This is Ultimate Toolsday, where we highlight the best tools available.
This time, we're throwing the spotlight on one of Festool's most unique tools that's highly specialized, yet widely adopted by woodworkers everywhere. We're talking about the Domino Joiners. The Domino system enables strong joinery at incredible speed.
Watch the video below to see how quick and precise they are, and how effective the dust extraction really is.
Available in two sizes, Domino Joiners are favourites among:
- Cabinetmakers
- Trim carpenters
- Furnituremakers
- Window and door manufacturers
- Architectural millworkers
- Custom woodworkers
Because the Domino system uses ready-made loose tenons (called Dominos) made of solid hardwood, the resulting joints are:
- Quick to assemble
- Self-aligning
- Strong
- Rotation-proof
Know Your Tools
There are two sizes of Domino joiners:
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Festool Domino Joiner DF 500 |
Festool Domino XL Joiner DF 700 |
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Know Your Tenons
Wooden Domino tenons are available in various lengths and thicknesses for different materials and applications. Always match the bit size to the tenon thickness.
Choose from beech or Sipo mahogany for exterior, or decorative applications. They are precisely manufactured to provide a snug fit in the mortise, and are usually glued in place. Domino tenons are available in packages by size, or in Assortment Systainers which are the best value as they also include all the cutters required.
FastCap's Fastenons are a variation of the Domino tenon, providing self-clamping benefits thanks to the barbed design. Glue is optional.
Festool also makes knock-down connectors that permit strong connections that can be assembled and disassembled time and time again. If you're just starting out with connectors, the Systainer Sets are a great way to go.
Know Your Accessories
One of the keys to success with a Domino Joiner is accurate and repeatable positioning. The machine itself features an adjustable fence that raises and lowers, and tilts, plus built-in indexing stops.
Additional accessories that attach to the joiner provide enhanced support and positioning.
Domino Cutters
The size of mortise is controlled by the size of bit installed in the machine, and the width can be increased from a tight fit for lateral tolerance. Bit changes on either machine are simple, requiring only one wrench thanks to spindle lock buttons.
There are five cutter sizes for the DF 500 from 4 to 10 millimetres and four for the DF 700 from 8 to 14 millimetres. They are available from Festool or Amana Tool.
Dust Extraction
With Domino Joiners, dust extraction is essential. Not only does it keep the workspace clean, it helps remove dust from the mortise as it's created to allow the bit to cut better and with less heat.
Any size of dust extractor is suitable for use with a Domino Joiner, but look for one with an auto-start feature.
Stay tuned for our next instalment of Ultimate Toolsday, where we’ll showcase another ultimate tool. You won’t want to miss it!
Shop Domino Joiners & Accessories
