Sorry, slow getting to this. Great vid, and thanks so much for the mention Drew! Yeah, Domino can be pretty divisive, but I’ve never met anyone who’s bought one and regretted it! It’s the most versatile of all the hand-held jointing machines - and for the record I have them all! It’s also a ‘free’ tool - provided you keep it for a few years you’ll get your money back if you decide to sell it on. 👍
This is, hands down, these best explanation of how to us the Domino mortiser out there. Even better than Festool’s attempt. I am an Industrial Arts teacher in Sydney Australia and teach woodwork, metalwork, technical drawing and engineering at high school. I am also a hobbyist. Years ago I started buying a “tool a project” for my home workshop. The Domino mortiser was my third Festool purchase. I now have three stacks on rolling trolleys (Festool ones). I hav owned my Domino mortiser for at least 10 years (maybe even 15). I now know how to use it properly and will be telling ALL my students and colleagues to use this video BEFORE using the machine. Such a great production. Keep up the great work. Could you please purchase a Rotex 150 and put it through its paces. Thanks once more. Lloyd
I'm a hobbyist that loves woodworking. After a couple of years I have started to buy a few Festool products and I love them. Professionals buy them to be effective, I buy them because I like the feeling of using really good tools. I do woodworking for pleasure and I don't want to ruin that with cheap tools. I love your videos by the way!
I’m the same…. I started off with mostly Ryobi. 25 years later, I’m replacing with Festool. Like you, I’m a hobbyist, but want to do it full time and want to know I have the best tools. Festool ha REALLY helped me improve (because of the precision).
I'm a hobbiest that has more money than time. If I've only got 6 hours once a week, I don't want to spend that time fighting a tool that isn't accurate to the degree I want it to be.
Honestly, this is theeeee best Domino video I’ve seen. I’ve owned both the 500 and 700 for years. As a ‘no BS’ introduction to the tool, this vid is as good as it gets.
@puna32 I bought the 700 and the adapter to use the smaller bits down to 4mm. It works well but it is big and heavy. I use it for bigger furniture so ot was the right choice for me. But it is a bit unwieldy on the smaller material.
I bought one and the first time I used it to put together a drawer box, I told my wife that "I think I bought a Ferrari, but don't know how to shift it". If I had watched your video first it would have gone much smoother! The nice thing about owning one is that I use it for things that one wouldn't normally Domino, but what the heck I can!
Best Domino explaination on RUclips, thanks. I am an amateur woodworker and are time poor. I have made cabinets, draws, desks etc efficiently and well because I use Festool tools. I started with Makita but the quality just isn't there for the precision required for cabinetry unless significantly more time is spent on a project. In addition, Festool dust collection is phenomenal and makes a real difference to the time and enjoyment of a project. The only argument against Festool is money and a good argument back is time/health. Thanks for taking on the haters, they mislead a lot of people for no good reason.
I was in your spot a few months back. The haters can hate, it's probably the best tool I have in my shop. I don't use it all that often when I do the benefits are immediately apparent. Thanks for putting together this guide.
Thanks William! It is so fast. I'm very impressed. The same people who claim it's cheating probably also dont drive an automobile and are still rocking a horse and buggy.
Same here… I got mine a couple months ago and LOVE IT! I’m making a lot of display cases and have a lot of miter and bevel joints. Those are a nightmare to align. With the Domino, it’s so easy and I get perfect joints. I’m so glad I bought it.
Great video. I am a hobbyist and got one a year ago because I make a lot of table tops. It was a game changer for me because my table tops turn out perfect and don't require a lot of sanding the seams. I watched almost every Sedge Tool video to learn his method. The best one is the 4 laws of the Domino. The best tip I learned for glue ups is to do a tight fitting on one entire side of the first board. Then on the second mating board to the first one tight, then loose on the rest. The only downside to that is that you can no longer use the accessory because of the mismatched sizes (I learned the hard way, no dry fitting, straight to glue 😂). You can mark the locations and I usually glue in the dominos on the tight side, let them dry quickly, then a little later glue into the loose side.
One thing I considered as a hobbyist when buying this machine was how easy and quickly it set up and held the setting. Stopping mid project and continuing the next weekend has never been an issue. I hate spending tons of time getting a tool ready to use and rechecking calibrations and such. The price is something to reckon with but the tool is high quality; the cost could be thought of in terms of the yearly cost over the life of the tool. The tutorial videos Sedge has out on his channel and the Festool live series are something unmatched with any other system out there.
As a festool disciple I get lots of people saying yeah there ok but I can buy a different brand for much less to do the same job, but watching your video just proves Festool have covered all those little quirks that unless you take the time to research and learn you would probably never realise Good demonstration of one of the finest tools out there 👍🏻🇬🇧
By far, the best Domino video ever. I'm retired and have no use for an over-priced, but excellent machine that's main virtue is saving time. After a long and enjoyable learning process, I am mostly cutting joinery by hand these days. I didn't hesitate to buy an over-priced Sawstop saw, but there weren't any viable alternatives. For joinery, there are many quality alternatives. Thanks for a great, well thought out presentation.
I can tell you what went wrong when you did the fence at 45 and cutting the miter. At 45, the fence cannot go all the way to the base without keeping the black tabs depressed in. So when you pulled the one tab back out and reset the fence, that’s why it was higher when you cut it. You either have to go down far enough where the tabs don’t go in, or push it all the way to the bottom and not be able to use them as reference. Hope that helps!
Spot on. Always, always set the miter first with the depth stop pulled all the way out. THEN adjust the height. It is the one order of operations on the domino that you have to follow. And yes, the first time I did a miter, I made the same mistake...
Sorry for so many comments, but one other hack I use is to remove the head from the body whenever I'm setting up for cuts. It takes all the weight off and you can do all your depth and fence adjustments without having the manhandle the whole device. (OK, I'm done!) BTW, GREAT video. I loved that it came from the perspective of an exploratory newbie. Great concept.
I'm a (retired) professional, using the Domino for maybe 15 years. I wish I had seen your video way back then (Festool Time Machine, next?). I'm pretty proficient with the thing, and have made several jigs to improve order of operations. Your video was a great review. As good as "Sedge" Festool videos! Thanks!
As a diy-er fixing and maintaining my home who also enjoys working with wood and aluminum (easy to work with materials without expensive specialised tools) I watch these kind of videos to understand how the high-end tools are making life easy. I then use the concepts applied by those tools to build jigs to achieve the precision/repeatability for the task at hand (time is not so much a factor, but budget and end-results are). Referencing with physical stops always achieves better results compared to measuring, marking and eyeballing a tool against the markings.
Great video. I've been using the domino for years, and I never noticed the depth setting trick on the 4mm cutter! Apart from the quality and precision of the Festool system, the other great feature is customer service. If a tool breaks down, even if it is out of warranty, old and obsolete, you can get it fixed and returned to you in very short order...at least that's it works in the U.K. (And I'm sure everywhere else in the world). Definitely not cheap, but worth every penny of the investment.....my woodworking has improved exponentially since I splashed out on my first Festool tool( TS55 plunge saw)
understand the haters, yes it's dang expensive but after spending years cutting tenons and mortises it has made life so much more enjoyable. Definitely worth it for me, and price creep makes me even happier buying it when I did. Good video!
Great video. I converted to Festool about eight years. It was a big investment and the best tools I have are my Tracksaw and Domino. They have changed the way I design and build projects. As an asthmatic, the dust collection with my Festool vacuum is a game changer.
Drew ... this is a really really well done video. I recently bought the 500 and am in the middle of setting up a workshop so have not used it yet. This video was PERFECT. This was, throughout, candid and clear. Thanks so much for creating this!
The Domino was a game changer for me. It took my woodworking to the next level and I can't imagine working projects without now. I think you'll experience the same. Enjoy the journey!
Many have apparently said it, but I'll echo. This is hands-down the best explainer for "How to Domino" out there. Spags and others have said, "It's so simple. Just point and shoot," but that is AFTER setup. Drew, thank you for the insights, honesty, and advice you've provided in this tutorial. Great work man. Great work!
This was such a thorough video and I really enjoy your tone. You are very convincing at appearing to be approaching the controversial "Domino question" with an open mind. The end of the video gives away what most Domino owners already know - once you've used one (especially on miters and in ways that make it more than a glorified biscuit joiner), there's really no going back. I owned one five years or so ago, used it a lot, ran into some tough money times, and sold it. In the two years that followed, I found that I was doing a lot less woodworking, in large part because I just didn't have the hours of time to hand cut and fit many of the joints that the Domino had made come together in minutes, so I bit my tongue and bought another. So that I'm clear, it's not that I don't enjoy hand cutting joints or hand tool woodworking. If anything, there's few more satisfying feelings in this hobby than getting a hand-cut joint to come together perfectly. But for me (ymmv) I found that I spend more time in my shop when I have ways to get to the finished product much more quickly.
