Makita 18V Cordless Planer Shaves Imperfections with Confidence

The Makita XPK02 18V cordless planer improves significantly on the 3-1/4″ XPK01. The new tool seems more refined and adds many welcome features missing from the older model. The new tool seems much more suited for anyone looking for a cordless planing solution that frees you up on the job site. We could see this coming in handy for window installers, deck installation, and all kinds of remodeling work and on-site finish carpentry.

Pros

• 2-blade head with carbide cutters
• Selectable left or right side discharge
• 3 different chamfer grooves
• AWS-ready for wireless tool activation to your vac
• Brushless motor
• Electric brake

Cons

• Pretty big premium over the corded version
• Discharge plug is at risk of being lost
• No chip bag included

Makita XPK02 18V Cordless Planer

The Basics

The Makita XPK02 cordless planer features the expected brushless motor. It drives the 2-blade cutter head at up to 12,000 RPM and removes stock quickly.

Like most of their electronically-controlled tools, it has Automatic Speed Change electronics to better adjust cutting speed when the tool comes under load. Instead of bogging down, the motor will draw the required power to keep up the RPMs.

While the 3-1/4-inch wide cutting path doesn’t surprise us, the maximum 1/8-inch chip removal does. That’s an aggressive system in terms of capability and shows how confident Makita is in their brushless motors.

Today’s Project: Door Replacement

Makita’s claim that the double-edged carbide blades leave a smooth finish is absolutely true. It was obvious from our very first field test where we planed a couple of doors for a perfect fit and swing.

The originals were hollow core doors and literally started falling apart. With our replacement door slabs ready, we went ahead and bored the lock set holes and mortised the hinges.

The first door was roughly 1/8-inch too wide for the existing doorway. I set the Makita cordless planer at 1/16-inch so I could make a few passes and get a good finish by the time I passed my pencil line.

I also hit the corners with the center chamfer groove to ease them over.

Setting that first door in place, it was a perfect fit on the first try.

The second door was only rubbing the door frame on the top edge. So I closed it, marked the edge with a pencil where I was getting the interference, and took it back out.

With so little material that I needed to remove, I set the planer to 1/32-inch this time and used a series of overlapping passes to get it right.

Like the first door, I chamfered the edges to match.

Using a cordless planer such as the Makita XPK02 is perfect for this kind of field work. I didn’t have to bother with cords and there’s more than enough runtime in even a 2Ah battery to cover what I needed.

AWS Compatible

The planer is AWS-ready. After adding an AWS chip, you can pair it with an AWS dust extractor or an AWS Universal Adapter for vacs with a tool activation plug. With it, you can wirelessly kick on the vac when you pull the trigger similar to the way you do with a corded tool running to a vac. There just aren’t any cords connecting them.

It has left/right adjustable chip ejection to direct to either side of the tool.

It’s a handy feature but it comes with a couple of caveats. To make the switch from left to right, you need to remove the plug from one end and put it on the other. I don’t mind that in terms of process, but its removable nature puts it at risk of getting lost and it’s not as convenient as a switch.

Realistically, it’s something I might only change a couple of times a year, so the risk isn’t all that great. Unless, of course, you let someone else borrow the tool…

For a project like the one I started with, the system is great. I plug in the hose, plane, and move on. However, I’ve come across a couple of times that I’m hitting an edge right next to the install point and I’d prefer to have a collection bag rather than dragging the vac over to the workspace.

Further Testing

Having access to other cordless and corded planers I was curious to see how Makita’s update compares. Given that my go-to corded model runs between 15,000 and 16,000 RPM, I was a little hesitant to think this tool could keep up at its specified 12,000 RPM.

It turns out that it wasn’t an issue—even up to the full 1/8-inch there was no struggle or issue with its speed in the removal of material. To check, I set the planer to the deepest setting and did a few runs across a piece of stock 2X material. It was more than capable of removing material at that depth. You might need to slow down when you’re planing that kind of depth and thickness on your hardwoods, though.

The final max depth isn’t as deep as my corded tool. Realistically a hand planer is for taking thin swipes, so that really doesn’t bother me. I have no issues with the speed or the depth of the cut.

