Any woodworkers?

It's a cool tool, but the cost is ridiculous. I'm waiting for the patent to run out and other companies will then produce one for less money. Maybe then I'll take the plunge. Not everyone can afford the cost of one just for a hobbiest use. But it is cool.

 

I agree with Both sides. It is an amazing tool while being overpriced.

A bit of background. I never learned the old ways of hand chopping mortises and hand cutting dovetails. I don’t really want to. I want to make quality projects in my garage. I learned how to build my projects from hours of YouTube and this is what some of my favorite creators used.

The tool is overpriced for what it does. For some, it is prohibitively expensive. However, it is the only tool that does what it does. I have seen other “work arounds” but they all still require lengthy setup and layout. The super quick layouts, just a tick from a pencil, and tight accurate mortises make it super easy to join two pieces of wood. This makes it so that I can build the things that I do in a way that makes sense to me.

I bought my machine about two years ago when planning my first chair builds. I sold a few items from a previous hobby and bought into the Festool system. I got the Domino, a box with a variety of tennons, and a dust extractor. Cost me more than $2k at the time. Since then, I have added a sander and a track saw. I may buy one of their Rotax sanders next.

Since then, I think that I have used it on every one of my projects. I have not regretted buying it yet.

 

I really love mine, picked it up back in May when they had the 100th anniversary deal. I know its expensive and I was very hesitant to buy it, but once I used it I understood its value. The issue is that its got me Fescurious now. And my Milwaukee tools are getting jealous with every new systainer that shows up.

 

Welcome to the dark side!

And yeah, that first dip of the toe into kinda explains why that stuff is so addictive. The attention to detail and complete precision is amazing.

 

I learned the old ways of hand chopping mortises and hand cutting dovetails. While I do still hand cut dovetail, when it comes to mortice and tenon work? Screw that! Out comes the Domino. Yes it's expensive, but on one project alone it saved me almost 40 hours of hand work.

 

Extra Large, 4x4 foot, modular, open ended, dovetail clamping grid, router sled is complete.

 

Nice!

 

Thank you sir!

 

Looks great and well thought out!

What version is this for you? I am guessing you started with a smaller version. Is there a way to raise the height?

 

Thank you!
This is version 2... original is 2x4. I have also made a new 2x4 one with the dovetail clamping grid, but haven’t completed it yet.

It's totally modular and since its open ended and the sides are just bolted on, they can be changed easily to match the project.

 

I put my extra large router sled to use today and I took a bunch of photos because a few people were asking questions. I am not sure if I post them all here, wait for specific questions or start a new thread.

In the meantime, here is a giant chunk of walnut that I am working on. I am very pleased with the character of this piece so far.

 

Love live-edge!

 

Unfortunately this piece will not stay live edge.

 

Love dead-egde!

 

This may sound silly but is there a source for specifically cut parts?

Something similar to SEND CUT SEND, but for hardwoods and the sort.

 

Not that I'm aware of but you might have started a new business idea for someone

 

I can see it working out as a small part time gig, but I would venture to guess that wood options would be limited to whatever is most popular

Not to mention most wood workers all have the tools and extra scrap for the small things I'd need myself

I really liked the ash hardwood I got hooked up with here for my custom stool, but I want to gather the parts for a second stool

If it was for myself, I'd ask a certain member here but seeing as how my intent is to sell this next stool, I'd rather find a source I can use again down the road

 

I think it was @wilcam47 that helped you before... never hurts to ask! Perhaps beneficial trading?

 

It was, I meant I'd want/need stuff down the road but also a site to send my customers to lol

I've sold several stool kits and while they realize it's a DIY kit where they choose their own components, it helps others when I can offer sources!