Festool Domino Machine User manual

The perfect connection.
The DOMINO system user manual.
DOMINO. The perfect connection.

The perfect connection.
The DOMINO system user manual.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 1 03.03.16 12:13

There are numerous draft designs, CAD
drawings, parts lists and documentation
for our DOMINO connecting system. Yet the
conversation and initial drawings where
the idea was formed was on something a lot
less imaginative: a napkin.
But first things first. To be precise, it was
initially only an informal exchange between
two practitioners in our canteen, pondering
what the optimal domino should be capable of.
And because nothing else was readily avail-
able, they sketched a domino on a napkin to
represent the demand for ‘more stability’.
Then a second sketch next to it for a ‘larger
glue surface’. And finally a third for absolute
‘rotation resistance’ at the first attempt. Using
the simple equation: make one from three,
the foundation was laid for the DOMINO
DF 500 domino system.
What was missing was the fitting hole –
and thus the real challenge began. That is
to say, the development of a completely
new tool. With the typical southern German
inventiveness, infinite passion and the
concentrated expertise of our engineers,
a mix of traditional vertical bore and
simultaneous horizontal routing movement
was created – the birth of the DOMINO
pendulum router principle as the driving
force for the new DOMINO DF 500.
From its origins on a simple napkin, to
a design that has not only revolutionised
the traditional timber joint, but has been
continuously developed since then with
further options: the DOMINO XL DF 700
and the newly developed corner and flat
connectors, forming a complete DOMINO
connecting system. For what has always
been extremely stable, is now also flexible,
with separable rack, board and frame joints.
Two men. One conversation. And the origin of a brilliant idea:
the DOMINO connecting system.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 2 03.03.16 12:13

2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 3 03.03.16 12:13

54
Contents
PAGE
1 DOMINO joining machine fundamentals 11
1.1 The DOMINO pendulum router principle 12
1.2 The domino slot principle 13
1.3 The DOMINO joining machines: an overview 14
1.4 Performing basic settings for the DOMINO joining machines
Switching on/off
Selecting hole width
Selecting domino length and thickness
Cutter replacement
Depth adjustment range
Height adjustment range
Angle adjustment range
Working with the stop system
Working with extraction
16
16
17
17
18
19
21
23
24
28
2 The domino 31
3 DOMINO system accessories 37
4 Practical application examples 41
4.1 Overview: making joints with the DOMINO joining machine 42
4.2 Frame joints
Mitred frame joints
Butted frame joints
Stable frame joints with the DOMINO DF 700
44
44
46
48
4.3 Rack joints and safe positioning of strips 50
4.4 Round profile joints 56
4.5 Stable, separable corner joints 58
4.6 Stable, separable flat joints 66
4.7 Mitred joints 74
4.8 Drawer joints 76
4.9 Butted board joints 79
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 4 03.03.16 12:13

54
PAGE
5 Items included, specifications 85
6 Accessories 87
6.1 Cutters 88
6.2 Stops 89
6.3 Domino and connector
Domino and domino rod- Beech
Domino exterior use- Sipo
Domino corner and flat connector
90
92
94
95
7 Supplementary system accessories 97
7.1 Mobile dust extractors 98
7.2 MFT 3 multifunction table
MFT 3 accessories
99
99
7.3 VAC SYS vacuum pump and clamping unit
VAC SYS accessories
100
100
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 5 03.03.16 12:13

76
The DOMINO joint. Simply perfect.
Every timber joint has its advantages. The DOMINO connecting system unites them all. In truth,
there are numerous innovations which were developed on the basis of a spontaneous idea.
Such as the DOMINO connecting system. And yet it is also based just as much on the principle
of thinking ahead. Thinking ahead in terms of a timber joint that unifies the benefits of all
previously existing systems: the controversial stability of mortise and tenon, the flexibility of
biscuits used in furniture making and the precision of the round dowel used in frame and rack
making. We found the key for this in the patented pendulum routing movement and the resulting
slots for accepting the specially formed dominos. For a new, complete timber connecting
system, which assures with the highest possible stability. A connecting system that works simply
and with considerably shorter set-up times and which can be used even for tasks that were
previously predominantly the domain of stationary machines. To date we have not only convinced
many tradespeople, but have been able to fill these people with enthusiasm about an idea that
took a significant step further. For timber joints as unique as the DOMINO connecting system itself.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 6 03.03.16 12:13

76
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 7 03.03.16 12:13

98
The DOMINO principle: Fast. Easy. Versatile.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 8 03.03.16 12:13

98
Whether it is a small drawer or a large, solid timber door – DOMINO is the solution. With
the DOMINO connecting system all the benefits of round dowels and biscuits have been united
into one for the first time. Just as quickly and effortlessly. For board, frame and rack joints.
For narrow or wide, delicate or solid workpieces. With domino sizes from 4 mm to 14 mm
diameter or flexible corner and flat connectors for infinite connection options. And with
maximum time-saving without complex adjustments and measuring.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 9 03.03.16 12:13

1110
1
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 10 03.03.16 12:13

1110
1
DOMINO joining machine fundamentals
Two routers – one principle. The DOMINO joining machine is available in two sizes: the DF 500
for domino sizes of 4 x 20 mm to 10 x 50 mm, perfectly suited for board and furniture making,
as well as for lightweight frame or rack joints. Or the DOMINO XL DF 700, allowing the use
of domino sizes up to 14 x 140 mm. This means that the DOMINO XL is ideally suited for solid
timber furniture and door construction and manufacturing stable solid timber connections.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 11 03.03.16 12:13

