I bought a $70 "Domino" on Alibaba
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- čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
- I bought a $70 domino off Alibaba and a $200 one from Canada. I test these two festool domino killers to see if they can cut mortises as good as the domino. The Tianli and Komax jigs definitely gave me a few surprises!
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0:00 Do you need a domino?
0:56 How they show up
2:12 Setting up for cuts
5:12 Edge to edge joint test
7:22 How fast are they?
8:06 Choosing the right bit
8:41 Face frame joint test
9:30 Could these kill you?
11:05 Edge butt joint test
13:02 The worst part of them
14:02 Center divider joint test
15:26 Which one to buy - Jak na to + styl
Check out these awesome tools under $20: czcams.com/video/QCDaE-0pXoY/video.html
Brad I do not even know why you would show the Festool domino. The averege wood worker probably does not even have $1200.00 us to buy this tool. In my case it would cost between $1500.00 - $1900.00 canadian. Even if I could afford this tool I would not buy it. It probably costs Festool any where between $100.00 - $200.00 to make the tool. I call this corporate greed and price rape on the dealer side.
@@MarkK01 this is exactly why I showed this video. I'm showing you alternatives to the Domino at a much cheaper price, but also acknowledging where the Domino excels and doing things the others can't
@@MarkK01 How do you estimate what it costs them to make it? Not saying you are right or wrong, I just don't have any idea. Also don't forget ROI on development costs.
Scammer posing as you in comments section
You could use longer screws on the Komax to better adjust the widht of the hole.
I debated (with myself) whether or not to buy a Domino machine over ten years ago, back when they shipped in the ORIGINAL style Systainer... Back then, the “Set” configuration was under $900. I’ve never regretted the purchase! One operation totally ignored in the review is the reference plate’s ability to adjust to angles. That ability really opened up my comfort building with mitered corners. A Domino or two in a mitered corner, at any angle up to 90 degrees, makes alignment and clamping extremely easy. That’s got to be worth SIX STARS!
Oh dang, I usually don't even bother with dominos having the luxury of time for glue to dry in clamps but in that mitered joint scenario it really does seem advantageous
imo, the domino is an absolute no brainer for any professional that needs it. as a hobby woodworker however, its a bit out of my budget. however, i have never really seen the point of all the jigs to mimic a domino. if you dont have a domino, just use a high quality doweling jig. those cost like 80 bucks and are great.
if you make money doing woodworking a Domino should be top of the list after your basic tools imho
Yes, agree.
I haven't been lucky with the dowel jigs I've encountered in the past. The seemingly best one I can find here in Norway is a $200 Joint Genie kit, which sucks if it sucks 😅
Want to reply to this one. I recently turned my hobby into my profession. I had the domino beforehand and thought it was a lovely tool that was incredibly well made and helped out.
Since going pro its an essential. I would have to charge nearly twice as much oer job to cover the time the domino saves. Its reliable. Its accurate. Its the one tool i cant do without.
For those who bash Festool remember that its a tool for pros, if you can afford it then do buy one, its a game changer
Exactly. How is this tool even superior to all the mortise jigs?
I got the Tian Li about 2 years ago when I was making some new kitchen cabinets for our house. In the past, I had used pocket screws but I wanted to use dominos instead for the new ones. I looked at the Festool and for the project total, I didn't want to spend that much. I think I got the Tian Li for about $220.00 bucks delivered. For me, it worked well and once you get used to it you speed up a bit. I didn't do anything outrageous just used it to attach 3/4-inch panels to each other and also put the face frames together. I made a jig that helps with the face frames and it worked out great for me. If I did this all the time, I would invest in a Festool but for what I needed, it was fine. I will say that I haven't needed to use it since but my son has used it a few more times on some of his furniture and he has not had any problems getting it to work for him. I will also admit it is probably a little more dangerous but I used a foot peddle to turn my router on and off and always had a good grip on the tool. I love the harbor freight foot peddles for my table saw and miter saw too.
Yeah, for a hobbyist a Festool is kind of massive overkill. As in using a tactical nuke for getting rid of spiders. Like I p;pointed out in my comment, we can use dowels. We don't even need dominos. Its a nice tool, but, its far from being a need.