The surface finish after the cuts was smooth across the board. I had no raised grain, and no bumps or ridges. Time will tell what kind of life I get out of the blades, but out of the box, this tool leaves a beautiful finish. 

Additional Field Notes

I like the motor brake in that it slows down quickly which means I can set it down quicker without worry of damaging the blades against another surface. Sure, there’s a little spring-loaded stand that elevates the base to protect the blades but from experience, I try not to rely on it as a replacement for paying attention. 

Additional Features

• Quick blade installation
• Precision-machined aluminum base with three chamfering grooves
• Easy-to-read click depth adjustment knob

Price and Warranty

The Makita 18V cordless planer retails for $249.99 as a bare tool. It comes with Makita’s 3-year warranty. There’s no kit option and we don’t expect one at this point.

The Bottom Line

The Makita XPK02 cordless planer is well-suited for the type of work I do. With a major focus on remodeling, I often come across the need to create a custom fit. It’s a great addition for finish and trim carpenters, door installers, and remodeling contractors who need to trim material carefully to get a perfect fit.

Makita 18V Cordless Planer Specifications

• Model: Makita XPK02Z
• Planing width: 3-1/4 in.
• Planing depth: 1/8 in.
• Speed (max): 12,000 RPM
• Length: 13-1/8 in.
• Weight (with battery): 7.8 lbs.
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $249.99

The post Makita XPK02 18V Cordless Planer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Using glue-ups in joinery is the preferred solution for tables and other surfaces requiring strong adhesion. We asked our Pros for some thoughts on when using glue-ups in joinery is best. Joinery, whether utilitarian or decorative, must always be dependable. Joint failure is annoying at best and dangerous at worst. A carpenter’s skill level, available tools, and application determine the ultimate joint type.

Along with the joint type, a woodworker must also choose the fastener. That can be a screw, nail, biscuit, staple, or he can choose a glue adhesive.

All Aboard the Grain Train

Wood adhesives are stronger than wood itself and stronger than many fasteners when applied correctly. But that doesn’t mean that glue is the best choice for all joints. The wood grain orientation is an important component of joint strength. Wood cells are structured like a bundle of straws. Imagine these straws drawing water from the roots to the uppermost part of the tree. When a tree is hewn into lumber, the orientation of the straws creates three types of grain: end, edge, and face grain. The end grain is like the open ends of the straw bundle, the edge the thinner side, and the face the broader side. When an end grain is glued, the straws draw the glue away from the surface as they did with water in the wood’s tree days. This results in a weak adhesion. End grain glue-ups have very little lateral strength. A good example is the butt joint where and end grain is joined to face grain.

When Using Glue-ups in Joinery is Best Continued

Glue-ups are strongest with face to face, face to edge, and edge to edge joints. A lot of surface area contacts in these orientations and the glue isn’t drawn away by the straw-like wood characteristics. This assumes that you properly flatten and square the contacting surfaces. Some argue that cupping should be in the same direction while others argue it should alternate to counteract. We tend to favor the latter—particularly when doing side-by-side glue-ups for table tops.

Don’t fasten flat or miter end grain with glue only. It results in a weak bond that is likely to fail under load. But using glue alone for the long grain wood surfaces is certainly acceptable. You’ll create a strong, lasting joint.

Conclusion

Since carpentry has a rich history that spans millennia, we have only scratched the surface. Perhaps we’ll go deeper in a future joinery article, but this is a good start. You’ll certainly learn through trial and error when using glue-ups in joinery is best. Our hope, however, is to save the new guys some pain—and money. If you’re a Pro and you have glue-up joinery tips, add them in the comments below—or contact us with your own Pro tips.

The post When Using Glue-ups in Joinery is Best appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

In the world of joinery, a perfectly executed mortise and tenon joint is the holy grail of woodworking. Many a laborious hour has passed whilst I have fine-tuned an errant mortise or sanded a wayward tenon to perfection. While I find the art of joinery with hand tools to be well ….an art, the more practical side of my brain repeats the homage “ time is money, dude “. Enter the Festool Domino DF XL 700 Joiner.

Our shop at Kent Made, LLC specializes in Architectural woodworking and as such we are often asked to create custom doors, gates and windows from all manner of hardwoods. I love the whole custom aspect of our business but there are times when the romantic idea of built from scratch hand joined artwork does not fit with the economics of survival. Simply put, most people have a budget.

