Domino for Dummies

Everyone talks about how fast and easy the Festool Domino is but I found it SO CONFUSING. For those interested, I figured out everything a beginner needs to know to get started and made a single video so you don't have to go through tons of videos to learn about it.
Check out www.festoolusa... to see what all the high-end carpenters have available to them. ‪@festoolusa‬ #FestoolBuiltBetter #FestoolUSA
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Festool Domino DF500: amzn.to/3IryRly
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[@10MinuteWorkshop]

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. 👍

[@wittworks]

Thank you friend for helping me understand it! Cheers.

[@indetailcarcaresolutions3770]

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

[@stephendennick7304]

Brilliant video on domino tool.

[@geoffreycoan]

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

[@falxonPSN]

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

[@ShopNation]

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

[@spsully2582]

I think Batman owns a utility belt. Drew has more of a woodworking fannypack

[@wittworks]

1) you ruined my speech!

[@kickpublishing]

Heighth was once correct English, it just went out of fashion.

[@danielrisberg2112]

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!

[@wittworks]

Thank you Daniel! I too love feeling of quality tools

[@joshuabray37]

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).

[@danielrisberg2112]

@@joshuabray37 Expensive but satisfying 😊. I wish you all the best with your future business in woodworking!

[@theScamBKLYN]

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.

[@awl_in_woodworks]

Same here

[@rw7532]

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.

[@wittworks]

That’s a great point! I didn’t think of that.

[@vossievos3040]

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.

[@bubbakav]

Good video. Just bought the 500 and am thankful that I watched this before using. Best primer I’ve seen.

[@deanwood51]

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..

[@wittworks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@MajorTendonitis]

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 KZbinrs 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

[@donderdedon]

Best video about the domino so far! well done!

[@wittworks]

thanks

[@BeesyWoodCo.]

Excellent video my man! Exactly what I was looking for well explained and right to the point. This is very useful for me

[@janapodolsky7967]

I reference Domino same way like Lamello, from the edge especially for the back of cabinet when using 1/4 inch back board.

[@hoagietime1]

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

[@jimdfwwoodworks37]

Oh yeah! was the most frustrating tool the first time out. Still glad I bought it now that I have it figured out. 750XL is next.

[@teamchiina7111]

The most consistent issue I have with registration is debris/dust. Almost every time I end up with some vertical registration it's because a little bit of dust or debris gets on the material and the fence will sit on top of that. Overconfidence with dust collection I suppose, but that's been my experience.

[@thatflywelshguy9662]

really great video and makes me plan to purchase one sooner rather than later as i have a whole house of closets i need to build. this tool would cut so much time off. One thing i noticed is when you used the reference bars in the last test, you had both on. As you moved down the board it looks like you should only have the one side installed as only one side (in your case the right side) had a hole to reference and the left side caused the tool not to sit flush? from what i can tell, you only should need the trailing side installed. If that makes any sense

[@thomasemberson8021]

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.

[@wittworks]

Good insight! A lot of time what we pay for what we get

[@thekinarbo]

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.

[@chrisr8996]

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.

[@thomasemberson8021]

@@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.

[@thomasemberson8021]

@@wittworks AKA, Buy once; Cry once.

[@wolfgar_m9389]

A litte addition to the Domino Dowels: Do NOT use the beech Dowels in Outdoor projects. our European Beech is not resistant to rotting. If you want to use the Domino for outdoor furniture, there are special Dowels made from Mahagony for that :)

[@Ori-Retro-Gamer]

very good video, thanks for the detailed demo🙂

[@fmaz1952]

As a hobbist in my garage who's trying to increase my quality to be able to sell it, the price is indeed frustrating. But I can see how it's no big deal for established pros. I'll have to master dowels before I can afford to make my life easier with a Domino :)

[@xenidis3]

30:31 Tip: put all tight mortises on one board and loose mortises on another board...unlike what you did by putting the tight mortises on the ends of each board and loose mortises in the middle. By putting the tight on one board and loose on another it gives you the ability to align laterally.

