6 Best Festool Domino Accessories
The Domino is a great tool but there are a few Festool Domino accessories that can help you have a better experience in the shop. The list below has an assortment of Festool Dominion accessories that will provide more precision, save time, and simplify difficult processes. Most of the accessories listed only apply to the Festool Domino DF 500, yet a few are universal that can be used with the larger Festool Domino XL DF 700.
Table Of Contents
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1.) Festool Assorted Dominos and Cutters in T-Loc Systainer
If you have not already purchased additional cutters and extra Domino's the Festool 498899 package includes everything you need. The Assorted Dominos and Cutters in a T-Loc Systainer is by far the best accessory you can purchase for your Festool Domino DF 500. When you buy a Domino Joiner my only complaint was that the tool only came with a 5mm cutter. This package includes all the available Domino DF 500 cutters which are 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10mm cutters. In my experience, I have used everything from a 4mm to a 10mm domino for some projects it's just nice to be able to have a selection. This kit is exactly what you need to get started woodworking with the Festool DF 500 and at a good price in comparison to buying the components individually. Also, by buying this pack you now have a Systainer to organize and store your stock of dominos and a convenient way to transport them around your shop or if you work on a job site.
Pros:
Contains All Domino DF 500 Cutters
Great Organization
Domino Assortment
Cons:
Up-Front Cost
2.) Imperial Thickness Gauge Replacement
If you are frustrated like me with the need to convert metric height setting to imperial measurements the Imperial Thickness Gauge Replacement is the perfect accessory for your Festool Domino Joiner DF 500. The folks at ToolCurve have created a 3D printed replacement part for the original metric stepped height adjustment gauge that comes standard on the Domino DF 500 with a version specifically for using imperial measurements. It features 7 positive stops to quickly set your fence height to the corresponding material thicknesses without having to do metric to inches conversions. I personally find using the Domino for joinery frustrating while using imperial measurements and this replacement gauge precisely addresses those issues. The new gauge has positive stops at heights of 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, 7/8, 1, 1 1/4, and 1 1/2 allowing it to work with any dimension lumber available in the US. While reading some reviews a customer measured the accuracy of the stops which ended up being more accurate than the Festool's thickness gauge. I think the imperial thickness gauge replacement is one of the best accessories you can buy for the Festool Domino if you are in the US and use imperial measurements.
Pros:
Imperial Replacement
Cheap Upgrade
Save Time
Cons:
Scale Marking Are The Same As The Gauge
3.) Festool DOMINO Connectors In T-LOC Systainer
If you have ever been frustrated with knock-down furniture from Ikea or your local big box store and thought you could do better, well Festool has you covered. With the Festool Domino and this pack of connectors, you are able to build your own knock-down furniture from much better materials. This kit contains 32 anchor bolts, split anchors, and cross anchors as well as optional cover caps. The connectors use the standard 8mm Domino cutter in the DF 500, there is a larger connector kit available for the Domino XL DF 700 which you can find here. You will however need a drill and some drill bits to create the holes necessary to tighten up the connectors. The connectors work with the same mortises created by the Festool Domino 500 and use a combination of connectors and glued dominos acting as pins to secure your joints. The connectors offer the ability to build furniture in the shop yet break it down for easier shipping and reassemble the piece at the customer's home. I think the Festool connectors are a great accessory if you build furniture and need even more versatility by building knock-down furniture.
Pros:
Build Knock-Down Furniture
Great Organization
Connector Assortment
Cons:
Up-Front Cost
4.) DomiRail Rail Connector
If you find yourself cutting mortises in a straight line on the face of boards or plywood panels the DomiRail Rail Connector is a great accessory to buy. The rail connector screws into the base of either the DF 500 or the DF 700 and allows your domino to slide along your Festool rail. These attachments will enable you to quickly lay down your track and make repeatable mortises on the face of boards in a perfectly straight line. The rail connector also allows you to quickly drop the Domino Joiner in and out of the guide rail without any adjustments. I think this accessory would be perfect for a woodworker that builds a lot of cabinets.
Pros:
Cheap
Straight Line Reference
Cons:
Requires Festool Guide Rail
5.) DF500 Offset Base System - Inch
If you are the type of woodworker who requires precision and perfect alignment the DF500 Offset Base System is the absolute best accessory for your Festool Domino System. The Offset Base System is produced by Woodpeckers and lives up to its name of high quality and attention to detail. The system offers a simple and easy way to create repeatable mortises without needing to use markings or other tools and using imperial measurements. The base system has numerous parts with it all centering around the base that directly screws into the bottom of the Domino DF500. Attaching directly to the base creates a stable connection and prevents the possibility of the fence drifting. It also includes an assortment of spacers to be able to work with different material thicknesses. The system's main feature is the outrigger that attaches to the base plate and comes with 5 sections that measure 12 inches long. The outrigger is a t-track system that includes laser-engraved markings for reliable measurements. The t-track outrigger comes with 4 flip stops to quickly set up repeated mortises and save time. The system also includes .005-inch shims to be able to adjust the location of the mortise if necessary. If you are looking to save time and reduce the amount of measuring and marking for your joinery the DF500 Offset Base System by Woodpeckers is the perfect accessory. If you are unsure of spending the high cost of the system you can check out some off-brand alternatives here that offer the same functionality but most likely without the level of precision and accuracy of a Woodpeckers tool.
Pros:
Precise Positioning
Replaces Measurement & Markings
Cons:
Expensive
6.) Domino Tenon Trim Plate
If you struggle to hammer in your dominos or want to dry fit them before gluing up your project, the Domino Tenon Trim Plate is a good accessory to get. It helps you quickly trim off the ribbed edges along the side and reduce the size of the domino. If not the dominos are usually so snug in the mortises that it is nearly impossible to pull out. This trim plate allows you to quickly hammer the various mm Dominos through the corresponding holes. The plate is also capable of handling all the sizes of dominos available. If you find yourself trimming off the edges or sanding your dominos, buying this trim plate would be a good idea.
Pros:
Dry Fit Dominos
Time Savings
Cons:
Relatively Expensive
If you have any questions, comment below.
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