Get to Know the Festool Domino 500: The Power Tool for Precise Wood Joining

[@kevindoyle4521]

Thanks for this tutorial. I have a small operation and could never justify the expense of a Domino, but I’ve been considering it lately. This helps me make an informed decision. I’m a big fan of your work and teaching.

[@dsdragoon]

My favorite tool is my XL 700, I make sure that every project I do uses dominos, my pocket hole jig collects dust. Another tip is to make a set of “Dry Fit Dominos” by sanding down, slightly, the domino thickness to make inserting in and taking them out easier when doing a dry fit. I color my “Dry Fit Dominos” with Sharpie Markers, so I do not accidently use the “Dry Fit Dominos” in the final glue up. It may take using a mallet to drive a domino in but, be careful because the glue can generate enough hydraulic pressure to bust out the bottom of the mortise, through the panel. Inserting the domino, a little slower allows the glue to squeeze out as it should Wood Glue contains enough moisture that it can cause the domino to swell making inserting the dominos a bit harder. We need a domino extractor to replace the small Vice-Grips that I use.

[@dngriffiths8105]

Great tips, thanks.

[@dsdragoon]

@@dngriffiths8105 You are welcome!

[@milkod2001]

Very straightforward, right to the point, no BS. Nice, thanks for this video.

[@Out-O-Here]

Excellent instruction :) Top instruction so far of many on YT

[@fotopdo]

This is a good intro to the Domino, but a few minor corrections: it comes with the 5mm cutter, not the 6mm as standard. You also get the vertical support with the base unit. The full set includes the two other accessories shown, (but not discussed). The first is for making repeated cuts on the end of narrow stock, the second is the pair of “wings” that allow you to make mortises along a long edge without marking, each successive cut is referenced from the previous. They are both helpful, and are about half price when purchased as the full set. (A rare Festool discount!) Also, they introduced a 4mm cutter a few years back. They are good for delicate projects and work with 12mm ply. Also a good choice when used more for alignment than strength. The 4mm cutter is shorter than all the others, so you have to take care when setting the depth. Also, 5mm is also a good option 18mm/ 3/4” ply, at only 30mm length you can go full depth into both sides even with right angles, one less mistake to make 😀

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Mine came with 6mm, but it is over 10 years old and the vertical support did not come with the base kit. I did not show the other accessories as I wanted to demonstrate how I how I use it in my personal workflow and I don't use the accessories often. I demonstrated the vertical support as I think it does help, thought I personally have found I can hold the domino square without it and prefer not having to install and remove accessories unless absolutely necessary.

[@fotopdo]

@@TheSmartWoodshop I hope you didn't feel like I was being critical, I should have realized that things may have changed over the course of 10 years! It was a very good first look at the Domino, I just thought it might be helpful to folks to point out what comes in the current configurations. When I bought mine it was a few a months after the "Emerald Anniversary" edition came out, which included all the additional cutters for free! I checked everywhere but they sold out very quickly.

[@fotopdo]

I would also agree that I use those accessories less often over time. I am a big fan of the Domiplate when working with case goods, even though it is slightly awkward powering on/off because you using the machine upside down.

[@williamcooper5009]

Ron, You responded to my comment. Thank you. I spoke w Festool and removed my comment. I’ll do more tests to see if I can figure it out. Doubtful on user error as I’ve had great success with it, until it stopped: here’s what happened: While using pencil marks, I’d plunge both workpieces only to find the lines misaligned by 1mm once dry assembled. This was along an 8 foot cabinet for workshop while attaching back to base. While attaching sides the next day, it did the exact same thing. I’m using the engraved mark on bottom of base, not the plastic guide, which can and does move. I will do further testing and get back to you. Once again, thank you for all you’ve done for the carpentry/woodworking community!

[@oswegowes]

three additions to consider... Seneca woodworking domiplate (even easier to make aligned holes) TSO Bigfoot (like the festool foot but much larger)...also works with the DF700 For the offsets on the mortices--0, 3mm, 5mm (I put this on the top of my domino). You can use this offset with the accessory guide wings to make the offsets for regularly spaced mortices top and bottom (just adjust the wing offset for top (no offset) and bottom) ..that way you can cut a long series of mortices and have them all line up

[@johnniewealot4290]

I just ordered the df500. I was watching videos and wondering about the domiplate. Looks like it would work well, just haven't decided yet

[@kevincriswell7533]

Thanks Ron, great video. My Domino is similar to my oscillating cutter; resisted buying one for years, but now that I have a, can’t imagine being without it. Use it just about every day.

