Festool Domino

A few months ago, I picked up a Festool Domino Joiner (#574308) for myself.  I had been considering it for a few years while also looking at other options such as a mortising block, horizontal slot mortiser or hollow chisel mortiser to name a few.

Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that I would want a Domino eventually, so why not now?  My rationale was:  the more use I got out of it (as in, the sooner I got one), the better value would be.  I also purchased the Domino Systainer Assortment (#495664) which includes six sizes of floating Domino tenons and five bits (two Dominos vary only in length and therefore use the same bit).  I’ve found having different sized Dominoes available has been useful.  I’ve not yet used the smallest 4mm Dominoes, but I’ve used all the others.

I’ve been getting a lot of use from the Domino and I am really happy with the purchase.  It’s paid for itself already and it is a pleasure to use.  It worked great when assembling the melamine cabinets as it ensured perfect alignment without the need to plug screw holes after assembly.

And I am confident in the strength of the mortise and tenon joinery.  I can’t say the same for biscuits.  I see dowels as a viable option, but not nearly as quick.   The Domino is fast and easy to use, but I’ve found that I sometimes make mental errors while trying to work as quickly as the machine.  I think that this is part of the learning curve and I am learning from every mistake I make (mostly forgetting to check an adjustment).

I recently shot the following video review of the Domino system.