[@wittworks]

Yeah, that’s one way. Brent and Sedge from Festool instructed me on this way. It’s faster (so they say)

[@harrison_ingram]

You don’t need to do loose on the face frame

[@jaron1990]

13:55: @Bourbonmoth - shots fired

[@markdudley1028]

It’s not polarising, it’s awesome. All the nay-sayers are wrong. For speed, accuracy and simplicity you cannot beat this machine. Yes it’s pricey, but time is more precious. If you cant use it, leave powertools alone. Content creators are riding this pony all over youtube, monetization is killingvthis platform

[@williamcooper5009]

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]

500 or 700, which do you prefer if you could only buy one?

[@markczech9372]

@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.

[@SamWanamaker1]

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!

[@wittworks]

Thank you!

[@5280Woodworking]

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...

[@carlcarlson766]

​@@5280Woodworking😅😅

[@thomlipiczky9021]

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!

[@wittworks]

Thanks for watching!

[@andydaoust2030]

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!

[@kjh_woodworking]

Great Video mate! So informative and you use METRIC! Best American ever!!

[@wittworks]

haha! 🦘

[@exigauner]

dont forgent its made in germany, not cheap made in china like other brands😉

[@wittworks]

Very true

[@pataulson]

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!

[@thistledownwoodcraft3426]

You keep referencing these Millie Meeters. I asked every Millie I knew and none of them were Meeters, some were Wmart Greeters but no Meeters. So I did Googlie and saw millimeters so I guess that is what you mean. But, here in Merica we only have inches. So 10MM is like 42 feet, according to the conversion chart I found on an Merican government site. That is waaaay to large for the work I do. Besides I converted Euros to Merican Dollars in my head and the tool is like $87000.00 not $1200, which is too expensive for me. Really good video though, and I congratulate you on your KZbin success to afford such a quality tool, I'll just stick to my drywall screws in pocket holes I make with a box cutter. Now, I have to go remove my tongue from my cheek.

[@crashkg]

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.

[@wittworks]

nice tip!

[@ashleyirenner]

Best Domino explaination on KZbin, 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.

[@wittworks]

Thank you! 😍 haters gonna hate

[@n4wood499]

Dont sand you dominos. Hit the sides and the flat side with a hammer and compress the fibers. The domino will go in no problem in a dry fit, and the fibers will expand again when the wet glue is soaked up by the domino.

[@wittworks]

Great tip! 🔨

[@austinbasiolli2705]

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. 😂

[@ponyboyc]

Maybe next tax season I'll pick one up that price tag is still crazy

[@kiheidude]

I love your style and approach, as well as your sense of humor. Your explanations are clear and concise and not overly technical.

[@BillJBrasky]

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.

[@stvcolwill]

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

[@hansangb]

Great video as always. As a hobbyist, it makes no sense for me. A biscuit or dowel joiner (I have both) is accurate enough and strong enough. But it certainly isn't fast. But I don't lose money if my project is a week late. As a professional, I'd lose customers. I never really understood the hate. Why don't people HATE Lambo's and Ferraris? or wealthy Hollywood elites --- well, OK bad example as I *do* hate them (not for $$$ but morals or lack thereof) 😂But you get the point. If I ever branch out into semi, nay, quarter professional, I'd get one in a heartbeat.

[@wittworks]

very true. for business use, the ROI would be good in terms of time (and especially if you had a helper or apprentice)

[@TheTranq]

Actually in my opinion and experience, it is very easy to get poor results when only referencing with the pivots (particularly with miters as you ran into here) as a slight change in how you pivot can throw things off. I think it’s much better to just draw your reference lines and line the tool up

[@docprune9922]

Who would have thought of that, eh??

[@CamThai]

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.

[@wittworks]

Thank you. Details details!

[@marcodebruin5370]

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.

