The video “How much time does the Domino ACTUALLY save you?” is by Scott Walsh. In this video, Scott compares the Festool Domino to traditional mortise and tenon joints. He meticulously breaks down the costs, time savings, and even the strength of joints made with each method.
What is the Festool Domino?
The Festool Domino is a powerful machine designed to create mortises quickly and efficiently. It allows woodworkers to create floating tenon joints, which are known for their strength and reliability. Scott explains that while professional woodworkers can easily justify the high price of the Domino, hobbyists may find themselves questioning whether the investment is worth it.
Cost Breakdown
With the smaller version priced around $1,200 and the larger version at $1,700, many hobbyists wonder about the necessity of spending such amounts when traditional methods can be employed. The video aims to clarify if the Domino can truly deliver time savings that justify its cost.
Time Efficiency Comparison
To illustrate his point, Scott conducts an experiment comparing the time it takes to create joints using the Domino versus traditional methods. He makes five mortise and tenon joints with standard tools and five with the Domino, recording the time for both setup and operation.
From his findings, he notes that marking for the Domino is quicker than marking for the router. The setup time for the Domino averages just 1 minute and 23 seconds, while the traditional method takes an average of 3 minutes and 38 seconds. In terms of operation, the Domino takes about 1 minute and 34 seconds compared to 6 minutes and 17 seconds for the mortise and tenon joints.
Average Project Time Savings
Scott estimates that using the Domino can save approximately 50 minutes per project. While this may not seem significant in the grand scheme of things, especially for larger projects that can total over 100 hours, it adds up over multiple projects.
Strength of Joints
Another critical aspect Scott explores is the strength of the joints created by each method. He notes that while traditional mortise and tenon joints are typically stronger due to their larger surface area and depth, the Domino joints still hold their own. In his tests, the Domino joint could withstand 210 lbs of force, while the traditional joint held 380 lbs.
Interestingly, when Scott matched the dimensions of the joints, the Domino performed surprisingly well, even being slightly stronger in some cases. He attributes this to the design of the Domino, which allows for better glue distribution due to its grooves.
Conclusion: Is the Domino Worth It?
Ultimately, Scott concludes that while the Domino is a handy tool that can speed up the process for simpler projects, it may not replace the versatility of traditional mortise and tenon methods for every woodworker. The decision to invest in a Domino will depend on individual needs, project types, and how much one values their time.