[@arizzonLA]

Great video man, made me appreciate the tool that much more 👊🏼

[@scsolutions25]

Best explainer video on the 500 I've seen...thx

[@allent555]

Great video! I was on the fence about getting the Domino, however now going to pull the trigger. Thanks

[@andypire6278]

Thanks for a great video!! I’ve been eyeing the domino for awhile and now you’ve encouraged me to start to set a side money to get one. I would love to see a second “basics” video or intermediate with your thoughts on laying out the cuts and more importantly why you choose certain sizes, spacings and when. With 10 years of use you probably have had problems/ mistakes that we could all benefit from and limitations you have found.

[@bmb-bv3er]

Great video for us starting out. How about one for the festool router.

[@howesfull8]

Besides the width issue (can't use a biscuit for rail and stile very well), does the domino have significant advantage over a good biscuit joiner?....or is it like batteries ( pick dewalt or milwaukee and run with it)?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

A biscuit doesn’t have the tight precision of a tenon (Domino). I had and used two biscuit machines, but once I started using the domino , I never once considered using a biscuit. Finally, after years taking up space, both machines went on to new owners.

[@howesfull8]

@@TheSmartWoodshop Thanks Ron. It sounds like a better mousetrap.

[@irakopilow9223]

They also make a 4 mm Domino, witch I use often. If I may make one comment, it would be to advance the router slow and steady. I plunged it too fast once and broke the bit :(.

[@andyyun1162]

Sounds like user error.

[@wmc7870]

Hi Ron, Please may I ask a question? (It's unrelated to recent topics but I would love to hear an opinion from you) Do you feel there is an optimum drawer width in your trailer set ups? I'm looking to put cabinets in my workshop and wouldn't mind direction from you as I'm sure you have built and used hundreds of drawers. Many thanks for taking the time to put out interesting and educational videos! Wayne

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

Yes, as i only have one width in my trailer. 30"

[@wmc7870]

@@TheSmartWoodshop many thanks Ron. Really appreciate you taking the time to answer!

[@mikeecker146]

Is there a reason why I should not use my DF500 to build a Paulk Smart Bench?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

It would be a good option. I don't as I need a way for those without a Domino to build it.

[@martylts]

Great video Ron! I would love to see you in the field. Any progress on that front?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

No options yet. I just can't bring myself to pay $600K for a 1200' house on a 4000' lot that needs a bare-stud remodel. I have multiple agents searching, but the market needs a bit more time to cool.

[@martylts]

@@TheSmartWoodshop 600k...If that is the case I don't blame you! Homes in my part of the country are $150-200 per square foot and that is considered high

[@vitaliyg3516]

Thanks

[@johnniewealot4290]

Have you ever tried the Domiplate?

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

I have not, but it solves a problem I don't have.😎🤙

[@tomlawler3661]

Don't watch if your looking for any comparison with biscuit joiners. Looks to be the same as the biscuit that most of us already have!

[@TheSmartWoodshop]

A biscuit joint doesn’t have the precision or hold of a Domino. I had two biscuit jointers for many years, but once I got the Domino, I never used the biscuit machines again. I covered the difference in the video, but cut it as most carpenters now know enough about the Domino and the biscuit vs domino debate is over.

[@fotopdo]

The Domino also provides surface alignment like a biscuit, but does a lot more in the way of strengthening joints. Consider glueing up a tabletop, both Biscuit and Domino would keep alignment while the glue dried, but don't add strength to that joint because the long grain to long grain glue joint is so strong. But if you if you then made a waterfall style table with that panel, the 45 degree end grain butt joint would be very weak, and properly sized Dominos would add a lot strength because of all the long grain glue joints. The better comparison would be with dowels, and you can get a workable jig for cheap and very good ones for $100. Or the Rockler Beadlock floating tenon jig for $79. Those and many other systems will yield excellent results, but just take much longer. The Domino is a production tool that gets work done, quickly and cleanly. It's not the best choice for everyone. As a footnote, the only handheld dowel machine I'm aware of, that has the accuracy of the Domino is made by Mafell and is a few hundred dollars more than the Festool. I had the Triton Duo Dowler, and it was unusable even after 2 visits for factory repair.

[@alphaclean3364]

There's always that one guy in the comments

[@dhyde9207]

Tom Lawler: If you think biscuits and domino's are equivalent, you haven't been paying attention. "Don't watch if your looking for any comparison..." Don't tell me what to watch. You're not the boss of me.

[@RustyCas999]

If you can’t intuitively appreciate the difference between a biscuit and a domino, then the Festool is probably not going to improve the quality of your work, so it’s probably not something Tom Lawler needs.