Festool DOMINO User Manual

The perfect connection.

The DOMINO system user manual.

The perfect connection.

The DOMINO system user manual.

Two men. One conversation. And the origin of a brilliant idea:
the DOMINO connecting system.

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

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

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.

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.

Contents

PAGE

1 DOMINO joining machine fundamentals

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

2 The domino

3 DOMINO system accessories

11

16
16
17
17
18
19
21
23
24
28

31

37

4 Practical application examples

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

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

41

44
44
46
48

PAGE

5 Items included, specifications

6 Accessories

85

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

7 Supplementary system accessories

90
92
94
95

97

7.1 Mobile dust extractors 98

7.2 MFT 3 multifunction table
MFT 3 accessories

7.3 VAC SYS vacuum pump and clamping unit
VAC SYS accessories

99
99

100
100

54

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.

76

The DOMINO principle: Fast. Easy. Versatile.

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.

98

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.

1110

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.

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.

1

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.

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.

1312

1.3 The DOMINO joining machines: an overview

DOMINO DF 500

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

1

DOMINO XL DF 700

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

* The terms stop peg and stop pin are used synonymously on the DOMINO XL DF 700.

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

*

1514

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.

1.4.1 Switching on/off

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.

1.4.2 Selecting hole width

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.

DF 500 DF 700

1

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.

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).

1716

1.4.4 Cutter replacement

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.

1

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.

3

2

Separate the motor unit and guide frame.

4

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.

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.

1.4.5 Depth adjustment range

The routing depth determines how deep the cutter cuts into the workpiece. The appropriate routing
depth must be set for the different domino lengths; in most cases half of the domino length. The
routing depth set on the joining machine corresponds to the depth of the domino hole.

DF 500

Open the locking lever lock by
pressing. Now set the required
routing depth using the locking
lever (possible depths ar e 12 mm,
15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm).
Now release the locking lever
lock again.

ATTENTION

Due to the short shaft length
only the depths 12 mm, 15 mm
and 20 mm are allowed when
using the 5 mm diameter cutter.

1

DF 500

10 mm 10 mm

Domino 4 x 20 mm

20 mm

Festool

D 4-NL 11 HW-DF 500

ATTENTION The D 4-NL 11 HW-DF 500 specialist cutter is

available for the 4 x 20 mm dominos. Please use a routing
depth of 20 mm when working with this domino and cutter.
However, the true routing depth is 10 mm, because the
specialist cutter has been shortened by 10 mm due to the risk
of fracture. This domino can only be positioned centrally.

1918

DF 700 DF 700

DF 700 Press one or both locking switch to set the routing
depth. Move the routing depth setting slider to the required
routing depth. On the DF 700, the possible routing depth is
between 15 mm and 70 mm. Now release the locking switch–
briefly check that the slider has locked in to position.

Domino centred

40 mm

Randomly located domino

40 mm

TIP You can mark two routing depths using the two green

markers and easily move between the two using the slider.
For example, this can be helpful when using a domino depth
for spacing as well as for repeated, identical routing depths.

TIP The domino should generally be centred

within the joint; that is, the routing depth should
correspond to half of the domino length. However,
depending on the workpiece or joint type, it may
be necessary to locate the domino randomly. In
this case, both of the holes routed in the workpieces
must together correspond to the length of the
domino being used.

Example: The domino being used is 40 mm long;
the left hole is 28 mm deep, the right hole 12 mm
– that is, together 40 mm.

28 mm 12 mm

1.4.6 Height adjustment range

The routing height setting on both the DOMINO DF 500 and the DF 700 is performed using the preselect
slider, allowing predefined heights to be used. Alternatively, any individual dimension can be set using
the scale. The routing height defines the distance from the workpiece top from which the hole is routed
into the workpiece. Selection of the correct routing height depends on the material being worked on,
and also on the type of joint to be produced on the other. Here, it is not absolutely necessary for the
routed hole to be in the centre of the material. You can therefore find more information on the topic of
routing height in the description of the individual applications in section 4.

1

y = Material thickness
x = Distance from top of workpiece to centre of routed hole

1 Scale for indiv idual settings (distance from top of

workpiece to centre of routed hole)

2 Pres elect slider (material thickness)

DF 500 – set routing height using the preselect slider.

The dimensions set using the preselect slider determine the material thickness being worked and centre the routed hole exactly
in the middle of the selected disc size – without you having to calculate the distance to the centre. Release the routing height
adjustment clamping lever and lift the front section of the guide frame using the secondary handle. Now select the required disc
size using the slider (16 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 36 mm, 40 mm). Then push the front section of the guide frame
downwards until it stops and close the clamping lever.

2120

DF 500

DF 500 – set any routing height

The given dimension defines the distance between the
underside of the leaf and the centre of the routed hole. Loosen
the routing height adjustment clamping lever and, using the
secondary handle, raise the front section of the guide frame.
Then push the slider towards the motor unit until it stops.
Set the required routing height on the scale by moving the
front section of the guide frame horizontally. Now close the
clamping lever.

