM

:D Of course I'll send it (the crapiata test joint) to you, just send me $99 for postage & packing...

The Dom will cost a tad more :p :p

Now that I've worked out how to cut the mitres and allow for the loose tenons (aka Domis), it's all systems go!
Foiled AGAIN!!!!

Doh!!!!!!!!

Powertoolman

26th October 2006, 03:24 AM

The mortices were trapezoidal in shape :eek: tapering inwards towards the bottoms :eek: :eek: See pic. Note also that ALL of the glue had been squeezed out resulting in a dry joint...
I know this is an old discussion, but this is the first time I have seen it. The tapered mortises caught my attention because this is something I was thinking about for some troubleshooting instructions.

The reason why the mortise is tapered inward is because the plunge was too fast, not the withdrawal. The Domino cutters are designed to cut on the tip, but not so much on the side, and not at all on the shank. The sides of the tip do have edges for cutting, but if the plunge is advanced too far in a single sweep of the cutter, they cannot remove the material on the sidewall as efficiently. The result is that each progressively deeper sweep of the cutter gets forced narrower.

By the way, I would like to see more detailed pictures of the 3-way miter joints being made.

Flowboy

26th October 2006, 06:03 AM

Hi Steve and PTM,
Steve, they're great, but a lot of work to make a picket fence, no?

PTM,
Lignum, who created this method has detailed pics of the procedure elsewhere in this forum.

Regards

Rob

sinjin

27th October 2006, 05:56 PM

Auld Bassoon

27th October 2006, 06:20 PM

I have seen the Dom and it's really an impressive tool to use and no doubt to own. I was wondering if by chance has the designers of the Lamello got anything planed? No doubt to try and get a few sales back from the biscuit joiner loss.
Sinjin

Methinks that they'd but faced with a hard target given that Festool will, no doubt, have patented the Domino as it's quite unique IMHO.

The Domino hasn't completely eliminated the biscuit jointer, but has reduced it to a second-rate DIY tool, so high-end toolmakers like Lamello will be fighting an uphill battle unless they can come up with something else.

Auld Bassoon

27th October 2006, 07:00 PM

Hi Steve and PTM,
Steve, they're great, but a lot of work to make a picket fence, no?

Rob

Picket fences weren't really at the top of my list :D

I'm thinking I might make use of it at the corner joints in the bar where the inner bottle holder grid intersects with the upper and lower front rails.

Flowboy

27th October 2006, 07:57 PM

Auld Bassoon

27th October 2006, 08:07 PM

Hi Steve,

Yes they should look great. I was thinking of using them on the corners of the TV stand come white elephant I'm making, but was unsure of whether they would hold 60+ Kg. I really do like the concept and clean lines.

BTW, is Lamello something like Cadbury's Caralamello?

Regards

Rob
G'day Rob,

There's no reason I can think of why such a joint wouldn't support the weight you mentioned; the joint would be at least as strong as the timber used. Without going to a torsion box (which I would recommend), then I'd go with at least 24 x 70mm rails, or maybe even a bit thicker, depending on their length.

LOL at Lamello (http://www.lamello.co.uk/) - more like Swiss chocolate on a hot day methinks :eek: :D :D