[@pete_lind]

Festool Domino patents ends in 2024 , waiting other brands to make some cheaper versions 🙂

[@williamsender6416]

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.

[@wittworks]

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.

[@joshuabray37]

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.

[@steelhead1194]

You have just done the BEST explanation of the most disputed tool ! You are a Wood working Guru now! Well done,

[@wittworks]

well you're very kind to think that!

[@BrokenThornDesigns]

HERESY!!! The hip thrust? You went after the hip thrust?? Is there no sacred teaching?

[@wittworks]

Don’t show @bourbonmoth this video

[@BrokenThornDesigns]

@@wittworks 😅

[@kenaerni8290]

Great job! I’m just doing my research before I buy the 500.

[@wittworks]

that's great! It is one of those tools that just takes using to fully understand it, but I hope this video got you far down the road.

[@tehbieber]

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

[@tonyseeley]

Really good video, thank you. Guess I'm getting a domino 🙂

[@wittworks]

Have fun!

[@ethankoch8507]

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.

[@Damon_Barber]

Great video! Was it difficult to learn to speak in metric for an entire video?

[@wittworks]

my brains still hurts! I really wish I learned metric as a kid...

[@Damon_Barber]

@@wittworks 😂😂😂

[@stephenbozzone1116]

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.

[@wittworks]

🤦‍♂️

[@perlnut]

Very good video for beginners just starting out with a Domino. I watched several online videos from Festool before ever using the Domino and those helped immensely. You explained everything very well and was easy to follow along. I believe the couple of dominoes you cut that were too close to the top of board were probably user "error". If downward pressure is not applied consistently on the front plate, the domino can pitch upward slightly cause a cut too close to the top edge. I've been there and done that. Practice makes perfect. I have just one comment about tight vs. loose mortises. When I cut my mortises, one board always gets tight mortises and the opposing mortises on the other board are loose. I noticed you cut the first mortise tight, then the rest of the mortises on the same board are loose. Which method is the right way, or does it matter? For me it is easier to cut all the mortises on one side tight, the switch the domino to loose to do the other board, instead of having to make two size switches when you move to the other board. In your last example of joining the two long boards, it makes perfect sense the way you did it, only because you're registering from the previous mortise as you move down the length of each board. I'm interested to hear what other's have to say on this. Thanks again for the video.

[@KyleVeatch]

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.

[@midwestengimaker8443]

Is "heigh-th" vs. height a regional thing? I've never heard it pronounced that way. In either case, I'm definitely buying a domino after watching this video. Thanks!

[@wittworks]

I’m a Texan! Who knows?!?! I say lots of weird words! Y’all!

[@johnsanchez1619]

Excellent video, thank you for your walk through of this tool. Cheers!

[@chriswitek9455]

the one cool thing, so you messed up the positioning for that miter but you could literally just glue in a domino, flush cut it, and then recut the mortise if you wanted it to have no wiggle room. long as you dont put holes through faces its pretty forgiving

[@wittworks]

That’s a good trick!

[@chriswitek9455]

this coming from the guy who literally just got a df700 for the first time and has never turned it on yet lol@@wittworks

[@lespaul8787]

Great video, what the heck is that tiny systainer for man?!! I feel like I must have one now.....

[@wittworks]

they're so cute! I got one at an event. They give them out.

[@troyqueen9503]

Look up micro systainers

[@BuckRogers2491]

Some of those micro Systainers come with, for example, 1/4" bits and a bit holder.

[@nickcosh5947]

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

[@wittworks]

awesome! thank you.

[@jefffink8405]

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!

[@wittworks]

Thank you. I intentionally showed using the 5x30 on the shelf for the beginner so it would confuse

[@THANATOSIXU]

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.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

Hobbiest are okay witha jobsite tablesaw, they accept the shortcomings. In reality there is no “jobsite” loose tenon aren’t real comparable. I, being a hobbiest woodworker, have no problem making due with other means. I have used a Domino, it is amazing. There may be a Domino in my shop someday. Right now I have other wants and needs. In my career I spare no expense for saving time. I expect nothing less from Pro woodworkers.