I have just purchased a Domino, it should arrive tomorrow. I am so glad that I found this video I am far more confident now than I was before I watched it. Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together, excellent content very well presented. Well done.
Excellent review/ explanation. You really hit the nail on the head with the "making your living". A normal guy driving around town has no need for a diesel powered dually. A guy who hauls every single day sees that huge price tag for the truck as an investment in being able to do his job. It's why mechanics have 100s of 1000s of dollars in tools. Speed accuracy and reliability = less friction in the earning a living process. Spot on evaluation!
I’ve recently bought a Domino after watching years of Peter Millard’s 10 Minute Workshop using one effortlessly. But even after watching all of Peter’s videos I thought this was an excellent run through of how to use the Domino, thank you. Peter recommends doing the domino on one side tight and the other one loose, that way you get the wiggle room but the actual Domino is held firmly in place. I think I prefer that than the ‘two loose sides’ approach you showed. Never seen the Domino cross stop, looks to be useful, thanks
The way he did it here is what's recommended by Sedge who is one of the most knowledgeable people on the Domino out there. The problem with mating one tight to one loose is that you lose the end-to-end alignment which is one of the main reasons you would use the tool
I'm a hobbiest too, and like others, time is worth more than the money to me. I bought my first domino about 15 years ago, when I was gluing up more and more carcasses in face frames. When gluing horizontal dividers to drawers, it seemed to be such a time saver over mortises or dowels, that I justified the expense. I had been using biscuit joiners for years, and was satisfied with the ease of alignment that they allowed with panel glue up, but that small mortise was a different problem. After I got the 500, I was so impressed that I started using it for panel glue up also. Not that it really structurally improved them in my mind but the accuracy of alignment meant that it was a lot easier to keep the individual boards in alignment and thus much less time in planing and sanding. Back then I had a performax drum sander and that is fairly slow, so not having to surface sand is a great thing. I still use a biscuit joiner fairly often, mostly because the biscuits are so much cheaper than Dominoes, but only for places where the accuracy is not so important. As to the dust collection. I guess you figured it out that it IS very good, but that also it IS important to use it. Otherwise the port can get too impacted and mess with the accuracy of the machine. That is one thing I think that could be improved upon by Festool. The hose is sort of a PIA to attach, and it sometimes comes off during use. It would be nice to have a "locking" hose, (sort of like the plug locks on)
Talented amateur here. Great video. Love my Festool track saw and MFT/3 table with the extension I bought for it. Very cost effective. I would love to buy the 500 but I don't have the $$$ for it. Instead, I use Peter Millands domino jig for 5mm dominos Takes more time to set up, but you get the same tight/loose fitting for parallel, "L" or "T" joints which I use the most.
Good afternoon friends in the woods! I recently bought a brand new second hand festool domino with all the dominos. I have been just looking and learning as much as i could by first watching as many clips of this tool ax possible.Armed with all the practical tips and way of working, I think I have really invested in something awsome. Look forward to be doing better things with the best machines on the market.Thanks to all the dedicated artisans willing to share their knowledge base to make wood working excellent and attainable for many learners as me.
Best breakdown of this tool I’ve seen. As for the ‘hate’, I think there’s one other big factor here. In reading comments on many different things from woodworking to travel, there seems to be a trend to hate and ridicule those who can afford from those who can’t. Stupid , wasteful, needless are all terms that get thrown around with gusto.
I've thoroughly enjoyed using mine. Saw someone use theirs in my woodworking degree classes and bought one. Made faceframes and glue ups much easier. I've even made full scrap wood projects where nothing was the same size work. It's not a cheap tool, but I enjoy it. Some of their tools, like the planer (which I have) are not this good of quality, but this is one I'd definitely recommend.
Killer video, I just picked up the DF500 about two weeks ago, and I’m trying to soak in all the info I can on it. Simply spending a few hours in the garage playing around with some scrap hardwood and plywood off cuts was enough to get me extremely comfortable with it. Having said all that, I still plan on loving my domino just like Mr. Hibbs, I do find it to control the plunge pretty damn well. 😂
One of, if not the most thoughtful videos ever done on a Festool Domino and Festool in general. For the record, I don't hate Festool. Quite the contrary. I admire them and I'm envious of those who can justify the cost to own them. There is little doubt now that they are leading the pack by quite a bit. I'm a professional but my profession is composing music. I do woodworking for the joy of it. I would love to own a Domino and use it even just once so I could experience the joy of working with a tool that so far, surpasses all the others in the given task - by a mile! Thanks for your insightful deep dive into this flagship product.
Thank you Dwayne! That’s high praise. In your field, what brand would be the “Festool” equivalent? I’m a drummer, so I naturally think DW drums vs Rogue Stradivarius?
@@wittworks Most music I do is all digital using samples so there is no way to point out the Festool of samples. It's too subjective. The Stradivarius does produce an unique, sweet sound that has obviously raised the bar pretty high for violin manufacturers. No one has matched it yet. So yes, that would be a perfect example. Good luck even seeing one much less acquiring it. ❤
Thank you for such an honest review and video of the Festool Domino jointer. Ive been on the fence about buying the domino along with other festool tools for awhile now. Im at the in between stage of hobbiest and professional. I have a woodworking business but it's not full time yet. Tool reviews like this help me see that investing in the proper tools will have a return investment of time. Thanks for the video and your honesty.
Great video! Here's a tip, if you ever cut the mortice in the wrong place and you have no more wood or your timber is expensive, you can just glue in a domino, let the glue dry for a while then cut off the piece which extends out of the mortice, then re-cut the mortise using the domino on the correct location, that's one of the benefits of the Beech being so strong. PS I've subscribed! Cheers for 2024!
I totally agree to your last words! I'm not a professional craftsman - but I do a lot of work, having build my entire house and many of the furniture for myself. By doing so I own more than 10 Festool items, the oldest of them for ~40 years. They all do a fantastic job and none of them ever gave up, even when I did things Festool did not intend to. So, are they worth there high prices? If you only put a painting at the wall every few year's - of course not; but if you want to do serious work - yes without a doubt! ...and btw - working with fine tools is so much more fun than working with ...cheap stuff...
One thing you didnt talk about is you absolutely have to run dust collection with this tool. And you can use 40mm tenons to do a shelf with a 15/25 setting. Everything else you talked about was spot on. Great tool for the professional using it to make a living to the high end hobbyist. Is it for everyone no. Great video! Thanks for sharing!
As a new domino owner, this was helpful. I will say I was shocked by how loose the first loose setting is. I'd love one that was only 1-2mm larger than tight.
This would be totally possible by making your own dominos the right width for your style. meaning, use the loose setting with your own slightly (custom) wider dominoes
Really now, an American RUclipsr explains to me the German Festool Domino 500, so I understand that I must buy it immediately. Because it does everything I need to build shelves and cabinets and saves me time and money. I do not believe it... Thank you for your explanation and your work. Had not previously understood the advantages of the Domino.... Thanks for that....
I really appreciate this video. It helped me make a decision! I was able to snag a used, nearly new DF 500 for $700. It’s still the MOST expensive tool in my entire shop! But I’m just starting a project to make all new kitchen cabinets for our home and I felt it’s now or never! Although I’m retired and have all the time in the world, the speed, ease and repeatability are too appealing to resist.
Very well done video for the Festool Domino. Consider this a Leigh Pro Frame Mortise & Tenon Jig is 1399.00 usd. Then the cost of a pro 3.25 hp router another 600 to 1400 usd, depending on manufacturer, then the router bits 50 to 100 each. The Festool Domino is the more cost effective alternative for the mobile Carpenter for either the D500 or the XL700 system or even both. Just to make Mortise and Tenon Jointery. If you make doors entry or interior use a XL 700 for cabinet doors and frame work use the D500. I don't even use my Kreg Foreman anymore to make face frames my Festool Domino 500 is my go too. Combined with the MFT and ST1000 system all my sheet good and face frame work is done and I can now do mobile repairs for cabinets.