Being practical, I’ll have to save the romance for my wife.

A while back the fine fellas at Pro Tool Reviews got our hands on a Festool DF 500 Joiner and I must say I was blown away. This tool is our go-to method of joinery for all of our casework and more. The only downfall of this fine machine is the limited size of the Dominos. The largest size is too small for a heavy door or gate joinery and we still create those tedious joints by hand.

As fate would have it, while contemplating a large exterior gate project, we got the call from PTR about the Festool Domino DF XL 700. Let’s just say that I am still filling in the ruts from my son’s rapid departure to pick it up.

First impressions

Systaining Me

Festool has never failed to impress with their well-designed and well-made Systainers. The Domino XL comes in a Systainer SYS 5 T-LOC. The deep case has a foam insert that perfectly encases the machine to ensure damage free storage. It also has a two compartment tray system for bits and accessories with onboard storage for the various attachments.

Balance

At first glance, the Festool Domino DF XL 700 appears unwieldy but in actuality, is a well-balanced tool. In a departure from the Domino’s low center grip, the Domino XL utilizes a top center rear handle and a front center grip that balances the tool perfectly. I find it easier on the wrists than the smaller DF 500.

Setup

Set up is a breeze as it is pretty much plug and play. Installing the bit is a simple procedure due to the release pin at the front left. The pin will separate the slide assembly from the body allowing easy access to the bit. The spindle lock button on the right side allows bit changes with one wrench. Once reassembled there are four settings to be concerned with:

1. Pitch angle

Pitch angle is adjusted with a lever on the left front side. Adjustable from 0 to 90 degrees the slide has positive stops at 22.5, 45, 67, and 90 degrees. The locking lever is substantial and you can be assured of a positive lock at any degree within range.

2. Vertical alignment

The vertical alignment is adjusted by a lever on the front right of the machine. This adjustment relates to the center of the Domino to your work surface and has a center bit mark on both sides of the base plate. The slide has positive stops at 10mm to 40mm in 5mm increments but is capable of anything in between with the locking mechanism.

3. Domino tight or lateral play

A unique feature to the Festool Domino XL is the quick adjust lever to allow lateral play in the Domino. This will simply enlarge the Domino bore in width to allow movement laterally if needed. The lever is located on the left center and has a locator window on top center.

4. Depth of mortise

On the lower left side is a set of slides that adjust the plunge depth of the bit. The depth is adjustable from 15mm to 70 mm and has positive stops every 5mm along the scale. The lower set of stops allows you to set two different depths for joining materials of different thicknesses.

You achieve lateral alignment by viewing the center mark through the graduated clear scale located on the front of the slide mechanism. Graduated lock pins on the front allow for consistent Domino spacing form edges or mortise to mortise. A new feature with this unit is the ability to lock the pins up and away with a simple push keeping them flush when not in use.

Field use

Like nearly all Festool tools, the Festool Domino XL 700 is designed to use in conjunction with one of their vacuum systems. For our work, we paired it with the Festool CT 36 system we own. It’s imperative that you connect it to a vacuum system to clears the drill shavings or the unit will not operate properly.

Check out our review of the Festool CT SYS Portable Dust Extractor

Historic Windows

We first tested the unit on an order of historic window sashes that required some repetitious mortise and tenon joinery. While the DF 500 could have fit this bill, the increased Domino size of the DF 700 produced a more stable joint. The easy depth adjustment is a time saver when mortising the narrow stiles to the rails allowing us to switch operations with ease.

The lateral centering attachment is a time saver as well. Once attached to the shoe plate and aligned it produced repeat dead center mortises. The unit performs admirably with precision bores and seemingly endless power.

Walnut Table Top

The second test was on a walnut table top. The 8/4 top was milled from slab walnut and required edge gluing 4 milled pieces together. We decided to utilize the Domino to control the edge alignment as well as to provide cupping control. Using the deepest depth adjustment we mortised the top every 16 inches. The machine powered through the walnut easily and the alignment was nearly perfect. The length and girth of the larger Dominos kept the top very flat and rigid and made glue up a pleasure.

Pro Tip: The Dominos fit very tight so be cautious when test fitting as they are hard to get apart.