I have the TianLi, picked it up a couple of years ago. My hand got tired holding the router, so I drilled and tapped a hole in the top of the router mount. Then threaded a handle on it. Easier to hold, and move side to side. Mine came with an 8mm router bit, with a 8mm collect. Worked great with the 8mm Domino's. Based on your review, it looks like the TianLi has gone down in quality. My spring works, and doesn't fall down. Mine also has a different depth stop design. I've thought about taking the face frame into a machine shop, and having a couple of new plates made, something with a much smaller opening. Just haven't done it yet.
Tianli seems like a really good alternative for many of us hobbyists. If I get one, I'll probably make a quick cover with a window to protect from the exposed bit - 1/2 ply with acrylic embedded in a rabbit or dado so you can still see the router bit.
I was thinking the same thing. Would be easy to add a piece of acrylic that covers the bit.
The Tianli had a lot of potential just a piece of acrilyc on the top attached on the same screws of the aluminum plate, maybe longer screws and voila! Then a stronger spring and a hood attached to the red part that rest against the board to solve the dust colection and maybe with $50 in upgrades we can have a decent domino. Even the stop collar issue can be solved as simple as adding a thin piece of any material at the bottom, naybe kydex if you wanna be fancy about it.
This tool is an accident waiting to happen.
It looks like you could replace your side locking bolts with longer ones on the Komax to make tighter slots.
This. Plus a little larger is good since Dominos will shrink and expand over time.
Came here to say this. But that would remove another star from the setup. 😆
This, and replace the hex key with knobs epoxied to the bolts for easier setup.
If everything is adjusted with screws on the comex you can always get a narrower cut by replacing the screws with longer ones
Dude you are awesome. Fantastic video. I've used the Domino but never considered something I can afford personally in my shop.
Thanks for this nice comparison! My solution is the Makita PJ7000, which is for me as a hobbyist is the perfect compromise in quality and price
What a great alternative! Thank you for this vid!
Loved this! Thanks for doing the deep tool dive on the domino and it’s ilk. I think you’ve nudged me one step closer to getting a domino for the studio 😅
I have one. Nothing else like it. Definitely worth the investment.
This is great info, thanks. I think your scoring system is inconsistent, but watching you try them out I could do my own scoring.
Anybody else lurking tools you don't understand but are planning your future workshop? Love this guy
With some longer adjustment bolts for side-to-side cut you could fine tune that tool. I know it's an added expense but it's still a 'decent' tool for very little investment.
I was thining exaclty that
Yes, absolutely. They are M5 bolts, so easy to replace. Was just evaluating as it comes stock
I was first hyped for the tianli, but in the end a used df 500, even if more expensive, is still the best option I reckon....
The alibaba one is actually made to cut grove for keyhole fastener on cheap mdf furniture, that why the large cut. It just happen to be able to cut a domino mortise. By the way here in China you get the jig and the router for around 300RMB total (45$ total)
I bought one from China. Yet to try
yes, I noticed that usage on the site. Makes sense why you can't do the joints I was trying. I'm sure you can get some crazy deals over there. I used to travel to China for work and I miss the days at the market 😀
Thanks for the shout Brad! I've been wondering about Komax jig. Great vid.
Thanks, David! I had just started shooting my video when I saw your Tianli vid and knew I had to order it immediately to do the 3 way test. I actually got the last one from their site, cause you sold them out, lol. Loving your new style and direction too 💪
Main question is, what is the point of a domino for non pro. I mean using multiples top quality dowel will result in a better joint (more solid and cheaper). Taking into account that those jigs can be used for dowels as well...
What you can actually do on the Komax is to flip the handle guide plate 180' around to make the cuts - the steel rods ends then rest on the face of the panel.
Unfortunately, that means your trigger grip handle is on the other side instead but it'll work if you really needed to make those domino cuts for the butt joint edge on the face cuts.
I think you could do the face frame end cut with the Tianli if you remove the big knob and clamp it to the stock.
Komax has a simple fix for the slot width. Loca hardware store and purchase 2 longer machine thread screws.
Makes me want to get the Komax and make some mods to it, faceplate, longer screws, etc
yes, I think it could be cool!
Agreed! For the cost of a couple of screws, it could be a pretty good option!
If you upgrade the Komax with some home made accessory you can make it almost as versatile as the Domino (minus the dust collection) but come out still cheaper than the Tianli. I think it's a good catch
No need, there is a new version on AliExpress for quite some time now.
