Thread: Domino biscuit size for 20mm Mitre

As it happens, I recently build a pair of bedside tables which featured a mitred case 18mm thick. I have a Domino 500, however for this joint I preferred to use biscuits.

The Domino is essentially a machine which makes mortice-and-tenons. It goes deep rather than wide. The depth can made it risky with mitres. Plus you would need many more dominos than biscuits. The biscuit joiner makes splines. These are shallow and wide. Much better when reinforcing a mitred joint. I used the largest biscuits (020).







Regards from Perth

Derek

Not that I am any sort of expert but I have made a few things using the Domino system and found the 4mm dominos worked well in material down to about 16mm provided you were careful with placement. I don't know how much strength a domino adds to a joint. My feeling is that the adhesive does the majority of the work and the little dominos just hold things in place while the glue dries. I reach for the Domino machine rather than reach for the Biscuit jointer but it is just my preference. I'm a wood-butcher rather than a craftsperson so take my advice with a spoonful of caution. There is a learning curve with the Domino machine. There are adjustments to be made for timber thickness and width of slot as well as mitre angle. You really need to practice on some scrap material before you venture into making a potential mess of something good.
And Technitool or someone was doing deals on the big Domino machine just recently. I have the smaller (cheaper) machine that came with a sustainer of dominos as part of a promotion a year or so back.

Dominoes add very substantial strength when tight. Forums are filled with stories about unexpected strength. Mine is that when I started I made a workbench attaching the stretchers (90mm merbau post) with the 10mm domino. I placed one horizontal and one vertical.

I've been bashing holdfasts and generally waling away on that bench for almost two years now not even a creak.

Frankly I would use more often except for some reasons it stresses me out on substantial projects. I find myself constantly checking and rechecking the settings and finished mortises endlessly. For some reason I find glue-ups with dominoes quite stressful.

This is of course an indulgence as a hobbyist. If I was ever trying to make money from woodworking I'd probably have three dominoes loaded with different cutters hanging off my belt.

It would need to be a substantial belt to support 3 Domino machines, but yes, I know what you mean about glue-ups being stressful. I tend to assemble things first then pull them apart and re assemble with glue in sections. Then go and have a cup of tea and recover. But I love the machine, it's quick and simple to use and the dominos take up less room than biscuits.

Thanks everyone for you prompt and comprehensive feedback.
I do have a rarely used Porter Cable Biscuit jointer which is worth a try as well as looking into the domino system.
Thanks again

Well, as you have a biscuit joiner then that would be the machine to use. But Festool are nice people and if you live in one of the metropolitan areas they might just come and "demo" a Domino machine for you, that way you can ask lots of questions from someone who is supposed to know all there is to know about Festool products. And might know who has what, if anything, on special. But be prepared for a shock when they tell you just how "reasonable" the price is.

Originally Posted by Old Hilly

Well, as you have a biscuit joiner then that would be the machine to use. But Festool are nice people and if you live in one of the metropolitan areas they might just come and "demo" a Domino machine for you, that way you can ask lots of questions from someone who is supposed to know all there is to know about Festool products. And might know who has what, if anything, on special. But be prepared for a shock when they tell you just how "reasonable" the price is.

I can second this, even in local conditions. I had a problem with my fence being too loose and not locking in. I made a call and an appointment was made and a gentleman came to my house (Brisbane), had a look, and took it away to get fixed. It was a pickup from Carbatec about a week later.

Yes the initial cost is eye-watering but it starts feeling much more reasonable once you're about 6+ projects in. I've also noticed the re-sale value is astonishing. From sales I've seen I would expect at least 75% of the new price if I sold.

Yes, they (Festool) are an interesting mob to deal with. I wanted a Kapex, mainly because the bevel adjustments were at the front and the saw was compact enough to fit in my little shed. There were none in stock at the time but the sales rep knew where to find one (as good sales reps alway do) and it was shipped to Port Macquarie and then on to home. I fitted it onto a Bosch "Gravity rise" folding saw stand/trolley and am exceedingly happy every time I use it. The bank balance, well, it may never recover but that's something for the Billy Lids to worry about.