Great job, and now you've got me looking into one of these. I'm building a new house with a 14'x32' woodworking shop. We intentionally left several places without cabinets, bookshelves, and a desk because I plan on making them. Right now on my must have list is a SawStop 36" PCS 3 hp table saw, a Harvey Ambassador C14 band saw, and a Record Power 3 motor CamVac. Looks like I might be getting my 1st Festool piece of equipment in the Domino. I've got a biscuit jointer (well I borrow a friends) and I've never been happy with it. With all the cabinets I'll be building I can see the advantage of having this tool to get it right the 1st time and not get frustrated with my joints. I love making Amish type of furniture, though I've not had the opportunity to make much, but now that I'm retired (64 years old), I'm getting my first woodworking shop (not using my garage and moving stuff around all the time to make room for the cars), I'm looking forward to making furniture for my family and friends.
Thats awesome Pete! I'm very impressed with the cabinet ability of the tool. Sedge has some great videos on it I think. We're moving in a few months and my next shop I'm going to build all of my cabinets with it instead of pocket screws. The fact you dont have to mark and measure is a surprising delight.
I have both of those saws and they're excellent investments. I've also been building cabinets in my shop and have to say the domino came in handy once on a face frame where I mis-judged a pocket hole, but pocket holes really shine in cabinet work. I love my domino but I might recommend you start with a high end sander (festool/mirka/3m, as fits your workflow), which gets much more use and saves a lot of vibration fatigue. My festool sander is by far my favorite tool from them. Also, be aware that large dust collectors like the CamVac lose efficiency quickly when you stop them down below about 2.5" hoses (the domino is something like 27mm outside diameter). It sucks to need two different dust management systems but you'll actually get better performance with a domino or sander by using a regular shop vac (or a dust extractor like the festool ones that turn on/off automatically and run quieter than a regular vac).
@@ex-nerd Thanks for your comments, and a 3M sander is on my shopping list as well. I'm still on the fence on sanders as I keep hearing great things about the festool, and how there system works all work together. I just don't see it in my budget (and getting my wife to approve the purchases 🙂) is always something I have to factor in. After 38 years of marriage I find it helps to have her "approve" of my hobby purchases. Lucky for me (our unlucky because this also drains the wallet) she love to sew and has quite the sewing setup. Part of my build out on our house is her sewing room (cabinets, layout table that is murphy bed like in the wall) so I get to get new tools to help build out her stuff 🙂
@@petenelson8136 3m wasn't out when I got mine, but I ultimately picked the Festool over Mirka because I decided I would probably prefer the switch over the paddle. But they're all so much better than a cheaper device, any would be at the top of my recommended upgrades.
I'm an enthusiast, but I decided to make my own furniture. I had some power tools from various manufacturers, mostly a bit on the cheap side. But this is quite a big project, making furniture for the whole house. I had the oportumity to botrow some of the good stuff and now I completely understand why people get hooked on the green stuff. First I bought tracksaw, dust extractor and a sander. Then I got the oportunity to borrow a Domino. It saved me a lot of time and hugely simplified the process. Unfortunately I was able to have it just for a few days, just enough to get hooked, so I ordered one immediately. The same day I returnef it, I got home with a brand new one. By the time I finish, I'm sure it will pay for itself just by time saved, not to count the frustration.
Just got my domino in. This is by far the best explanation of use, and detail about this tool. I learned a lot from you on this, and I appreciate it. Great video brother!
Best Domino video ever. I have one and I would never give it up. I also have a biscuit joiner and I use both for different reasons. Thanks for taking your time and explaining..
I opted for both of my kidneys and got both the 500 and 700 and can't tell you how happy I am and honestly it paid off in about 5 jobs , yes I went trough a few mistakes as well as you mentioned but most of them is operators mistake because the tool is precise, one only complain about the 500 has a little flaw of the drifting fence on the height adjustment, but there are many remedies to fix that issue , I am really happy with both the 500 gets 80% of use and the 700 20% because of the specifics of that tool and the bigger projects , financially it impacted me badly in the beginning but hey 2 years later I am profiting from my investment, and I am not even full time furniture builder but these tools made my renovation business to take another direction which is very rewarding
Another great video Drew first time I’ve seen someone take the time to show exactly how the domino works and how much easier it can make things even for the hoppiest wood worker. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work
Fantastic video. I bought their domino joiner years ago and just got around to trying it today . When I tried to follow the manual at the beginning I found it wasn’t helping me much . I was hoping there were videos on it and found yours . You did an excellent job of explaining the unit ,learned so much . Some RUclipsrs drag things out too long and I don’t find it helpful . I find your explanations are excellent , and you are easy to follow and a great teacher . Liked and subbed
get a pair of flush diagonal pliers and you can pull out the dominos very quickly from your dry fit. You grab the domino and use the sides of the pliers as a lever. Pops right out.
I borrow this tool from a friend to try it out..I LOVE IT. made gluing up panels like child's play compared to the slippery movement i would get before..well worth having this tool.
Hey Drew, just caught this video and you are spot on with it all. I am a hobbyist wood worker but I enjoy doing accurate work. That comes from my aviation background. I just got a Domino about a week ago because I was having trouble making a chest of drawers for my wife's craft room. The plywood I was trying to use was all wonky and nothing was working out. I tore it apart and went out and bought cabinet grade plywood and my Domino. I am having a blast now making the cabinet and all is square with the world. i love your videos and you always make good sense. Thanks.
When plunging for the shelf you didn’t work off the table - your domino was referencing off the base instead of the fence. Hence the visually obvious offset to the mortise. When cutting your mitre the issue is you adjusted the height before setting the angle. Set the angle first, then “reset” the height by loosening, bringing the fence up, then bringing it down before locking the height in. The fence is fouling on the machine so your height was incorrectly set (too high) when you cut that first mortise in place. When you discovered the reference tab pulled in you corrected the improper height setting on that first cut.
Interesting video! as an aside, thickness x width x length; standard jargon is the smallest dimension(thickness) X next largest(width) x longest(length)
This is a really good refresher video to the Domino, I used the Domino for a project which went seamlessly but I haven't used it since. this weekend I going to dig it out and try some of your tests. Thank you
I was one of those people who hated on the domino. Essentially it was just because i couldnt afford one. But eventually i was able to get one and man..... its worth every penny. What it comes down to is that this tool isnt for everyone. This is more for those how have been in it for a while and plan on sticking with it. We all want all the fancy tools and machines right off the bat but the majority of people cant just run out and drop 1000s of dollars in the first couple years of being into woodworking
I just ordered my 700 domino (straight from Germany with a pretty good discount). The only tip or pointer I'd add (doing my research.... Rule number one especially for newer people like me is to mark your faces (always); so that you reference always the right face. the only other thing is that I'd do the first side with the tight and the opposing side with the middle loose. That's the way I've seen it done to allow for wiggle; meaning not both loose. great video, thanks for doing it. great job.
I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years and, for part of that, ran a small woodworking business (2.5 FT equivalents) making bespoke furniture; I should say that this business was a real sideline to my main business and it was more something that was personally interesting than anything and, when the fun stopped, I closed the business. In any case, any tool was regarded as an investment. We always looked at life cycle costs and not purchase price. I have quite a few Festool items and they vary, in my view, from very good to average to not so good. In the case of the domino, I still have both machines. I started out with traditional M&T joints made by auger, chisel and saw. Then we got a dedicated floor morticer which I still have. The only reason that morticer doesn’t get much use from me now is that my neck and shoulders won’t take the strain of pulling that lever many times to get through hardwood. The dominos are obviously less physically demanding but they were bought because they made M&T joints (okay, more accurately loose tenon joints) quicker and more accurately. We estimated that the payback in labour time alone was 6 months. There is an interesting exercise. If I lost all my tools on some sort of catastrophic fire and got full insurance pay out, what tools would I buy and what from what manufacturer. I would buy the dominos again.
The lighting in your video is so good it’s distracting. I watched your video with Travis yesterday and now I’m looking at the background, shadows and highlights. I can’t unsee it.
Absolutely amazing video, I´ve just bought my domino and was indeed reluctant to start using it, because of how complicated it looks. Going for a table project joinery right now after watching this, fearless. Thanks man!
The fact that you're actually picking the optimal tenon thickness for each part is serious commitment :p. I just use 5mm dominos for basically everything and they're pretty much fine, I just occasionally bust out the 4mm for very small parts or 8mm for very large
Thank you for your video, it was super helpful, I’ve been thinking of purchasing one and you answered a lot of my questions..plus your laid back energy made it even better
I’ve seen a few different opinion/test videos and yours is my favorite by far, as it’s the first one that really went in depth to help me understand exactly what the purpose and function of a domino is. :) So thanks! Of course, I’m a metal worker, so maybe if I was drooling on woodworking tool sites all the time I wouldn’t have had any questions. 😂 Great video brother.