I have posted a direct link to the new product on the AliExpress, but my post was deleted :(
@14:50, can you get clearance by raising the router a few mm in the Tianli jig?
Thanks for all the great content, Brad.
My pleasure!
Hi Brad! Amazing channel! I want to ask, can you do or recommend any video about basic tools to start woodworking as a hobby and doing small things for home? Thanks!
You could make a little jig with sacrificial pieces on either end..giving you enough to support to cut smaller pieces
I think I would replace the side to side screws on the Komax with longer ones with thumb screws
I know the others are cheaper in price. Despite the fact I know I'll be howling at the price, you actually sold me on buying the Festool Domino, and just getting it over with and smiling for the rest of my life!
You could easily build an adjustable jig that would allow you to cut the end grain for cabinet framing.
I think the Tianli has potentials. Replace the spring with a stiffer spring for sure. Probably need to make up another plate to stabilized the setup for butt join. No way they can come compare to Festool. But I think they are OK-ish if you limit the scope of what they can do for what you pay.
Add or replace bottom plate for a bigger one or add rubber feet
You could add longer bolt stops in the Komax to limit the side to side movement.
I think there's a part missing, there should be another bolt from the other side.
First time to comment on one of your videos
Thanks for this video
Enjoyed it and the fact that you don’t waste time jabbering lol
I guess there’s no cheap substitute and I’m stick to pocket holes until I can afford the domino
Thanks again and I enjoy all your videos
For the Komex, could you replace the side to side stops with longer bolts to have more precise side to side control? Also, I’m assuming the Komex is a cylindrical trim router right? Not a full size router?
0:56 that was an obscure joke! Had to think about that one! Pretty original!
I like how you get to put your hand half an inch away from a spinning router bit. Definitely something an ADD case like you should be doing.
I was kicking around getting one of those, but now maybe not. but have you priced used a Festool they are almost as much as new?
I loved the green koolaid bit! I am curious about the clamps that had an adapter for the bench dog holes… where did you get those?
Those look like the 3/4" hold down clamps from taytools. There's also the traditional style holdfast clamp, you adjust them with a tap from a mallet
Great video, Brad!
That ad of yours was so subtle and felt so part of the video that I barely registered it was an ad read until you mentioned they were a sponsor 🤣 I have nothing against ad reads as I know it's how you make a living. I just wish more people would do it your style.
True, if more people did subtle ad reads, many CZcams videos would be much easier to watch. But that kind of subtley, especially in this format, is an art-an art you can learn with the help of this comment's sponsor, Skillshare. They will definitely help you out with whatever thing I was just talking about, and they are the only company that sponsors comments probably. Use code "usecode" to save 80 cents on a thirty year plan today.
@@ZalexMusic that's hilarious 😂
Betting a fix for the Komax would be to get a longer screw/bolt?
For the operation that required the sheet to be held vertically, that becomes a quite the challenge when building a cabinet that is floor to ceiling. Maybe cut those slots while on a ladder?
I guess you could find some longer screws to make the adjustment on the cheaper one tighter than it comes in the package. Also could make is quick adjust screws instead of Allen caps.
Hi! Nice comparison. The only thing I'd like to be added is the stability of the "estool domino replacement" jigs on hard wood. You mentioned these have pretty decent grip, but since even drilling hard wood is a diferent "feel", i bet it would be a difference with these jigs as well (or not?).
The Domino is well out of my price range. The other two presented here are more affordable but a bit cumbersome to use. So I will forgo domino's and use dowels or biscuits. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.😀😀
Exactly. For a hobbyist this is not necessary or even needed. If you work a cabinet shop, I can see buying it to save time. But, even so, I'm still not convinced its necessary.
I'm so grateful for the dollars to maple syrup conversion! LOL!!!😂
Change Out The Adjustment Bolts With Longer ones! I Really love pocket Screws! They Make Cabinet Fronts Easy As Can Be!
Brad, Nice review, Thanks.
That was a great video again!!
Thanks for the video. question what makes this domino special? Is it strength? Looks similar dowels. Can you get similar result by using two dowels next each other?