DF 700 DF 700

DF 700 The routing height is adjusted on the DF 700 equivalent
to the DF 500. The only difference to note: here, the preselect
setting does not determine the board thickness, but instead
the true distance from the top of the workpiece to the centre
of the routed hole.

22

NOTE The alignment of the clamping levers can be

adjusted by lifting them. In the tightened state, they
should not overhang past the contact surface.

1.4.7 Angle adjustment range

Number of equal sides Cutting angle DOMINO angle

3 Triangle 60 30

4 Square 45 45

5 Pentagon 36 54

6 Hexagon 30 60

7 Heptagon 25.7 64.3

8 Octagon 22.5 67.5

For mitred joints, the joining machine routing angle can be set using stages, predefined angles or any
other degree between 0° and 90°. The precisely machined dominos optimally align the workpiece and
prevent the mitre from slipping when being glued.

DF 500 and DF 700: Loosen the angle stop clamping lever to
adjust the routing angle. Then set the required angle, either
continuously on the scale between 0° and 90° or in stages at
0°, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5°, 90°. Close the clamping lever.

TIP Route thin workpiece with a mitre. Set the required

angle. Loosen routing height adjustment clamping lever, push
the slider towards the motor unit until it stops and then push
the angle stop all the way down. Close the clamping lever.

1

ATTENTION When using mitre routing, set the routing

height and depth as low as possible, otherwise there is a
danger that the cutter will penetrate through the opposite
side of the workpiece.

TIP Material thicknesses from 15 mm can be mitred

using the 4 x 20 mm domino.

The table shows some of the most commonly used mitre angles:

2322

1.4.8 Working with the stop system

One of the greatest time advantages of working
with DOMINO joining machines is the result of
working without the need for complex measuring
or marking – the machine can be positioned
quickly and accurately by using stop catches
(DF 500) or stop pins (DF 700).

The edge of the workpiece is visible in the machine’s upper
triangular viewing window. If you do not need the stop
catches, they are automatically pushed aside during the
routing process.

It is easiest to quickly define the positions of repetitive domino
holes by using the integral stop catches for both parts of
the workpiece. The distance between the stop catch and the
router centre is 37 mm. Place the DF 500 at the edge of the
workpiece using a stop catch.

TIP With the aid of the additional stop provided with the

DF 500, the lateral distance to the DOMINO centre can be
reduced from 37 mm to 20 mm.

DF 500 It is possible to define the positions of the DOMINO
routed holes by simply drawing and locating the machine
on the scribe mark looking through the viewing window.

1

The DF 700 possesses an innovative stop system, allowing even domino groups to be quickly and precisely positioned in relation
to a reference edge using the integral stop pins.

There are six stop pins on the stop side of the joining machine. Unnecessary stop pins can be pushed aside individually and lock
in place, and can all be released again by pressing the button on the side of the machine (see markings in the figure).

2524

50 mm

37 mm

20 mm

1 2 3 3 2 1

The stop pins serve as distance pieces
to the router centre and can be sepa­rately located.

A

Pins (

1

– 2 –

3

) allow three
separate distances to a reference
edge.

B

The pins allow two domino holes to
be placed adjacent to each other
at a defined distance to a reference

1

edge (

–

3

).

C

The pins allow two domino holes to be
placed by rotating the workpiece, e.g.
for the same moulding cross-section.

Additionally, it is possible to insert the pin in the previously routed domino hole and to use the edge of the domino
hole as a stop. This means you can define domino holes over larger, uniform distances independent of the edge of the
workpiece and without marking. (In the example using pin 2 in the drawing.)

37 mm 37 mm 37 mm 37 mm

1

2726

1.4.9 Working with extraction

Large amounts of timber chippings are created when working with the DOMINO joining machines. To improve
chip transfer out of the routed hole during the routing process, and to also protect your own health, we
recommend you always work with dust extraction. However, please examine all domino holes for chips after
routing and empty them if necessary.

Selecting the correct mobile dust extractor:
it all depends on the dust category!

In addition to improving the progress of your
work, the mobile dust extractor also primarily
ensures improved health when working with
the DOMINO joining machines: because when
working in dusty environments, in particular with
materials such as timber, the dust produced
can become a serious health risk. This has been
shown by a recent meta-analysis*, which estab­lished that the relative risk of asthma amongst
employees exposed to timber dust is 1.53 times
higher than that of the normal population.

So do yourself a favour and make sure you have
clean air in your workplace – and work with
a tested and approved mobile dust extractor.
You will also be complying with all the statutory
regulations, too.

* Source: Perez-Rios M, Ruano-Ravina A, Etminan M, Takkouche B. A.

Meta-analysis on wood dust exposure and risk of asthma. Allergy
2010;65:467-73.