When I make face frames (or any butt joint) with the domino, I always use the tight setting on the rails, and the looser setting on the stiles. That way the dominos always first get glued into the rails tight - you could actually end up with a slanted domino putting into a loose mortise first. I also recently made a trapezoidal cabinet (95/85 miters). Since there aren't positive stops for those, you can actually just use the miter face as a reference for setting the fence.
don’t forget one thing and that is longevity. When I started to restore an old watermill 25 years ago a carpenter told me to spend money and in the long run you will save. Hmmmmm?!?! I bought only Festo and spent the money and I felt that the company was arrogant some times when I suggested some improvements (they did use my tips) all my machines are like new after 25 years of heavy use. Chapeaux!
Good Instructions on the depth settings. When I got mine I was confused (math is hard) on which setting you divided by two and which setting was the full measurement. (obviously words are hard too) Thanks Drew for taking the time to share this with us.
Wow… I have a domino for about 5 years and didn’t know 50% of this. It’s is expensive but I love it. I have 3 of their sanders also. Best sanders I have owned… speeds, dust extraction, low vibration. Great breakdown, thank you! Can you please fly to Germany and rewrite their manuals?
Excellent video! Although I don't have a domino and probably won't for a long time, I watched every minute! Your production is always top notch and content so entertaining and insightful.
I hemmed and hawed about getting a Festool Domino for a long time before buying a D500. It is a great tool. I wish I had more Festool corded tools just because of the wonderful removable cords.
Thank you for this video. Second time watching it. Your closing remarks resonated with me. I like working with my hands. I prioritize the destination and not the journey. I have a full-time job and woodworking and home renovation is a hobby passion. I have limited time to get things done. I buy tools that help me with speed. The Domjno is on my short list.
You mentioned that setting the fence height on material whose thickness doesn't correspond with any of the numbers on the board thickness gauge, won't allow you to return exactly to that fence height setting. What I do to ensure for exact repeatability in such cases is to make a gauge shim that, when set atop the nearest board thickness gauge tip, gives me the exact height I require. Then whenever I want to repolicate that same thickness, I set the board thickness gauge to the "nearest board thickness gauge" setting that I'd used in the first place, then before lowering the fence onto the tip, I set the shim I'd made onto the top of the board thickness gauge tip and lower the fence onto it. I have a number of these shims, which I label before saving them in my Festool Domino Systainer. Then there's the issue of selecting the optimum tenon for the job at hand. You recommend the standard rule of thumb, which is 1/3 the thickness of the pieces being joined. And you used an 18mm thick board to explain that a 6mm X 40mm tenon is ideal. However, because that length will blow through the side of the 18mm board, you recommend dropping down to a 5mm X 30mm to avoid this problem. What I suggest doing is staying with the 6mm X 40mm tenon, but sawing it shorter. This then gives you the tenon thickness desired for giving you the required strength, while ensuring you won't blow through the face of the one board. Whenever I err when making a mortise, I'll usually take a tenon and glue it into the wayward mortise. Once the glue has set enough, I'll saw and chisel the tenon's extra length off, flush with the surface. Then, I'll redo the mortise, this time paying closer attention to my work. I hope these comments help other Domino users get the most out of their machines.
Very very nicely done video however I found only one flaw. The tight mortise and loose mortise cuts. The idea is to have a tight on one side of a particular joint and a loose on the opposing side of the same joint. This allows adjustments during glue-up. If you do tight and loose on the same plane, you are limited to only the tight mortises for such adjustments. Great video!
Well done! I've had my Domino for over 10 years, original face even, with the pins (as opposed to your toggles). For all the reasons you said, 100%. I use vice grips to pull the domino's after a test fit FWIW. But yes, I am an engineer, not a tradesman. So, I am good at designing, and okay at building, quality tools make what I build look good. And my hobbiest time is still valuable. So I have selected WoodPeckers, Festool, Mikata, Milwaukee, and Delta in my shop. I know how I build, and sadly I've evolved, some some stuff get's kicked out. But, I am a value shopper. For me the Domino, and TS55 (only good TS when I got it) are huge in my shop. Expensive but they bring a lot to my shop.
Have you tried the TSO parallel guides with the festool quick release adapters? They are insanely convenient because you don't have to slide the guides on to the track them tighten a screw, you just set it down wherever on the guide rail you want, then pick it up off the guide rail when you're done. For small shops it's a dream come true. TSO makes the best parallel guides on the market.
Easy solution: make a few test fit-dominos! Sand a domino off a bit (so they're not as crazy tight), drill a hole in each end and to remove after a test fit you just put a screwdriver in the hole and simply pull it straight out - like a cork from a bottle. I keep two of each size in a ziplock with the machine to always have them handy.
@@chrisr8996 I had a set of Dominos that were no longer a tight fit, and having the joints fall appart easily was a PITA. With the Vide Grips new Dominos are not that hard to pull. And I like the full fit for dry fitting.
Metric = easy as based on 10, imperial more comples, 8ths, 16ths, 32sth. I grew up with imperial and use to it, but metric is simpler. Woodworking is just a hobby for me. Not cheap tool, but amazing tool. I save lots of time in setup, so I have more time for other things. I remember using biscuit joiner and sold off that tool within 2 weeks after buying it. The best tool for the job is my motto. Every tool has a learning curve. Bottom out the plate to base before setting the angle. Look at some of the Lamello stuff.
loved the video. I do not have a domino machine, but if speed were a factor , I would get one in a heart beat. I have been making loose tenons for years with a router and jigs. Much slower for sure, but very effective. I don't understand, though, why people don't make their own dominos. We generally have more than enough scraps to run through the planer and edge route.
I like and have several Festool products. Festool products are mostly a well thought out system like the LR32 EU cabinet system. Most people do not understand German and European Union's taxes and tariffs. Approximately 30% of a Festool's, Mafel, Felder, Fein's US cost is both of these, and if you are in the EU you get to pay that amount too. But then EU folks also get to add another 20% "Value Added Tax on top of the already Taxed to death price. So choose wisely! I own the DF 500 Q set as well but in many cases my Dowelmax is more accurate and faster and Mathematically just as strong. I mostly never get the DF 500 out of the systainer as the Dowelmax is always more accurate as long as you follow the procedures. If you can't follow instructions nothing will work, not the Festool nor the Dowelmax. BTW this is one of the best DF500 videos out there. Really, a very good job.
I've been trying to take the time to know my tools better, and I thought I was using the domino well - it felt pretty fast. But man, I just learned more ways to even go faster. Gonna go give festool some more money now... :D But really, the domino being described as "precise but loose" is spot on. This is, in fact, a goal I find myself trying to achieve with most of my tools: work precisely without tedium.
Sorry, slow getting to this. Great vid, and thanks so much for the mention Drew! Yeah, Domino can be pretty divisive, but I’ve never met anyone who’s bought one and regretted it! It’s the most versatile of all the hand-held jointing machines - and for the record I have them all! It’s also a ‘free’ tool - provided you keep it for a few years you’ll get your money back if you decide to sell it on. 👍
Thank you friend for helping me understand it! Cheers.
This is, hands down, these best explanation of how to us the Domino mortiser out there. Even better than Festool’s attempt. I am an Industrial Arts teacher in Sydney Australia and teach woodwork, metalwork, technical drawing and engineering at high school. I am also a hobbyist. Years ago I started buying a “tool a project” for my home workshop. The Domino mortiser was my third Festool purchase. I now have three stacks on rolling trolleys (Festool ones). I hav owned my Domino mortiser for at least 10 years (maybe even 15). I now know how to use it properly and will be telling ALL my students and colleagues to use this video BEFORE using the machine. Such a great production. Keep up the great work. Could you please purchase a Rotex 150 and put it through its paces. Thanks once more. Lloyd
Brilliant video on domino tool.
I'm a hobbyist that loves woodworking. After a couple of years I have started to buy a few Festool products and I love them. Professionals buy them to be effective, I buy them because I like the feeling of using really good tools. I do woodworking for pleasure and I don't want to ruin that with cheap tools. I love your videos by the way!
Thank you Daniel! I too love feeling of quality tools
I’m the same…. I started off with mostly Ryobi. 25 years later, I’m replacing with Festool. Like you, I’m a hobbyist, but want to do it full time and want to know I have the best tools. Festool ha REALLY helped me improve (because of the precision).
@@joshuabray37 Expensive but satisfying 😊. I wish you all the best with your future business in woodworking!
I'm a hobbiest that has more money than time. If I've only got 6 hours once a week, I don't want to spend that time fighting a tool that isn't accurate to the degree I want it to be.
Same here
Honestly, this is theeeee best Domino video I’ve seen. I’ve owned both the 500 and 700 for years. As a ‘no BS’ introduction to the tool, this vid is as good as it gets.
