Sawdust on the Floor

Do you know what tool envy is? That’s when you really want a new tool, but just are having trouble justifying the cost to yourself. Well guys, I have tool envy over Festools Domino Joiner.  If you’re not familiar with the Festool Domino Joiner, it is a bench top tool that is used to make loose tenon joints in wood. 

The Domino Jointer works somewhat like a biscuit joiner.  But instead of cutting an oval into your stock, the Domino Joiner cuts a mortise into your stock, which will accept what Festool calls a “Domino Tenon”.  These loose tenons are made of beech wood, and available in five different sizes to accommodate your different sized stock.  The mortise and tenon joint is one of the strongest woodworking joints, but is time consuming to make, and requires several pieces of woodworking equipment to create.  The Domino Joiner is one tool that will quickly and efficiently make this joint. 

The depth of the mortise is preset, with options for 12,15,20,25 and 28 MM deep. The thickness of the mortise is also selectable from 5- 10 MM.  So really all you have to do is square up your stock, mark where you want the mortise, and cut your mortise in both pieces.  And just like using a biscuit joiner, insert the tenon after applying glue, and clamp your work till the glue sets up.  You’re done. The Festool Domino Joiner can also be used to reinforce miter joints.  The Domino Joiner can be set to any of the following preset angles 0, 22.5,45, 67.5 & 90 degrees, or you can adjust it for your custom angle. 

Now no tool is 100% perfect, and as great as this one is, there are a couple of things that need to be considered.  If you are working on an Arts and Craft Piece and you intend to use through tenons where the ends of the tenon are exposed, this may not be to machine for you.  The other thing to consider is the price. Let’s be honest, Festool products are higher priced then some other options. But if you are looking for professional results, then the Festool Domino Joiner should have a reserved spot in your shop.  This is one tool that every serious woodworker should have.

Related posts:

1. Woodworking Tools- Biscuit Joiner
2. Woodworking Tools – Kreg Pocket Screw Jig
3. Woodworking Techniques – Mortise and Tenon Joints
4. Woodworking Tools – Sharpening Tools