Another thing to consider about the speed of a Domino is ease of use. It’s really intuitive. I can go months between when I use mine but when I need it, I don’t ever feel that I have to relearn anything. Just do.
yes, as a total newb I figured it out in a couple minutes
For the price of the Tianli, I think the Dowelmax doweling jig might be a better alternative? I'd love to see a video where you compare it to the Domino!
thanks for great video. very informative.
You could replace the weak spring on the Tianli with a stronger one.
Hey, i don't quite understand why you didn't use a simple clamp jig for the face joint for the Tianli and Komax. You clamped the pieces for the edge butt joint, so why not for the other one?
On another note, you could use a longer screw for the side-to-side adjustment of the Komax.
Greetings and thanks for presenting the tools.
I guess I’ll be sticking with my milescraft dowel jig!
Just wondering if you didn't set the router so deep as the adjustable fence might fit, so would you be able to use it for the face cuts. Or maybe not, just an eyeball idea.
A really good overview, thanks)
Awesome video, really wanted to see a review of both this jigs :) thanks!
You bet!
I'm a hobbyist/home DIYer. I purchased a DF 700 years ago. Never looked back. I take on builds I never would have without it. Awesome machine.
I didn't know they sold 'DF's seven hundred years ago. Without electricity it must have been hand cranked! LOL.
I'm just kidding of course. It's good to know the DF 700 is an awesome machine.
@@PoeticJusticeSC Ha ha! Yep. English. Gotta love it.
The Tianli looks like a better choice price wise for me as a Hobbyist Woodworker that just cannot justify the cost of the Festool for the number of times that I would need to use it. Also, I like the look of the Tianli construction over the Komax as it does not have all the plastic part's for holding the router so it seems it would be less prone to breakage. For a Production shop the Festool would be the better choice IMHO.
A 50 bucks dowel jig should do the trick.
@@sorenludwig3978 I got a self centering dowel jig for $9.00 USD. Works great.
look up Peter Millard's jig that you can build for free.... works like a charm
In 2 years the festool patent runs out for the domino, so I would rather stick with what you already have and wait a few more years until domino routers become affordable
Komax ordered already just now I can see easily that I can make awesome jigs and replace those shirt and long bolts with heavy duty longer and shorter ss bolts and make that thing amazing so awesome I will never no matter what pay for festool tools that domino cost festool less than $130 to manufacture they are just plain flat out screwing people I make around $30-$40,000 annually woodworking and still will not pay for a single festool tool but the dominoes are cool and that komax Is my dream come true thanks for the video I will post some pics after I get my komax and make some jigs and replace the hardware and bolts
For the thin pieces - where it was too big, you could add a piece of scrap on either side.
On the end cut, just put a board on either side. That'll give it reference surfaces.
It would help to set the piece flush with a table, clamp it together and use the table face for referencing the jig
They would all have to be fastened together somehow. A clamp would work, but if you've got a lot of cuts to make a simple jig would take about 5 minutes to fabricate.
OK, the Koolaid sip was priceless.
I’m surprised no one is talking about the Grizzly Dowel Jointer. It’s just like the Festool but does dowels. For $99 the dowel jointer is better than all of them.
Came here to say the same thing. I love mine.
Great video. Thanks for sharing :)
You need to get an 8mm collet for the Makita router. Bought a slightly different one from Banggood. That is a combination of both Chinese jigs that has a ' face on it. It came with the wrenches, and it took me about an hour to set it up for depth and width. With it set up, I can do butt and "L" joints. For doing cabinet caucuses this is just perfect. I use some spacers to locate my middle cuts. If time, dust and flexibility are an issue, Go with the Domino.
It would be great to have a reference. I searched for it, but could not find any on Banggood.
@@alexysb.7660 Can't send the link, but here is the description GANWEI 2-In-1 Slotting Adjustable Wood Trimming Machine Holder Eletric Trimmer Holder Bracket for 65mm Trimming Machine. It will hold a slightly smaller barrelled trim for a HF cheep trim router.
Just put longer locating screws to get groves dialed in smaller
Ryobi bisque machine it's faster like festool so I keep using Ryobi there cheap and does the same work as the festool, plus last longer
Have you seen that Levoite „angle drill guide“? Would love to see someone review it. It looks like the front end of a domino for use with a hand drill, but uses regular dowels. Anyone got it? Good / bad experiences?
Can't wait to see how JessEm's new one works for people. Great video.