500 or 700, which do you prefer if you could only buy one?
@puna32 I bought the 700 and the adapter to use the smaller bits down to 4mm. It works well but it is big and heavy. I use it for bigger furniture so ot was the right choice for me. But it is a bit unwieldy on the smaller material.
I learned so much
1) you do, in fact, say “heighth”
2) you own a utility belt
3) that tool is actually pretty rad
Awesome in depth overview
I think Batman owns a utility belt. Drew has more of a woodworking fannypack
1) you ruined my speech!
I bought one and the first time I used it to put together a drawer box, I told my wife that "I think I bought a Ferrari, but don't know how to shift it". If I had watched your video first it would have gone much smoother! The nice thing about owning one is that I use it for things that one wouldn't normally Domino, but what the heck I can!
I love your style and approach, as well as your sense of humor. Your explanations are clear and concise and not overly technical.
Best Domino explaination on RUclips, thanks. I am an amateur woodworker and are time poor. I have made cabinets, draws, desks etc efficiently and well because I use Festool tools. I started with Makita but the quality just isn't there for the precision required for cabinetry unless significantly more time is spent on a project. In addition, Festool dust collection is phenomenal and makes a real difference to the time and enjoyment of a project. The only argument against Festool is money and a good argument back is time/health. Thanks for taking on the haters, they mislead a lot of people for no good reason.
Thank you! 😍 haters gonna hate
I was in your spot a few months back. The haters can hate, it's probably the best tool I have in my shop. I don't use it all that often when I do the benefits are immediately apparent. Thanks for putting together this guide.
Thanks William! It is so fast. I'm very impressed. The same people who claim it's cheating probably also dont drive an automobile and are still rocking a horse and buggy.
Same here… I got mine a couple months ago and LOVE IT! I’m making a lot of display cases and have a lot of miter and bevel joints. Those are a nightmare to align. With the Domino, it’s so easy and I get perfect joints. I’m so glad I bought it.
Great video. I am a hobbyist and got one a year ago because I make a lot of table tops. It was a game changer for me because my table tops turn out perfect and don't require a lot of sanding the seams. I watched almost every Sedge Tool video to learn his method. The best one is the 4 laws of the Domino. The best tip I learned for glue ups is to do a tight fitting on one entire side of the first board. Then on the second mating board to the first one tight, then loose on the rest. The only downside to that is that you can no longer use the accessory because of the mismatched sizes (I learned the hard way, no dry fitting, straight to glue 😂). You can mark the locations and I usually glue in the dominos on the tight side, let them dry quickly, then a little later glue into the loose side.
One thing I considered as a hobbyist when buying this machine was how easy and quickly it set up and held the setting. Stopping mid project and continuing the next weekend has never been an issue. I hate spending tons of time getting a tool ready to use and rechecking calibrations and such. The price is something to reckon with but the tool is high quality; the cost could be thought of in terms of the yearly cost over the life of the tool. The tutorial videos Sedge has out on his channel and the Festool live series are something unmatched with any other system out there.
That’s a great point! I didn’t think of that.
As a festool disciple I get lots of people saying yeah there ok but I can buy a different brand for much less to do the same job, but watching your video just proves Festool have covered all those little quirks that unless you take the time to research and learn you would probably never realise
Good demonstration of one of the finest tools out there 👍🏻🇬🇧
By far, the best Domino video ever. I'm retired and have no use for an over-priced, but excellent machine that's main virtue is saving time. After a long and enjoyable learning process, I am mostly cutting joinery by hand these days. I didn't hesitate to buy an over-priced Sawstop saw, but there weren't any viable alternatives. For joinery, there are many quality alternatives. Thanks for a great, well thought out presentation.
I can tell you what went wrong when you did the fence at 45 and cutting the miter. At 45, the fence cannot go all the way to the base without keeping the black tabs depressed in. So when you pulled the one tab back out and reset the fence, that’s why it was higher when you cut it. You either have to go down far enough where the tabs don’t go in, or push it all the way to the bottom and not be able to use them as reference. Hope that helps!
Thank you!
Spot on. Always, always set the miter first with the depth stop pulled all the way out. THEN adjust the height. It is the one order of operations on the domino that you have to follow. And yes, the first time I did a miter, I made the same mistake...
@@5280Woodworking😅😅
Sorry for so many comments, but one other hack I use is to remove the head from the body whenever I'm setting up for cuts. It takes all the weight off and you can do all your depth and fence adjustments without having the manhandle the whole device. (OK, I'm done!) BTW, GREAT video. I loved that it came from the perspective of an exploratory newbie. Great concept.
I'm a (retired) professional, using the Domino for maybe 15 years. I wish I had seen your video way back then (Festool Time Machine, next?). I'm pretty proficient with the thing, and have made several jigs to improve order of operations. Your video was a great review. As good as "Sedge" Festool videos! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
As a diy-er fixing and maintaining my home who also enjoys working with wood and aluminum (easy to work with materials without expensive specialised tools) I watch these kind of videos to understand how the high-end tools are making life easy.
I then use the concepts applied by those tools to build jigs to achieve the precision/repeatability for the task at hand (time is not so much a factor, but budget and end-results are). Referencing with physical stops always achieves better results compared to measuring, marking and eyeballing a tool against the markings.
Festool Domino patents ends in 2024 , waiting other brands to make some cheaper versions 🙂
Great video. I've been using the domino for years, and I never noticed the depth setting trick on the 4mm cutter!
Apart from the quality and precision of the Festool system, the other great feature is customer service. If a tool breaks down, even if it is out of warranty, old and obsolete, you can get it fixed and returned to you in very short order...at least that's it works in the U.K. (And I'm sure everywhere else in the world). Definitely not cheap, but worth every penny of the investment.....my woodworking has improved exponentially since I splashed out on my first Festool tool( TS55 plunge saw)
understand the haters, yes it's dang expensive but after spending years cutting tenons and mortises it has made life so much more enjoyable. Definitely worth it for me, and price creep makes me even happier buying it when I did. Good video!
yep
Great video. I converted to Festool about eight years. It was a big investment and the best tools I have are my Tracksaw and Domino. They have changed the way I design and build projects. As an asthmatic, the dust collection with my Festool vacuum is a game changer.
Drew ... this is a really really well done video. I recently bought the 500 and am in the middle of setting up a workshop so have not used it yet. This video was PERFECT. This was, throughout, candid and clear. Thanks so much for creating this!
The Domino was a game changer for me. It took my woodworking to the next level and I can't imagine working projects without now. I think you'll experience the same. Enjoy the journey!
You have just done the BEST explanation of the most disputed tool ! You are a Wood working Guru now! Well done,
well you're very kind to think that!
Many have apparently said it, but I'll echo. This is hands-down the best explainer for "How to Domino" out there. Spags and others have said, "It's so simple. Just point and shoot," but that is AFTER setup. Drew, thank you for the insights, honesty, and advice you've provided in this tutorial. Great work man. Great work!
thank you. that was the goal
This was such a thorough video and I really enjoy your tone. You are very convincing at appearing to be approaching the controversial "Domino question" with an open mind.
The end of the video gives away what most Domino owners already know - once you've used one (especially on miters and in ways that make it more than a glorified biscuit joiner), there's really no going back. I owned one five years or so ago, used it a lot, ran into some tough money times, and sold it. In the two years that followed, I found that I was doing a lot less woodworking, in large part because I just didn't have the hours of time to hand cut and fit many of the joints that the Domino had made come together in minutes, so I bit my tongue and bought another. So that I'm clear, it's not that I don't enjoy hand cutting joints or hand tool woodworking. If anything, there's few more satisfying feelings in this hobby than getting a hand-cut joint to come together perfectly. But for me (ymmv) I found that I spend more time in my shop when I have ways to get to the finished product much more quickly.
thank you
I have just purchased a Domino, it should arrive tomorrow. I am so glad that I found this video I am far more confident now than I was before I watched it. Thank you so much for taking the time to put it together, excellent content very well presented. Well done.
Excellent review/ explanation. You really hit the nail on the head with the "making your living". A normal guy driving around town has no need for a diesel powered dually. A guy who hauls every single day sees that huge price tag for the truck as an investment in being able to do his job. It's why mechanics have 100s of 1000s of dollars in tools. Speed accuracy and reliability = less friction in the earning a living process. Spot on evaluation!
Good point!
I’ve recently bought a Domino after watching years of Peter Millard’s 10 Minute Workshop using one effortlessly. But even after watching all of Peter’s videos I thought this was an excellent run through of how to use the Domino, thank you.