Gates

The third test was the gates I mentioned at the beginning. The gates are 8’ x 3’ 6” and are made of sapele mahogany. The challenge with exterior joinery is not only the structural integrity of the joint but the elemental forces that wreak havoc on the piece daily. In Florida, you can count on rain, sun, more rain, a lot more sun… you get the picture. All of that expansion and contraction can and will cause an ill-fitting joint to fail. A small error in a tenon or a slightly over bored mortise is exponentially worse when subject to Mother Nature’s charms.

The Festool Domino system creates what we call a floating tenon. We create a perfect size mortise for the pre-engineered tenons which have pressed scoring for glue relief. We find the unit to create near perfect joints to the degree that glue almost seems unnecessary…..almost.

The accuracy of the joinery allows for assembly with minimal glue. In our case, Titebond 3 is our go-to for exterior work. The Dominos also come in Sipo mahogany which is an excellent hardwood for harsh weather applications.

The Bottom Line

The Domino may look a little intimidating at first, but the learning curve is pretty quick. Once you get used to the setup procedure for each workpiece, the genius of the design and impeccable performance take over. If you’ve ever attempted a mortise and tenon joint by hand, you’ll be amazed at how much the Domino XL will increase your productivity and the quality of your joints.

Not talking about the price would make this an incomplete review. The Festool Domino XL is pricey at $1335 for the EQ-Plus kit or $1430 for the EQ-Set kit. That’s an investment for any carpenter. But when you’re talking about fine woodworking and custom carpentry at a level that your high-end clients are willing to pay to have, the Domino gets the results they demand while saving you valuable time.

The Festool Domino XL is another fine example of what Festool does best – shop-like performance in a portable package that integrates so completely with their system it is seamless in its utility. The Domino system is a marvel of engineering and deserves a place in the shop of anyone needing to produce quality products in a timely manner.

Festool Domino DF XL 700 Key Features

• Unique, patented cutting action that rotates and oscillates to create perfect, clean, and repeatable mortises every time
• Mortise width adjustment with the turn of a dial allows for easier alignment when joining panels
• Indexing pins for quick alignment against the edge of the workpiece for accurate placement
• Tenons up to approximately 5-1/2-Inch in length for large scale projects

Festool Domino DF XL 700 EQ-Plus Kit

• DOMINO DF 700 XL 15/32″ (12mm) cutter
• support bracket
• 2x dowel box
• operation tool
• in SYSTAINER SYS 5 T-LOC
• $1335

Festool Domino DF XL 700 EQ-Set Kit

• DOMINO DF 700 XL 15/32″ (12mm) cutter
• support bracket
• trim Stop
• cross Stop
• dowel box
• operation tool
• in SYSTAINER SYS 5 T-LOC
• $1,500.00

Find a Festool Dealer Online!

Festool Domino DF XL 700 Specifications

• Model: Festool Domino DF XL 700
• Mitre Routing: 0 – 90 degrees
• No Load Speed: 21,000 RPM
• Routing Height Range: 3/8″ – 1-15/16″
• Weight: 11.46 lbs
• Domino Slot Cutter Diameter: 5/16″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 9/16″
• Dust Extractor Connection: 1-1/16″
• Max Routing Depth: 2-3/4″
• Motor Power Consumption: 720 watts
• Warranty: 3 years
• Price: $1335 (EQ-Plus Kit), $1,500.00 (EQ-Set Kit)

The post Festool Domino DF XL 700 Joiner Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Lately, we’ve been working on quite a few custom woodworking projects including pieces such as desks, credenzas, dining tables, even a couple of custom mahogany gates. Each of these pieces requires the use of various hardwoods. In the past, we’ve had our lumber milled and planed at the lumber yard, mostly because our small benchtop planer in the shop wasn’t quite up to handling a large amount of hardwood. However, as we’ve picked up more custom work, it became clear that having a decent planer would help save time and money, so it was time to upgrade. We decided that the DeWalt DW735 13-inch, 2-speed planer would fill the gap between our smaller underpowered planer and a large industrial planer.

First Impressions

Upon first receiving the DeWalt DW735 Planer we noticed that not only was the box pretty large, it was also heavy. But that was to be expected. Most benchtop planers have some heft to them, however, the DW735 weighs in at 92 pounds. That realization prompted us to quickly build a rolling base for the planer to stand on.

