Thread: Domino or FMT

Hi Mat,

I bought my FMT earier this year and have used it lots. I also use the Domino lots.
The Domino allows very clean very accurate joining of panels and most framing joints. However there are situations where another approach is necessary. Like 9 degree angles between two pieces in such a way that using a floating tenon would compromise joint strength. The FMT allows as I'm sure you're aware the facility to make very accurate tenons, very fast. I could do 40x9degree tenons to 115mm length in 50minutes.
Also, the FMT allows M&Ts to 12mm width, (which can be useful) as well as joints below 5mm width, the Domino doesn't.
I also use my Domino to cut mortises for the tenons I produce on the FMT, particularly on tapered stock or odd angles. In fact I cut most of my mortises on the Domino and use the FMT if I want wider tenons than those allowed by the Domino.
Essentially, there's no way the FMT will become redundant if you have a Domino in the same shop. Your choices of approach to any jointing issue will just expand exponentially and the FMT will still have a significant place.

I have to say I really do like both, they both have a high level of engineering involved.

Hope this helps,

Rob

It must be getting late in the day but what the hec is a FMT?

Originally Posted by Lignum

It must be getting late in the day but what the hec is a FMT?

FMT - Leigh Frame, Mortise & Tenon Jig

http://www.leighjigs.com/fmt.php

Hi Lignum,

The FMT (Frame Mortise and Tenon) is a Leigh jig designed to produce Mortises and tenons from as small as a matchstick to over 12.7mm in dimension. Routinely it can produce M&Ts from 5mm to 12mm in depth and up to 65mm. All parameters are user defineable and though, in the case of a 12mm tenon you can standardly produce up to 65mm width, you can, very easily produce them up to 125mm. Does dowels, mitred joints and compound mitred joints.
To set up with all necessary bits and pieces, it's about the same as a Domino (excluding the router of course). They advertise it as small batch production level and I have to say that they are right.
MIK are agents in Aus and Carbatec handle them in Melb, but ask Anthony, he's tried mine. (Sorry Anthony) If you want you're also welcome to try it here. Just let me know.
Both the FMT and Domino are brilliant pieces of equipment and complement each other well (IMHO) You get a most potent joining shed with both.

Regards,

Rob

Ahhhh now i understand I have never used one but i have read about them. Tell me, is it better than their piece of crap dovetailer? That i have used alot and haaaate it, the amount of stuffin round to get a decent join is a joke. Is the FMT easier to set up and use and how dose it compliment the Domi? Also is it an add on to the dovetailer? Im very curious now

Hi Lignum,

I agree there's a lot of f***ing around on the dovetail jig, but the FMT is really easy. To check tightness, you simply do a test cut, recheck and go for it. Record your settings of course M&Ts aren't that hard to run as a test. Once you are set up and have centered and sighted the first tenon or mortise, you need not check them again. Hence with my 9 degree angle rails, I had 20x2, 115mm tenons done in less than an hour, ready to be fitted into a domino generated mortise, without cutting a domino to fit the depth of joint or having an angle in the workpiece which could generate potential fatigue and splitting down the track.
This is where I see the benefit of both systems. The Domi is brilliant at most tasks but there are some where the FMT performs better or more easily as part of the overall project

It's not an add on to the D4R, it's stand aloneand also has a vacuum port

You shouldn't let the experience with the Dovey jig cloud your judgment. Believe me I have a D4R and its daunting. Good, but daunting.

Hope that answers your questions.

Regards,

Rob

Hmmmm... I might have to look into this

I had a go at Flowboy's FMT the other day. I was impressed with its construction, ease of use, and results. I think Flowboy has covered off the pro's and con's between the FMT and Domino quite nicely. And I agree with him (although my exposure to the FMT at this point is minimal). There is a bit of overlap if you had both machines in your workshop, but they both excel in different but complimentary areas. I am seriously considering adding Leigh the Ideal Tools line-up.