Festools' Domino Review

Thanks Don, that’s one thorough review!

-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/

I sat through one of their demonstrations about a year ago and was amazed at the whole system. The drawback I thought, was how much of the stuff ties together with something else and I was kinda hesitant about that “in for a dime, in for a buck” mentality.

Their stand alones are just terrific though and I would probably get my toes wet there first.

-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt.

I’m new to LumberJocks and have been lurking for a while. I noticed the post about Domino and felt compelled to respond.

I have been using Domino for a couple of months now. I believe Don is correct about it being one of the most significant tool developments in a long time. It changes the way you build and finish in a very positive way. I have some projects on my blog and more on the way. It is simply an incredible piece of equipment. It is easy to use and very precise.

Chip is right, FesTools are about “the system” and it is all good. The tools are the best one can have, and the system makes them work for you. When taken as a system, they are very affordable. It is a slippery slope – after you try them folks often start buying them, working with them, buying more of them, and do on… it is a scary thing indeed.

I workd with them almost every day and appreciate their quality and the systemactic approach. I also don’t like cleaning up sawdust very much and they are pretty dust free – about a cup at the end of a long day.

If you get a chance, try Domino, It may well start you down that slippery slope…

-- Clint, woodnsoul.blogspot.com, www.clintholeman.com

WOW, I JUST WENT AND WATCHED THE DEMO VIDEO…. I’LL HAVE ONE. It replaces my biscuit joiner, does my mortise and tenons… looks like the greatest joiner tool I’ve ever seen.

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

Agree with all the posts above, especially in for a dime out with a dollar. I started buying Festool for their circular saw and guide rail, got the vac with it, could break down huge sheets of mdf in no time with no back ache and no dust. Never looked back. Now I have the sander, router, and yes the domino. Only had time for a few test cuts, but the fit is awesome. Anytime there’s a way to do something faster and better it gets my attention. Plus there is virtually no cleanup after using the Domino.

-- They say the best things in New Mexico are at the end of a dirt road, I know I am.

I think I would have to quit my day job and take up woodworking full time to justify it, but it is cool.

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Unlike other things like video games, tools do not seem to get less expensive as they age. I expect the Domino will always be in the $700 range. The next version may even be more, because it will have added features.

What could bring the price down is if someone else builds a similar machine. But, given the premium that Festools has, that seems to be unlikely.

I will just have to take a deep breathe and plunge in, so to speak. Thanks for the great information.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Hey Wayne, who do you have to justify it to? Haven’t you heard? He who dies with the most tools wins! LOL The fact that is an awsome tool is justification enough for me. I’m going to the gambling boat to see if I can win $700! Oh wait… you must have money to win money… nevermind.

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

So justify it is the wrong word. I have other addictions above it in Priority. (Industrial Bandsaw, performax 16-32 sander, Lie-Nielson miter plane…...lol )

-- We must guard our enthusiasm as we would our life - James Krenov

Well now you’ve got me thinking… what else could I buy with that “soon to be won” $700? LOL

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

Better win more so you can buy more than the Domino. It is extra for the tennons, the case, etc.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com

Good call, Bill. I’ll win the $700 and then let it all ride on red…. or maybe black….

-- JP, Shelbyville, KY

I agree with Wayne… More important tools needed. A 14” Bandsaw, drill press and the much cheaper Mortising Machine… but I’ll be rich soon, so the Festool Domino is right around the corner. I already have the Performax 16-32 and that’s a much more important tool for raised panels and uniformed sanding.

And for those of you who care… I just went and signed the 1-yr lease on the shop. Now if I could only rent part of it to Bill I could start saving his portion of the rent money and buy some more tools.

Or if I could just win the Powermatic/Rockler give-away… I could sell my table saw for half of what I paid for it and have a down payment on the Domino… And if Bill bought it he could keep it in my shop and then he could use my tools and I’d never have to give up anything… HA !!!

HEY! Bill … pssst…

-- http://ye-olde-cabinet-shoppe.com/

So how far is Bill’s commute Obi?

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Now there is a thought Obi. Congratulations on the lease. Where did you find your site?

Like Obi, I have a few higher priority things on my list. But, that tool looks sweet. Since I will not be getting any tax refund, I will have to find another way to get these items.

Karson, it is probably 10-15 miles from where I live. Less if Obi finds the place he was originally talking about.

-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com