The overwhelming feeling when opening the box was that the DeWalt DW735 is already a large step up from our previous planer based on build quality alone. The machine sits on a cast aluminum base, and although the casing is molded plastic, it’s solid. Overall, the DeWalt DW735 seems to jump across the line into the professional realm from a small-scale standpoint

Dual Speed DeWalt Planer

One of the unique features the DeWalt DW735 Planer has is two feed speeds – one meant for quick thickness planing and the other for detailed finishing. Speed 1 slows the automatic feed, allowing the blades to cut the workpiece 179 times per inch which leaves a nice smooth finish. Speed 2 increases the automatic feed speed, lowering the number of cuts per inch to only 96, but makes dimensioning lumber quicker.

Upon first setting up the planer, we questioned whether we would need to use the finishing speed very often. However, we found ourselves using it quite a bit more than we initially anticipated. If nothing else, we use it on the last pass of each board we run through the planer because the smooth finish allows for a lot less sanding time.

It’s worth nothing that you have to have the unit on when you’re changing speed in order for it to effectively change gears.

DeWalt DW735 Dust collection

One thing that DeWalt has done with the DW735 is add a built in blower for clearing wood shavings from the blades. It has a surprising amount air flow, and if used without some type of dust collector, it will shoot wood shavings everywhere. It does a wonderful job at keeping dust and shavings from building up on the blades, thus lengthening their life. We were able to hook our shop dust collection up to the planer (a 4-inch connection is recommended) and it’s been working great.

Seeting the Planing Depth

Occasionally we’ll have the need to plane several boards to the same thickness. In most cases, the rough cut lumber we receive from the lumber yard varies in size. This is where the depth setting dial comes in really handy. The depth setting dial has several incremental depth stops at standard measurements from 1/8th of an inch to 1-1/4 inches. This feature was a major help when we needed to plane several reclaimed oak boards for a desktop down to 1-1/4 thick.

Changing the Blade

The DeWalt DW735 comes with a handy Allen wrench that you use for loosening the screws for the plastic cover of the cutter head and the blades themselves. The reason we highlight blade changing on this model as a favorite feature is that it’s quite easy, especially considering the ample room inside the cutter head once the cover is removed. Also, we thought it was kind of cool that the Allen wrench includes a couple of magnets on the handle for easy removal of the blades.

Performance Testing the DeWalt DW735

The DeWalt DW735 13-inch thickness planer is fairly easy to use and is pretty well self-explanatory for anyone that uses a planer. The real tests for this machine are the power and accuracy. Power is one of our main concerns with a new planer considering the number of times we trip the breaker on our old model either from overloading the motor or thermal shutdown.

We ran several different species of hardwoods through including ash, reclaimed oak, and mahogany. The planer worked remarkably well and at 15 amps, it had plenty of power to pull through and plane each hardwood without any hesitation. We planed nearly 70ft of 2-inch mahogany to 1-1/2 inch without overloading the system at all.

Accuracy is probably the most important aspect of thickness planing. After all, if the board doesn’t end up flat, what’s the point of using a planer at all?

The DW735 comes honed-in out of the box. It’s very easy to make small depth changes because of the oversize hand wheel. Each full revolution of the wheel changes the depth of the cut by 1/16th of an inch, which enables the user to easily make depth changes to even a 1/64th of an inch with a quarter turn.

Because the cutter head sits on four threaded posts – which reduces movement of the cutter head – there is very little snipe with this model. With the three-blade cutter head spinning at 10,000 RPM, the cut comes out very smooth even at the faster dimensioning speed. At the lower finishing speed, the material has a finish that is almost smooth enough to skip sanding.

Pricing and Conclusion

The DeWalt DW735 13-inch thickness planer is a real workhorse. With any planer, one hopes for a powerful, accurate machine. This machine delivers on both accounts. At 92lbs, we’re not sure we would lug it around to a project site, but it’s a welcome addition in the shop.

After running 3 projects worth of lumber through this planer, we’re impressed. The DeWalt DW735 is a perfect upgrade from the lower powered benchtop planer, and very effectively bridges the gap to professional shop machinery. We’re not quite ready to open a mill workshop, but this planer does everything that we’ve asked of it and has performed admirably.