[@petenelson8136]

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.

[@wittworks]

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.

[@ex-nerd]

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).

[@petenelson8136]

@@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 🙂

[@ex-nerd]

@@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.

[@stevewitt5559]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Great job on this.

[@wittworks]

gracias. but I think you might be biased....

[@stevewitt5559]

@@wittworks of course I am biased, I better be😃that does not however negate the fact that it is very well presented. 😎

[@VoeltnerWoodworking]

I also love that slurp sound when pulling it apart. So satisfying. Lol.

[@texasbelliott]

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!

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

This also may be worth putting out there…. If you are going to get the domino and can get the systainer with all the dominos in it… DO IT!!! I almost didn’t because I wasn’t sure I’d use all of them. Or that I would EVER need some of them. I didn’t get it when I first got the Domino. Within a month I went ahead and got it. I didn’t want to be stuck without what I needed. I’ve used every size and I replace when I get low. It’s come in very handy. As for that 4mm… it’s great for using in 1/2” stock. Mainly I use those for making drawers out of 1/2” ply.

[@wittworks]

Great tip!

[@ApexWoodworks]

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.

[@iameddieruiz]

This is the video EVERY domino owner needs to watch. Super well thought out and I appreciate the transparency!

[@wittworks]

thank you

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

I do not understand the use of it...at least as far as it somehow being better than a biscuit joiner. I have been making cabinets for 30+ years now without a "domino" and finding it hard to understand how this will be useful especially at its price point. have not watched the video yet just commenting first to see how my opinion might change.....I am guessing it will not.

[@andymok7945]

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.

[@ninenailswoodshop]

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.

[@wittworks]

Thank you! 🥰

[@fueymanchoo1291]

Here's a tip for converting metric to imperial. 25.4 is the "magic" conversion. Example. 3/4 plywood = .75" x 25.4 = 19.05 mm. 12mm plywood = 12mm / 25.4 = .472"

[@royr327]

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.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I’ve watched a lot of videos on the Domino. So I didn’t really find anything that I didn’t already know. There were things that I’ve heard before… but that were great reminders though. I wonder… when you were doing the mitered (like a frame) I noticed that you used a tight and lose setting. And that you marked “T” and “L” on there. That’s what I do. I wonder if I’ve seen that somewhere because I thought that was just something I did for myself. For the walnut… I knew that you could do that. But I never thought about joining the boards and then planing it. I don’t know what that was such a “duh” moment for me. LOL. I think it’s totally worth it. I love mine.

[@wittworks]

Thanks! Sedge teaches the T and L on the miter because you can reference off the long edge but need to eye ball the inside edge. That’s where I got it.

[@chipsterb4946]

Accurate, precise, repeatable and dependable… which of those doesn’t appeal to anyone who takes building things with wood seriously? This video included a ton of useful tips and information in a readily digestible format. However, I was turned off by the “this tool is for professionals, not hobbyists” at the end. It’s not just $1,200 either. You need to spend another $300+ for the domino set with the different bit sizes. I had decided to get a Festool 500 domino machine. That is why I watched this video. Now I’m asking myself “What else could I get for my workshop with $1,500 instead?” Biscuits are perfect for edge joining. There seem to be several good dowel jigs on the market now. I like the satisfaction of getting a dado and rabbet joint to fit correctly. Maybe this machine isn’t for me after all…. $1,500 could buy a lot of actual wood or a serious upgrade for my jointer (the one machine where I cheated out a bit and have regretted it since day one). Could I find a used mortising machine for $1,500?

[@jwar2163]

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.