Thanks for the comparison. After seeing these options I'll stick with my Porter Cable biscuit joiner and its minor limitations.
Bingo! 👊
the best tool for the job is usually the one you have 😀
Biscuits worked just fine for Norm Abrams in the New Yankee Workshop but apparently now biscuits don't add any strength according to the CZcamsrs with Festool sponsorship
@@rd-ch1on I had much the same reaction when the Domino came out. What happened to the awesomeness of simple biscuits? And dowels?
Jess'em has a version coming out really soon. Would be good to see a canadian version vs. the chinese versions.
Where can you buy these Tianli jigs? Having trouble finding on EBay or anywhere, thanks.
Thanks for this review I think I will just get the Festool.
Can either of the festool alternatives cut on a 45 miter?
Both of the cheap clones could be modified fairly easy I will most likely buy them both just to copy the basic parts and 3d print with the modifications. Thank you for the video very cool info.
Don't even bother getting them because drill rod is cheap to buy. You can get a 3 foot length of 1/2" diameter rod for about $15. That's enough for a pair of guide rails with some left over.
About marking with the Festool, there are 2 little extensions with it that allow you to evenly space the domino's with zero marking.
yes, those would definitely come in handy on a larger top
Theres video from the manufacturer of the red anodised one, that show setting up and using it.
Anyone know when the festool patent is up? I’m sure other mfg’s have had finished POC’s chomping at the bit for years now.
Very nice review. leaves no room for questions.
I really have a lot
@@raym000 actually you are right. There is a question. Why there are not others more affordable dominoes brands outhere?
Several have already mentioned it, but I’d prefer a doweling tool (DowelMax, JessEm) over the cheap jenky domino jigs.
LMFAO 😅 drinking the green koolaid was classic!
i found a jig very similar to the komax but it seems it fixes most of the bad things, the collar that holds the router is aluminum, it has a solid face plate, and the depth adjustment doesn't interfere with the face of the tool. it may be a better option to modify or make jigs for
Can you share what it is?
@@Monduras YUCHENGTECH Mortise Jig
@@Monduras There is a bunch of them on Aliexpress, the one from Ganwei seems the best reviewed and is only $30 more. Would be great to see a review on this and if it addresses the valid concerns raised in this video! Lots of interest for affordable Domino alternatives as evidenced by all the comments and views.
Could you not change the screws for better adjustments for the Lomax?
I have tried to emulate the "domino" effect with a router and a custom jig once years ago. That turned out to be not bad. At least the piece is still holding up lol
Money has never been an issue on something that pays for it self, believe me once you get a festool domino it can pay that 1200 dollars in 2 to 3 contracts, I believe in quality and costly tools in the long run you have low maintenance costs but very high returns, thanks for the video.
Really comes down to how fast you need to produce if you need dominos at all. My wood projects have nothing but time before I can get back to them so I can get away with just waiting for clamps and wood glue
Also these jigs are in relation to the small domino. With the large one you can drill 12mm holes. These jigs won't fit a half an inch collet router.
A trip to the hardware store to buy longer screws for the side to side adjustment?
Did you take a look at the loose tenon jigs designed by some of your fellow CZcams content creators … Peter Millard and tamara 3x3. They are made out wood and work with a plunge router and a bushing.
Do a comparison between the domino and the new Jessem pocket mill pro
That green kool-aid is pretty tasty, isn’t it? 😁 Seriously, tho…I love my Domino! Glad you had an excuse to buy one, and you’re enjoying it 👍🏻
We have one at work by the brand lamello it’s great because no clamps are needed id love to see a vid or your opinion on this model
That Kool aid shot 😂😂😂 epic 😂😂😂
This is making me appreciate my biscuit cutter even more!
I was thinking the same thing LOL WAY cheaper. That and a doweling jig and you're covered.
If you were doing face frames on smaller boards couldn’t you put it flush with the workbench clamp it 10:19 and then put the front plate on the tianli against your workbench?
What about swapping out the bolt to a longer one?
With the Alibaba one couldn't you replace the "stop" screws with longer ones to make accurate domino jigs
I suppose it wasn't worth doing but the domino also cuts at angles. Oh and the depth, width, and height adjustments are cake! I grabbed a used domino for $650.....not cheap but it's awesome.