As with many upgrades, this one doesn’t come cheap. You’ll be shelling out $629 to make this one happen. Once you do, be warned – you won’t go back to a lesser model again.

DeWalt DW735 13-inch Thickness Planer Key Features

• Powerful 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM motor handles larger cuts in wider materials with ease
• Three-knife cutter head with 10,000 rpm cutter-head speed delivers 30% longer knife life and makes knife change faster and easier
• Two-speed gear box allows users to change feed speed to optimizing cuts per inch at 96 or 179 CPI
• Fan-assisted chip ejection vacuums chip off of the cutter head and exhausts them out of the machine
• 19-3/4″ cast aluminum base is 2X more rigid than a standard 10″ base and folding tables
• Automatic carriage lock reduces the movement that causes snipe without the need for manual engagement by the user
• Material removal gauge and extra large, thickness scale delivers accurate cuts with every pass
• Extra large, turret depth stop allows user to return to most frequently used thicknesses with ease

DeWalt DW735 Planer Specifications

• Mode: DeWalt DW735
• Amps: 15.0 Amp
• No Load Speed: 20,000 RPM (Motor)/ 10,000 (Cutterhead) RPM
• Cuts Per Minute: 30,000
• Drive Motor System: Belt drive
• Max Depth of Cut: 1/8″
• Depth Capacity: 6″
• Width Capacity: 13″
• Blade Count: 3
• Blade Type: Planer Knife
• Weight: 92 lbs
• Planer Type: Bench stationary
• Cutter Head Type: Straight Knives
• CSA Certified: Yes
• Cord Length: 13.0′
• Includes: Dust hose adapter
• Warranty: 3 years limited
• Price: $629

The post DeWalt DW735 Planer Hands-on Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

One of our favorite tools is a pocket hole jig. It allows us to drill holes for hidden fasteners and strong joints. Our purist side almost feels guilty because it’s so easy. We promise that we’ll spend extra time refining the skill of dovetails and m&ts, but now we need a quick, utilitarian shelf for some air compressor accessories. The author is constantly searching for the chuck, air gun, and extra quick connect, so we’ve decided to dispatch the problem with this 5 minute pocket hole shelf. It’s going to be crude and ugly, but it will get the job done while showing off the usefulness of the pocket hole jig. And I won’t have to put so many quarters in the swear jar when it’s time to use the air compressor.

The Corner Pocket

Our 5 minute pocket hole shelf will be made from 2 pieces of scrap stock—one for the bracket and one for the shelf itself. This one’s not intended to hold much weight. Just give yourself enough to work with and enough shelf space to be helpful. This shelf will also be attached to the narrow face of a 2×4, but simply drill your the pocket holes where you need them.

1. Drill Holes to Attach the Bracket to the Shelf

Next, you drill the holes required to attach the bracket to the wall. Also drill the holes to attach the shelf to the wall as needed.

3:59 of the 5 Minute Pocket Hole Shelf

2. Fasten the Bracket to the Shelf

To fasten the bracket to the shelf, use fasteners of the correct length. If you need an extra hand, brace the two pieces against the back of a bench hook like we suggest in these 6 quick home workshop hacks.

3. Fasten the Shelf and Bracket to the Wall

There are a dozen ways you can do this, so just find one that works best in your shop.

4. Admire Your Work!

That’s pretty much it. You can sleep easier knowing your air compressor accessories will be there when you need them. We told you it wouldn’t be pretty, but it serves the purpose without requiring a bunch of time (or skill, unless taking pictures with one hand and drilling with the other is a skill.) Pocket hole joinery can be much more aesthetically acceptable, but this will hold us over until we make a nicer shelf.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this 5 minute pocket hole shelf. And we hope you build one yourself. If you’re a Pro and you have a joinery tips, add them in the comments below—or contact us with your own Pro tips.

The post Making a 5 Minute Pocket Hole Shelf appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

You would think that after 35 years in the field of trim carpentry I would have used or owned all of the available tools and equipment on the market. Apparently, I was wrong, with a capital W. This review is about another piece of equipment from the German master tool builder called the Festool Domino DF500. I could sum up the review by just saying “brilliant work” but that would be boring and not very informational so let me expound upon that statement.