1312
1
1.1 The DOMINO pendulum router principle
Unique in its manual operation and patent by Festool: the DOMINO joining machine routing movement.
The simultaneous rotating and pendulum movement of the cutter allows smooth working and holes without
scorch marks. Thanks to the pendulum movement the cutters do not overheat, leading to an extremely
high service life.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 12 03.03.16 12:13

1312
1
1.2 The domino slot principle
The first domino is positioned via an exact slot, the subsequent dominos inserted in wider
slots with clearance – this allows the joint to be easily aligned. The result is a stable joint,
rotation-resistant from the first domino.
Room to move.
The remaining slots are routed with
clearance. Minor imprecisions in
the remaining domino holes are
compensated for by the DOMINO
connecting system – allowing fast
and efficient progress.
Fits exactly.
The slot is precisely routed using
the stop catches (DF 500) or stop
pins (DF 700). The workpiece
is aligned to the edge using this
locating hole and the connection
matches up immediately.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 13 03.03.16 12:13

1514
1
1.3 The DOMINO joining machines: an overview
1 SECONDARY HANDLE
2 LOCKING LEVER LOCK
3 DOMINO HOLE DEPTH
LOCKING LEVER
4 ANGLE STOP CLAMPING LEVER
5 MATERIAL THICKNESS
PRESELECT SLIDER
6 MAINS CONNECTION
7 SPINDLE LOCK
8 EXTRACTOR STUB
9 MOTOR UNIT/GUIDE FRAME
UNLOCKING
10 ROUTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
CLAMPING LEVER
11 ON/OFF SWITCH
12 DOMINO HOLE WIDTH
ROTARY SWITCH
13 STOP CATCHES
DOMINO DF 500
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 14 03.03.16 12:13

1514
1
1 HANDLES
2 MOTOR UNIT/GUIDE FRAME
UNLOCKING
3 DOMINO HOLE WIDTH A
DJUSTMENT LEVER
4 STOP PIN UNLOCKING BUTTON
5 ROUTING ANGLE ADJUSTMENT
CLAMPING LEVER
6 ROUTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
PRESELECT SLIDER
7 ROUTING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
MARKER
8 ROUTING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
LOCKING KNOB
9 ROUTING DEPTH ADJUSTMENT
SLIDER
10 MAINS CONNECTION
11 SPINDLE LOCK
12 EXTRACTOR STUB
13 ROUTING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
CLAMPING LEVER
14 ON/OFF SWITCH
15 DOMINO HOLE WIDTH INDICATOR
16 RUBBER BUFFER
17 STOP PINS*
DOMINO XL DF 700
*The terms stop peg and stop pin are used synonymously on the DOMINO XL DF 700.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 15 03.03.16 12:13

DF 500 DF 700
1716
1
1.4 Performing basic settings for the DOMINO joining machines
The DF 500 and DF 700 DOMINO joining machines are generally similar in handling and setting
options. You should be aware of these in order to fully utilise the machines’ flexibility. All basic
settings are explained step by step below. We refer to these basic settings where appropriate in
the individual application examples.
To switch on the DOMINO joining machine, connect the plug-it
cable to the tool, attach the extractor hose and then push the
on/off switch on the top of the tool forwards and down until it
locks in position.
To switch off, press the on/off switch at the rear to unlock.
1.4.1 Switching on/off
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 16 03.03.16 12:13

DF 500 DF 700
1716
1
This is where the unique domino slot principle comes in. The first hole, known as the locating hole, is
routed appropriate to the selected domino diameter. Owing to the domino in the locating hole, the joint
aligns exactly with the front edge – the joint is correctly positioned. The remaining holes are routed with
clearance as slots. This makes aligning and joining effortless; the joint is nevertheless exact, perfect
and stable. On the DF 500, three different hole widths can be selected, and two on the DF 700.
1.4.2 Selecting hole width
1.4.3 Selecting domino length and thickness
Because selection of the domino thickness determines the selection of the cutter used, you first decide on
the domino size and then employ the correct cutter (see section 1.4.4).
DF 500
1 The standard width, corresponding exactly to the domino
width: 13 mm plus the cutter diameter
2 The average hole width, giving the domino some clearance
(6 mm): 19 mm plus the cutter diameter
3 The largest hole width, providing a lot of clearance (10 mm):
23 mm plus the cutter diameter
NOTE Please only change the hole width by turning
the rotary switch with the motor running, but never while
actually routing.
DF 700
1 The standard width for precise routing is:
13.5 mm plus the cutter diameter
2 The hole width with clearance (3 mm) corresponds to:
16.5 mm plus the cutter diameter
NOTE On the DF 700 the corresponding hole width is set
using the adjusting lever on the left of the machine – the
specified hole width can be seen on the display on the top
of the machine.
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 17 03.03.16 12:13

DF 500
12
34
1918
1
After selecting the domino, use the appropriate cutter to make the hole. For example, if you would like
to use an 8 mm diameter domino, you also use the 8 mm cutter.
Always disconnect from the mains to change the cutter.
Then raise the unlocking lever using an open ended spanner
(included) until it noticeably locks in place.
Hold the spindle lock on the motor unit, loosen the cutter
using the open ended spanner and screw off. Screw in the
new cutter using the open ended spanner, keeping the spindle
lock pressed. Then release the spindle lock.
Separate the motor unit and guide frame.
Before inserting a new cutter, ensure that the machine, the
guide frame and the guides are clean and free from chippings.
Remove any soiling. Only use sharp, undamaged and clean
cutters. Now push the guide frame onto the motor unit until it
audibly locks in place.
1.4.4 Cutter replacement
2016_FES_DOMINO_Book_GB-en.indb 18 03.03.16 12:13