Peter recommends doing the domino on one side tight and the other one loose, that way you get the wiggle room but the actual Domino is held firmly in place. I think I prefer that than the ‘two loose sides’ approach you showed.
Never seen the Domino cross stop, looks to be useful, thanks
The way he did it here is what's recommended by Sedge who is one of the most knowledgeable people on the Domino out there. The problem with mating one tight to one loose is that you lose the end-to-end alignment which is one of the main reasons you would use the tool
I'm a hobbiest too, and like others, time is worth more than the money to me. I bought my first domino about 15 years ago, when I was gluing up more and more carcasses in face frames. When gluing horizontal dividers to drawers, it seemed to be such a time saver over mortises or dowels, that I justified the expense. I had been using biscuit joiners for years, and was satisfied with the ease of alignment that they allowed with panel glue up, but that small mortise was a different problem. After I got the 500, I was so impressed that I started using it for panel glue up also. Not that it really structurally improved them in my mind but the accuracy of alignment meant that it was a lot easier to keep the individual boards in alignment and thus much less time in planing and sanding. Back then I had a performax drum sander and that is fairly slow, so not having to surface sand is a great thing. I still use a biscuit joiner fairly often, mostly because the biscuits are so much cheaper than Dominoes, but only for places where the accuracy is not so important. As to the dust collection. I guess you figured it out that it IS very good, but that also it IS important to use it. Otherwise the port can get too impacted and mess with the accuracy of the machine. That is one thing I think that could be improved upon by Festool. The hose is sort of a PIA to attach, and it sometimes comes off during use. It would be nice to have a "locking" hose, (sort of like the plug locks on)
Talented amateur here. Great video. Love my Festool track saw and MFT/3 table with the extension I bought for it. Very cost effective. I would love to buy the 500 but I don't have the $$$ for it. Instead, I use Peter Millands domino jig for 5mm dominos Takes more time to set up, but you get the same tight/loose fitting for parallel, "L" or "T" joints which I use the most.
Good afternoon friends in the woods!
I recently bought a brand new second hand festool domino with all the dominos.
I have been just looking and learning as much as i could by first watching as many clips of this tool ax possible.Armed with all the practical tips and way of working, I think I have really invested in something awsome.
Look forward to be doing better things with the best machines on the market.Thanks to all the dedicated artisans willing to share their knowledge base to make wood working excellent and attainable for many learners as me.
Best breakdown of this tool I’ve seen. As for the ‘hate’, I think there’s one other big factor here. In reading comments on many different things from woodworking to travel, there seems to be a trend to hate and ridicule those who can afford from those who can’t. Stupid , wasteful, needless are all terms that get thrown around with gusto.
Envy is a b….
I've thoroughly enjoyed using mine. Saw someone use theirs in my woodworking degree classes and bought one. Made faceframes and glue ups much easier. I've even made full scrap wood projects where nothing was the same size work. It's not a cheap tool, but I enjoy it. Some of their tools, like the planer (which I have) are not this good of quality, but this is one I'd definitely recommend.
Killer video, I just picked up the DF500 about two weeks ago, and I’m trying to soak in all the info I can on it. Simply spending a few hours in the garage playing around with some scrap hardwood and plywood off cuts was enough to get me extremely comfortable with it.
Having said all that, I still plan on loving my domino just like Mr. Hibbs, I do find it to control the plunge pretty damn well. 😂
One of, if not the most thoughtful videos ever done on a Festool Domino and Festool in general. For the record, I don't hate Festool. Quite the contrary. I admire them and I'm envious of those who can justify the cost to own them. There is little doubt now that they are leading the pack by quite a bit. I'm a professional but my profession is composing music. I do woodworking for the joy of it. I would love to own a Domino and use it even just once so I could experience the joy of working with a tool that so far, surpasses all the others in the given task - by a mile! Thanks for your insightful deep dive into this flagship product.
Thank you Dwayne! That’s high praise.
In your field, what brand would be the “Festool” equivalent?
I’m a drummer, so I naturally think DW drums vs Rogue
Stradivarius?
@@wittworks Most music I do is all digital using samples so there is no way to point out the Festool of samples. It's too subjective. The Stradivarius does produce an unique, sweet sound that has obviously raised the bar pretty high for violin manufacturers. No one has matched it yet. So yes, that would be a perfect example. Good luck even seeing one much less acquiring it. ❤
Thank you for such an honest review and video of the Festool Domino jointer. Ive been on the fence about buying the domino along with other festool tools for awhile now. Im at the in between stage of hobbiest and professional. I have a woodworking business but it's not full time yet. Tool reviews like this help me see that investing in the proper tools will have a return investment of time.
Thanks for the video and your honesty.
Great video! Here's a tip, if you ever cut the mortice in the wrong place and you have no more wood or your timber is expensive, you can just glue in a domino, let the glue dry for a while then cut off the piece which extends out of the mortice, then re-cut the mortise using the domino on the correct location, that's one of the benefits of the Beech being so strong. PS I've subscribed!
Cheers for 2024!
This is the video EVERY domino owner needs to watch. Super well thought out and I appreciate the transparency!
thank you
I totally agree to your last words! I'm not a professional craftsman - but I do a lot of work, having build my entire house and many of the furniture for myself. By doing so I own more than 10 Festool items, the oldest of them for ~40 years. They all do a fantastic job and none of them ever gave up, even when I did things Festool did not intend to. So, are they worth there high prices? If you only put a painting at the wall every few year's - of course not; but if you want to do serious work - yes without a doubt! ...and btw - working with fine tools is so much more fun than working with ...cheap stuff...
Well said!
One thing you didnt talk about is you absolutely have to run dust collection with this tool. And you can use 40mm tenons to do a shelf with a 15/25 setting. Everything else you talked about was spot on. Great tool for the professional using it to make a living to the high end hobbyist. Is it for everyone no. Great video! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. I intentionally showed using the 5x30 on the shelf for the beginner so it would confuse
I just wanted to say. You are a class act. And I very much enjoy your content and the way you present it. Thank you
Thank you Brian!
As a new domino owner, this was helpful. I will say I was shocked by how loose the first loose setting is. I'd love one that was only 1-2mm larger than tight.
This would be totally possible by making your own dominos the right width for your style. meaning, use the loose setting with your own slightly (custom) wider dominoes
Really now, an American RUclipsr explains to me the German Festool Domino 500, so I understand that I must buy it immediately. Because it does everything I need to build shelves and cabinets and saves me time and money. I do not believe it... Thank you for your explanation and your work. Had not previously understood the advantages of the Domino.... Thanks for that....
I really appreciate this video. It helped me make a decision! I was able to snag a used, nearly new DF 500 for $700. It’s still the MOST expensive tool in my entire shop! But I’m just starting a project to make all new kitchen cabinets for our home and I felt it’s now or never! Although I’m retired and have all the time in the world, the speed, ease and repeatability are too appealing to resist.
Very well done video for the Festool Domino. Consider this a Leigh Pro Frame Mortise & Tenon Jig is 1399.00 usd. Then the cost of a pro 3.25 hp router another 600 to 1400 usd, depending on manufacturer, then the router bits 50 to 100 each. The Festool Domino is the more cost effective alternative for the mobile Carpenter for either the D500 or the XL700 system or even both. Just to make Mortise and Tenon Jointery. If you make doors entry or interior use a XL 700 for cabinet doors and frame work use the D500. I don't even use my Kreg Foreman anymore to make face frames my Festool Domino 500 is my go too. Combined with the MFT and ST1000 system all my sheet good and face frame work is done and I can now do mobile repairs for cabinets.
I’m a 4 year domino user. It never ceases to amaze me. Great vid.
thank you. i still feel like a noob
Great job, and now you've got me looking into one of these. I'm building a new house with a 14'x32' woodworking shop. We intentionally left several places without cabinets, bookshelves, and a desk because I plan on making them. Right now on my must have list is a SawStop 36" PCS 3 hp table saw, a Harvey Ambassador C14 band saw, and a Record Power 3 motor CamVac. Looks like I might be getting my 1st Festool piece of equipment in the Domino. I've got a biscuit jointer (well I borrow a friends) and I've never been happy with it. With all the cabinets I'll be building I can see the advantage of having this tool to get it right the 1st time and not get frustrated with my joints. I love making Amish type of furniture, though I've not had the opportunity to make much, but now that I'm retired (64 years old), I'm getting my first woodworking shop (not using my garage and moving stuff around all the time to make room for the cars), I'm looking forward to making furniture for my family and friends.
Thats awesome Pete! I'm very impressed with the cabinet ability of the tool. Sedge has some great videos on it I think. We're moving in a few months and my next shop I'm going to build all of my cabinets with it instead of pocket screws. The fact you dont have to mark and measure is a surprising delight.