In his never-failing quest for perfection, my son Matt went out and bought a Festool Kapex. That was actually my first experience with a Festool product and really the first time I have ever put my hands on one of their tools. It seems that I have a lot to learn even at my advanced age. I don’t feel too bad considering many of my site companions have never even heard of Festool.

As Festool’s mortise and tenon joinery solution, the Domino comes in two sizes – the DF500 that we’re reviewing and the recently released DF 700 Domino XL. Both use the proprietary Domino tenon while the machine itself creates the perfect mortise to match. The XL is great for larger size projects, but for the custom work KentMade, LLC does, the smaller model is perfect for our needs.

First Impressions

Right out of the box there’s a palpable sense that the Festool Domino DF500 is no consumer/prosumer joiner. The tool oozes professional quality. Even the case it comes in had us walking a little taller. The Domino DF500 comes inside Festool’s proprietary Systainer, which is basically a really cool toolbox that interlocks with other Systainers. We’re huge fans of this system because they help to maintain an organized workspace and makes it very simple to grab the right tool for each job.

As soon as we picked up the Festool Domino DF500, we noticed there is quite a bit of weight to this machine – 7 pounds to be exact. This definitely isn’t a problem though because the weight helps to keep the tool stable during use. We also noticed how comfortable it feels in hand. Festool does a fantastic job with ergonomics and the DF500 is no exception. As soon as we picked it up we wanted to get to work.

Getting Started

Setting up the Festool Domino DF500 is a simple process. However, we wouldn’t consider it plug and play. There’s a slight learning curve, but for the seasoned professional this curve isn’t very steep. Once past the learning curve, which is really just all about figuring out what knob does what, set up is incredibly easy. In fact, changing the cutter head only takes a few seconds, whereas changing a biscuit joiner blade can take several minutes. In our business, anything that saves time without sacrificing quality is gold. All in all, it only took one view of Festool’s “Getting Started” video of the Domino DF500 to become familiar with the tool’s adjustments.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so I can only imagine how many a moving picture must be worth. Since you’re not here to read a novel, check out the DF500 Getting Started video for yourself.

Shop Test

The Festool Domino DF500 is loaded with different features that all have specific uses. There are a few features that we don’t typically use day to day, however, we really wanted to test all of the capabilities. So we decided to test out each feature and accessory in our shop and really put the machine through the paces.

Bare Bones:

First, we just set the Domino DF500 up without any accessories and got a feel for how the machine works. We grabbed some leftover pine, positioned the machine, and made the first cut. What a dream! The DF500 was incredibly stable and slides very smoothly.

Trim Stop:

The trim stop that comes with the Festool Domino DF500 set is very useful for narrow pieces. It’s mostly used for cutting the mortise into the end of a board. This accessory is easily secured to the machine and is really great for dialing in the center of the cut and allowing us to make identical cuts quickly. We gave it a shot and within a couple of minutes we had set the trim stop up and had already made a few identical cuts into some stile material. This accessory alone is a huge time saver when joining face frames.

Cross Stop:

The cross stop is designed for joining boards together to create tabletops or bench tops. It allowed us to bore mortises at the same spacing without having to measure where each mortise should go. Once again, this accessory is another big time saver. Assembly and setup was simple with the turn of a couple of knobs. Within 10 minutes we were successfully edge joining a pair of boards.

Support Bracket:

The support bracket is basically an attachment that adds support to the Domino DF500, especially when using the machine vertically. It attached easily to the base of the tool and it worked as advertised. It’s a perfect accessory for creating vertical mortises when joining cabinet sides and bases.

Dust Collection:

With Festool’s CT 26 E Dust collector attached to the machine, each mortise was perfectly clear of any debris or shavings and there was almost no dust to be seen. This is an area that Festool prides itself on, and it really shows. There’s definitely something to be said for leaving a work area clean and free of dust. Using the Domino in concert with the dust extractor ensures that debris doesn’t become an issue when it comes to the perfect tenon fit.

Functional Features We Love

The Festool Domino DF500 is chock-full of features but there were a few that really stood out to us. Our favorite features all have to do with the setup of the machine. Everything is precise and easy to adjust.

