Replies

1. 
   RickL | Aug 18, 2009 12:23pm | #1

   Been using horizontal slot mortisers and loose tenons for years. Much faster than beadlock by far. I can do the mortises for a cabinet door in a matter of minutes. Making loose tenon stock is very fast as well. I premake as much as I want ahead of time so I only have to cut off lengths as I need it. With a horizontal slot mortiser, which runs at 4,000 rpm I can dowel as well. I much prefer the stationary slot mortiser to the Domino as I can do large or small tenons. If I was doing filed work I would use the Domino or the Doweler machine.

   Also to note I have worked in factories and custom shops for 35 years and have used chain, chisel, and Maka mortisers as well as single and double end tenoners. The Horizontal slot mortiser is the best of the best.

1. 
   Domer | Aug 19, 2009 02:33pm | #2

   I have not used a slot mortiser but I do use loose tenons. There is a jig called the Router Wizard from Eagle Jigs in Kansas City that you attach your plunge router to. It works really well. I also bought the Domino six months or so ago. It works great. It is easy to use and accurate. In addition, it if you use the dust extractor, there is virtually no dust. The only problem with it is that you only have a limited number of loose tenons (they call them biscuits) to choose from. The Router Wizard is more versatile but takes a little more set up.Both are good tools. If I had to pick just one of the two, it would be the Router Wizard. I have not tried the other tools you mentioned but several of them have gotten good reviews. Domer

2. 
   oldusty | Aug 19, 2009 04:31pm | #3

   mikevance ,

                 You don't say whether you are using any detail or stile and rail cutters on the door frames but I'll tell you this ,, a stile and rail shaper detail or even a stub tenon joint backed up with a double dowel joint is indestructible ,you have the strength and glue surface of the stile and rail joint already but backed with a dowel it will also resist racking , breaking and such .

         regards          dusty

3. 
   bones | Aug 21, 2009 03:47am | #4

   I bought the festool domino and absolutely love it.  I made a cherry hutch that used that joint exclusively.  It's strong and easy to use.  If you can hit a pencil line you can do it. 

   I was married by a judge - I should have asked for a jury.
   George Burns