OK - what you've been waiting for - The Gripes.
0. Why the hell isn't there an "imperial" version of the DOMINO - things in inches and 1/64ths! The bits could be done in 1/4, 3/8. 1/2 and 5/8 inches. the Stock Thickness for Mortise Centering "steps thing" could easily be replaced, the Fence to Mortise Centerline scale could easily be replaced as well. And that 37mm from "mortise side of stop pin to mortise centerline" why not set them at 25mm which is 15 thousandths off of one inch - would that be a REALLY BIG hassle to change?
(It's a Euro / Multi National Corporations Plot I tell you! Pretty soon it'll be gas by the liter - I mean they've already "gotten" to Coca Cola - can THE OIL COMPANIES be far behind? And they're already giving fat content in grams, most medications are in milligrams. How long before The Foot Long hot dog becomes Le 300mm Fido Royale? They've already snuck kilometers on our speedometers - speed-o -METER! Hmmmm- thermoMETER.
They're here . . . . . . . . . . .)
1. For $660 for the basic unit, and because, though this thing looks like a biscuit joiner, it doesn't work like one
- WHY THE HELL IS THE OWNER'S MANUAL A BARE BONES FOUR OR FIVE PAGES?
- THE DVD IS A NICE ADVERTISEMENT - BUT SORELY LACKS ANY "HOW TO" OR DETAILS
- You've got
5 depths of cut
7 official distance from reference face or reference end to the centerline
of the mortise (and one unofficial one distance)
4 different bit diameters
3 mortise widths for each of the 4 Domino widths
Why not an instructions booklet - or - given the price tag - a phreakin' book - with photos? I'd even go for a paper back rather than leather bound manual - if cost is an issue.
Note: Two members of the Festool Owners Group have done Users Manuals for the DOMINO and have submitted them to Festool for review, changes etc. and should be released by June or July of 2007.
2. Fence angle presets at 22.5, 45 and 67.5 degrees but no info on how to set angled mortise
distance from your reference edgeNeither of the Draft Users Manual that I've seen addresses this question - and this is really important for chair makers and anyone else who wants to join two pieces of wood at some angle other than 90 and 180 degrees.
3. The small wrench needed for bit changes, and to remove the power end of the unit so you can get to the bit, should have a place on the unit when not in use. It took me a while to find it in the DOMINO's Systainer - slipped behind the black plastic formed tool and accessories holder. Minor thing but if you "misplace" the wrench . . .
4. This isn't actually a gripe but rather a word of caution.. IF you cut green / wet wood with the DOMINO - clean the bit ASAP - BEFORE the sawdust and gunk - TURNS TO CONCRETE! Don't Ask Me How I Know This (DAMHIKT).