[@MrBarrymills]

I went through the comments but didn't find any mention of something I believe you missed in your explanation of the Domino tenons: The patterns and stripes on the Doms are actually 'compressed' into them. So that when a water base glue is used, these compressions will expand and make the joint even tighter. A bit like when one uses water and steam to take a ding out. Clever, huh? PS: I was so impressed with the 700, (it paid for itself in two big gate jobs), I went and bought the jigsaw. But I hated it and went back to a fourth Makita. The Festool sanders are next level tho'. PPS: I always reference off a marked line, but I often plane off a bit of width on the tenons to give some wriggle room.

[@frijoli9579]

Interesting video! as an aside, thickness x width x length; standard jargon is the smallest dimension(thickness) X next largest(width) x longest(length)

[@daifeichu]

I am definitely not a pro. I'm just a guy in a garage making projects here and there so completely understand why the pro's, or even some hobbyists, wouldn't think twice about getting something like this. I am not the judge of how someone spends their money. Even the $84 outlet I saw someone buy the other day for their audio setup. That one almost had me say something but it's their money so I kept quiet.

[@garethgordon9141]

Great video and well explained. No mention though of the cursor alignment guide not being factory set and that it may have to be "adjusted" by the end user. I have a domino and was not aware of this from the getgo and I don't even recall Sedge on Festool USA covering this point. For a good explanation on this see #53 - Domino Crib Sheet - Festool Domino Calibration by Half-inch Shy; link here kzbin.info/www/bejne/eX2kl6OIrc6bp9k. Thanks for all your work and effort and I hope this post helps you and others 👍🏻

[@SattvaWoodworks]

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?

[@wittworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@warrensmith2902]

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.

[@mikebarton5431]

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.

[@charliecampbell3014]

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.

[@jimrosson6702]

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

[@wittworks]

I appreciate that Jim!

[@t.davidthomas4430]

Great video on the Domino. I don't use mine everyday so I'll pull up KZbin and watch videos on occasion as a refresher. The dust collection on this tool is amazing as you mentioned and when you're working in a customer's home this feature is invaluable. I build a lot of built in wall units and use it to add 1x2 material to the front of plywood shelves. I used a biscuit joiner previously and always had issues with getting the top surfaces flush so I would need to sand them. Now with the Domino I don't have that issue as the surfaces match up so well. If you're on the fence with buying this tool, I will say it was worth it to me. Once you have a Domino you will find uses for it that you may not have considered previously. Borrow one or go to someone's shop who has one that they'll let you try. You may find it has value for you or it doesn't. Either way you will be making an educated decision instead of relying on what you see and read on KZbin.

[@puddytat62]

Definitely buy a Domino joiner when they go on sale. So never!! Red flag. So many options that don’t break the bank. Festool is wholly over rated. Plenty of people who do real world finish carpentry or even cabinetry don’t use Festool especially a domino joiner. Over priced and over rated Bizarre you need to have the machine on to adjust the tightness or looseness. But that’s Festool.

[@davidhull2060]

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)

[@espnmk]

Thanks for Sharing guys domino absolutely incredible machine would love to get my mits on one to play with. Sledge and Big D incredible duo, like Twins...

[@tiffanypeek5925]

Very helpful, bought my Domino today and I feel confident in using it now. May I make one criticism? There is no h at the end of the word height 🤭 Thanks for your helpful video 👏🏻

[@sergeclasen8777]

Thank you for a great video!Wouldn’t it be better to purchase purchase 700 who does all of the work a 500 does plus bigger jobs? What do you think?

[@MineStrongth]

Good info and tips. Thanks! BTW, "heighth" isn't a word, it's just "height"

[@ibarskiy]

What?! No hip thrust?! Blasphemy

[@wittworks]

🙃

[@treowayne]

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.

[@kevinr1704]

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.

[@andre2028]

😀Thank you! Best Video!!!!

[@wittworks]

Glad you liked it!

[@deanrogers4920]

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!

[@gregjones3952]

Really enjoyed this video. Thanks for doing it. Answered a bunch of questions I had.

[@wittworks]

Thank you. They were my questions!

[@robr9905]

Confusing........... you say "never" turn the width adjustment with the machine not on but you do this multiple times.