I have both of those saws and they're excellent investments. I've also been building cabinets in my shop and have to say the domino came in handy once on a face frame where I mis-judged a pocket hole, but pocket holes really shine in cabinet work. I love my domino but I might recommend you start with a high end sander (festool/mirka/3m, as fits your workflow), which gets much more use and saves a lot of vibration fatigue. My festool sander is by far my favorite tool from them. Also, be aware that large dust collectors like the CamVac lose efficiency quickly when you stop them down below about 2.5" hoses (the domino is something like 27mm outside diameter). It sucks to need two different dust management systems but you'll actually get better performance with a domino or sander by using a regular shop vac (or a dust extractor like the festool ones that turn on/off automatically and run quieter than a regular vac).
@@ex-nerd Thanks for your comments, and a 3M sander is on my shopping list as well. I'm still on the fence on sanders as I keep hearing great things about the festool, and how there system works all work together. I just don't see it in my budget (and getting my wife to approve the purchases 🙂) is always something I have to factor in. After 38 years of marriage I find it helps to have her "approve" of my hobby purchases. Lucky for me (our unlucky because this also drains the wallet) she love to sew and has quite the sewing setup. Part of my build out on our house is her sewing room (cabinets, layout table that is murphy bed like in the wall) so I get to get new tools to help build out her stuff 🙂
@@petenelson8136 3m wasn't out when I got mine, but I ultimately picked the Festool over Mirka because I decided I would probably prefer the switch over the paddle. But they're all so much better than a cheaper device, any would be at the top of my recommended upgrades.
I would highly recommend buying the plans for the domino dock. Works so well. And makes it even faster!
I'm an enthusiast, but I decided to make my own furniture. I had some power tools from various manufacturers, mostly a bit on the cheap side. But this is quite a big project, making furniture for the whole house. I had the oportumity to botrow some of the good stuff and now I completely understand why people get hooked on the green stuff. First I bought tracksaw, dust extractor and a sander. Then I got the oportunity to borrow a Domino. It saved me a lot of time and hugely simplified the process. Unfortunately I was able to have it just for a few days, just enough to get hooked, so I ordered one immediately. The same day I returnef it, I got home with a brand new one.
By the time I finish, I'm sure it will pay for itself just by time saved, not to count the frustration.
Just got my domino in. This is by far the best explanation of use, and detail about this tool. I learned a lot from you on this, and I appreciate it. Great video brother!
Best Domino video ever. I have one and I would never give it up. I also have a biscuit joiner and I use both for different reasons. Thanks for taking your time and explaining..
Awesome! Thank you!
I opted for both of my kidneys and got both the 500 and 700 and can't tell you how happy I am and honestly it paid off in about 5 jobs , yes I went trough a few mistakes as well as you mentioned but most of them is operators mistake because the tool is precise, one only complain about the 500 has a little flaw of the drifting fence on the height adjustment, but there are many remedies to fix that issue , I am really happy with both the 500 gets 80% of use and the 700 20% because of the specifics of that tool and the bigger projects , financially it impacted me badly in the beginning but hey 2 years later I am profiting from my investment, and I am not even full time furniture builder but these tools made my renovation business to take another direction which is very rewarding
Another great video Drew first time I’ve seen someone take the time to show exactly how the domino works and how much easier it can make things even for the hoppiest wood worker. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work
I appreciate that Jim!
Fantastic video. I bought their domino joiner years ago and just got around to trying it today . When I tried to follow the manual at the beginning I found it wasn’t helping me much . I was hoping there were videos on it and found yours . You did an excellent job of explaining the unit ,learned so much . Some RUclipsrs drag things out too long and I don’t find it helpful . I find your explanations are excellent , and you are easy to follow and a great teacher .
Liked and subbed
get a pair of flush diagonal pliers and you can pull out the dominos very quickly from your dry fit. You grab the domino and use the sides of the pliers as a lever. Pops right out.
nice tip!
I am just a DIY and bought a Makita Biscuit Joiner. Same basic concept. I've used it a dozen times or so. I'm happy, easy to use and get the job done.
I borrow this tool from a friend to try it out..I LOVE IT. made gluing up panels like child's play compared to the slippery movement i would get before..well worth having this tool.
Hey Drew, just caught this video and you are spot on with it all. I am a hobbyist wood worker but I enjoy doing accurate work. That comes from my aviation background. I just got a Domino about a week ago because I was having trouble making a chest of drawers for my wife's craft room. The plywood I was trying to use was all wonky and nothing was working out. I tore it apart and went out and bought cabinet grade plywood and my Domino. I am having a blast now making the cabinet and all is square with the world. i love your videos and you always make good sense. Thanks.
When plunging for the shelf you didn’t work off the table - your domino was referencing off the base instead of the fence. Hence the visually obvious offset to the mortise.
When cutting your mitre the issue is you adjusted the height before setting the angle. Set the angle first, then “reset” the height by loosening, bringing the fence up, then bringing it down before locking the height in. The fence is fouling on the machine so your height was incorrectly set (too high) when you cut that first mortise in place. When you discovered the reference tab pulled in you corrected the improper height setting on that first cut.
Thank you. Details details!
I don’t do enough fine woodwork to justify a domino, but this video really demystified it for me.
Thanks for digging so deep into it Drew!
Thank you. Demystifying was the goal!
Fine woodworking? I used my Domino to build knock-down chicken pens. I used cedar lumber with Sipo dominoes. Domino system easily paid for itself.
Interesting video! as an aside, thickness x width x length; standard jargon is the smallest dimension(thickness) X next largest(width) x longest(length)
This is a really good refresher video to the Domino, I used the Domino for a project which went seamlessly but I haven't used it since. this weekend I going to dig it out and try some of your tests. Thank you
awesome! thank you.
The narrow stock guide is a great timesaver. I made garden arbors out of 1"x1.5" stock and just assembly-lined the horizontal pieces. Super easy.
I was one of those people who hated on the domino. Essentially it was just because i couldnt afford one. But eventually i was able to get one and man..... its worth every penny. What it comes down to is that this tool isnt for everyone. This is more for those how have been in it for a while and plan on sticking with it. We all want all the fancy tools and machines right off the bat but the majority of people cant just run out and drop 1000s of dollars in the first couple years of being into woodworking
I just ordered my 700 domino (straight from Germany with a pretty good discount). The only tip or pointer I'd add (doing my research.... Rule number one especially for newer people like me is to mark your faces (always); so that you reference always the right face. the only other thing is that I'd do the first side with the tight and the opposing side with the middle loose. That's the way I've seen it done to allow for wiggle; meaning not both loose. great video, thanks for doing it. great job.
Enjoyed the way you showed how to do lots of realistic uses of the domino. Thanks
I’ve been woodworking for over 45 years and, for part of that, ran a small woodworking business (2.5 FT equivalents) making bespoke furniture; I should say that this business was a real sideline to my main business and it was more something that was personally interesting than anything and, when the fun stopped, I closed the business.
In any case, any tool was regarded as an investment. We always looked at life cycle costs and not purchase price. I have quite a few Festool items and they vary, in my view, from very good to average to not so good.
In the case of the domino, I still have both machines. I started out with traditional M&T joints made by auger, chisel and saw. Then we got a dedicated floor morticer which I still have. The only reason that morticer doesn’t get much use from me now is that my neck and shoulders won’t take the strain of pulling that lever many times to get through hardwood. The dominos are obviously less physically demanding but they were bought because they made M&T joints (okay, more accurately loose tenon joints) quicker and more accurately. We estimated that the payback in labour time alone was 6 months.
There is an interesting exercise. If I lost all my tools on some sort of catastrophic fire and got full insurance pay out, what tools would I buy and what from what manufacturer. I would buy the dominos again.
The lighting in your video is so good it’s distracting. I watched your video with Travis yesterday and now I’m looking at the background, shadows and highlights. I can’t unsee it.
🤦♂️
Absolutely amazing video, I´ve just bought my domino and was indeed reluctant to start using it, because of how complicated it looks. Going for a table project joinery right now after watching this, fearless. Thanks man!
I also love that slurp sound when pulling it apart. So satisfying. Lol.
Great information video. I’ve been using the domino for about 15 plus years and Ive got a few tips from this video.
Thank you! That's a huge compliment! I'm sure theres some tricks you could show me!
The fact that you're actually picking the optimal tenon thickness for each part is serious commitment :p. I just use 5mm dominos for basically everything and they're pretty much fine, I just occasionally bust out the 4mm for very small parts or 8mm for very large
Thank you for your video, it was super helpful, I’ve been thinking of purchasing one and you answered a lot of my questions..plus your laid back energy made it even better
Glad it was helpful!
I’ve seen a few different opinion/test videos and yours is my favorite by far, as it’s the first one that really went in depth to help me understand exactly what the purpose and function of a domino is. :) So thanks! Of course, I’m a metal worker, so maybe if I was drooling on woodworking tool sites all the time I wouldn’t have had any questions. 😂 Great video brother.
When I make face frames (or any butt joint) with the domino, I always use the tight setting on the rails, and the looser setting on the stiles. That way the dominos always first get glued into the rails tight - you could actually end up with a slanted domino putting into a loose mortise first.
I also recently made a trapezoidal cabinet (95/85 miters). Since there aren't positive stops for those, you can actually just use the miter face as a reference for setting the fence.
Brilliant. Thank you for sharing
don’t forget one thing and that is longevity. When I started to restore an old watermill 25 years ago a carpenter told me to spend money and in the long run you will save. Hmmmmm?!?!
I bought only Festo and spent the money and I felt that the company was arrogant some times when I suggested some improvements (they did use my tips) all my machines are like new after 25 years of heavy use.
Chapeaux!
Good Instructions on the depth settings. When I got mine I was confused (math is hard) on which setting you divided by two and which setting was the full measurement. (obviously words are hard too) Thanks Drew for taking the time to share this with us.
Thank you David!
Good video. Just bought the 500 and am thankful that I watched this before using. Best primer I’ve seen.
This is a great rundown of the tool. Thanks!
I've been wanting one for a while. Now I just need the project to justify buying it.
Wow… I have a domino for about 5 years and didn’t know 50% of this. It’s is expensive but I love it. I have 3 of their sanders also. Best sanders I have owned… speeds, dust extraction, low vibration.
Great breakdown, thank you! Can you please fly to Germany and rewrite their manuals?
Glad it was helpful!
Steven Spielberg has officially been de-throned !!......Really awesome video and you've got my subscription
et phone festool
Hands down the most useful refresher on the Domino. Thank you.
Excellent video! Although I don't have a domino and probably won't for a long time, I watched every minute! Your production is always top notch and content so entertaining and insightful.
Thank you! 🥰
I hemmed and hawed about getting a Festool Domino for a long time before buying a D500. It is a great tool. I wish I had more Festool corded tools just because of the wonderful removable cords.
Just got one for finish carpentery. Lots of great tips here, I was worried it would collect dust but I now I can see using it a whole lot
Thank you for sharing this knowledge! One day, Lord willing, I'll own one. I'm just a hobbyist, but I'm hoping that it will grow into a full-time job.
Excellent video, thank you for your walk through of this tool. Cheers!
Thank you for this video. Second time watching it. Your closing remarks resonated with me. I like working with my hands. I prioritize the destination and not the journey. I have a full-time job and woodworking and home renovation is a hobby passion. I have limited time to get things done. I buy tools that help me with speed. The Domjno is on my short list.
Best Domino instruction Video I’ve seen . Brilliant, thanks 👍
You mentioned that setting the fence height on material whose thickness doesn't correspond with any of the numbers on the board thickness gauge, won't allow you to return exactly to that fence height setting. What I do to ensure for exact repeatability in such cases is to make a gauge shim that, when set atop the nearest board thickness gauge tip, gives me the exact height I require. Then whenever I want to repolicate that same thickness, I set the board thickness gauge to the "nearest board thickness gauge" setting that I'd used in the first place, then before lowering the fence onto the tip, I set the shim I'd made onto the top of the board thickness gauge tip and lower the fence onto it. I have a number of these shims, which I label before saving them in my Festool Domino Systainer.
Then there's the issue of selecting the optimum tenon for the job at hand. You recommend the standard rule of thumb, which is 1/3 the thickness of the pieces being joined. And you used an 18mm thick board to explain that a 6mm X 40mm tenon is ideal. However, because that length will blow through the side of the 18mm board, you recommend dropping down to a 5mm X 30mm to avoid this problem. What I suggest doing is staying with the 6mm X 40mm tenon, but sawing it shorter. This then gives you the tenon thickness desired for giving you the required strength, while ensuring you won't blow through the face of the one board.
Whenever I err when making a mortise, I'll usually take a tenon and glue it into the wayward mortise. Once the glue has set enough, I'll saw and chisel the tenon's extra length off, flush with the surface. Then, I'll redo the mortise, this time paying closer attention to my work.
I hope these comments help other Domino users get the most out of their machines.
Very very nicely done video however I found only one flaw. The tight mortise and loose mortise cuts. The idea is to have a tight on one side of a particular joint and a loose on the opposing side of the same joint. This allows adjustments during glue-up. If you do tight and loose on the same plane, you are limited to only the tight mortises for such adjustments. Great video!
Got my sub on the first vid, dude. Why? I appreciate your thorough approach and transparency. Saved me time and inspired my trust.
Man I appreciate that! That’s high praise on a domino for dummies video! You’re the best.
Well done! I've had my Domino for over 10 years, original face even, with the pins (as opposed to your toggles). For all the reasons you said, 100%. I use vice grips to pull the domino's after a test fit FWIW. But yes, I am an engineer, not a tradesman. So, I am good at designing, and okay at building, quality tools make what I build look good. And my hobbiest time is still valuable. So I have selected WoodPeckers, Festool, Mikata, Milwaukee, and Delta in my shop. I know how I build, and sadly I've evolved, some some stuff get's kicked out. But, I am a value shopper. For me the Domino, and TS55 (only good TS when I got it) are huge in my shop. Expensive but they bring a lot to my shop.
Good insight! A lot of time what we pay for what we get
Have you tried the TSO parallel guides with the festool quick release adapters? They are insanely convenient because you don't have to slide the guides on to the track them tighten a screw, you just set it down wherever on the guide rail you want, then pick it up off the guide rail when you're done. For small shops it's a dream come true. TSO makes the best parallel guides on the market.
Easy solution: make a few test fit-dominos! Sand a domino off a bit (so they're not as crazy tight), drill a hole in each end and to remove after a test fit you just put a screwdriver in the hole and simply pull it straight out - like a cork from a bottle. I keep two of each size in a ziplock with the machine to always have them handy.
@@chrisr8996 I had a set of Dominos that were no longer a tight fit, and having the joints fall appart easily was a PITA. With the Vide Grips new Dominos are not that hard to pull. And I like the full fit for dry fitting.
@@wittworks AKA, Buy once; Cry once.
Metric = easy as based on 10, imperial more comples, 8ths, 16ths, 32sth. I grew up with imperial and use to it, but metric is simpler. Woodworking is just a hobby for me. Not cheap tool, but amazing tool. I save lots of time in setup, so I have more time for other things. I remember using biscuit joiner and sold off that tool within 2 weeks after buying it. The best tool for the job is my motto. Every tool has a learning curve. Bottom out the plate to base before setting the angle. Look at some of the Lamello stuff.
Festool recommends that you change the setting for the width of the holes on the DF500 only when the tool is running.
Great Video mate! So informative and you use METRIC! Best American ever!!
haha! 🦘
loved the video. I do not have a domino machine, but if speed were a factor , I would get one in a heart beat. I have been making loose tenons for years with a router and jigs. Much slower for sure, but very effective. I don't understand, though, why people don't make their own dominos. We generally have more than enough scraps to run through the planer and edge route.
what a fantastic video, very informative and made me a bit more relaxed about spending £1200 on an electric hand tool. big thumbs up.
I like and have several Festool products. Festool products are mostly a well thought out system like the LR32 EU cabinet system. Most people do not understand German and European Union's taxes and tariffs. Approximately 30% of a Festool's, Mafel, Felder, Fein's US cost is both of these, and if you are in the EU you get to pay that amount too. But then EU folks also get to add another 20% "Value Added Tax on top of the already Taxed to death price. So choose wisely! I own the DF 500 Q set as well but in many cases my Dowelmax is more accurate and faster and Mathematically just as strong. I mostly never get the DF 500 out of the systainer as the Dowelmax is always more accurate as long as you follow the procedures. If you can't follow instructions nothing will work, not the Festool nor the Dowelmax. BTW this is one of the best DF500 videos out there. Really, a very good job.
Best video about the domino so far! well done!
thanks
I've been trying to take the time to know my tools better, and I thought I was using the domino well - it felt pretty fast. But man, I just learned more ways to even go faster. Gonna go give festool some more money now... :D
But really, the domino being described as "precise but loose" is spot on. This is, in fact, a goal I find myself trying to achieve with most of my tools: work precisely without tedium.