First is setting the mortise depth. Along the side of the DF500 is a lever and depth gauge that allows for quick selection of the depth of the mortise. All that needs to be done is select the depth that coincides with the Domino that is being used and it’s locked into place.

Next is setting the height of the mortise. On the same side of the Domino DF500 as the mortise depth gauge is the height gauge. The front fence raises and lowers which controls where the cutter head will come into contact with the material. The gauge allows for quick setting the height of the mortise by acting as a stop for the front fence.

Finally is a feature that is typically used along with the cross stop attachment. There’s a knob on top of the machine that changes the width of the mortise. The first setting is for cutting a precisely wide mortise for the Domino to fit in. However, there are two more settings that create a wider mortise so that the Domino fits in a little looser. This is a perfect adjustment for joining boards for tabletops or bench tops. First we use the original setting on the first cut to act as an alignment pin. Then turn the knob to set the mortise cut wider and make the rest of our cuts using the cross stop. This is a handy feature because it allows us to perfectly align boards without having to spend too much time fussing with fitting every Domino perfectly.

In the Field

Our field test consisted of several built-ins, a couple of mirror surrounds, and a couple of slab tops to put the Festool Domino DF500 to the test in the real world.

I found the DF500 to be extremely stable and accurate, allowing perfect rail and stile alignment with one process. Used much like a biscuit joiner, the Domino produces what I call a floating tenon joint. I found this joinery to be far superior to pocket screws for face frames and much faster than creating a traditional mortise and tenon joint.

Face frames can be built in many different ways and since they are fastened to the cabinetry do not have to be structural per se. However, the true test of this system was the many craftsman-style doors we built on site. Cabinet doors can be very difficult to build on-site because of the accuracy required in this joinery. Historically I have always built doors in the shop utilizing the “superior“ equipment to create a door to be proud of. I may never build another door in the shop again…as long as I have the Domino with me.

With the Domino, I can create a door from scratch in 20 minutes or less. The tenon system allows me to concentrate on the detailing and panel alignment with no regard to the structure. A simple operation with the Domino system, a little Titebond three and you will have structural corners that will outlast most cabinet doors on the market.

Let’s talk about the dust collection. Let me say this clearly, do not use the Domino without the dust collector attached. The continuous removal of drill chips is necessary for the unit to work as intended. Without it, you’ll end up with small amounts of dust and chips inside your mortise, affecting the precision of the fit. You’ll also have to deal with the same debris that falls outside, creating eye and lung hazards along with leaving additional cleanup to be done. The Festool dust collection system is state of the art, and since little escapes the Festool CT 26 E, we can set up inside the home with the air on. That feature alone is worth the cost.

Conclusion

Diving deeper into Festool’s lineup, I can honestly say that they produce brilliantly engineered site-friendly tools. The addition of the Kapex, Track Saw, and Domino has upped our game in the fine trim arena, allowing us to take on projects that most others won’t.

There’s literally nothing to hate about the Festool Domino DF500, except maybe the cost. Considering that the Domino is a machine that makes short work of otherwise tedious millwork, the cost becomes less and less cumbersome. On-site, any tool that saves time without sacrificing any quality is worth having, and the Domino DF500 has not only saved us time but has also delivered top-quality joinery.

Festool Domino DF500 Specifications

• Power Source: 120V AC
• Motor: 420 watts
• No Load Speed: 24,300 RPM
• Mortise Cut Diameter: 5/6/8/10 mm
• Miter Routing: 0 – 90 degree
• Miter Positive Stops: 0, 22.5, 45, 67.5, 90 degrees
• Stepped Stops: 16/20/22/25/28/36/40 mm
• Routing Depth: 12/15/20/25/28 mm
• Routing Height: 5 – 30 mm
• Weight: 7 pounds
• Price: $1019 (Basic), $1,099 (Set, including Cross Stop and Trim Stop)

The post Festool Domino DF500 Mortise & Tenon Joiner Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Last June at Milwaukee’s New Product Symposium, our team got to play with the new Milwaukee M18 Planer. Finally, this 3-1/4 inch cordless planer is just about to hit store shelves and you’re going to want to consider it. Let’s take a peek of what this woodworking tool has in store for us.

Milwaukee takes a lot of pride in their M18 cordless system. For the Milwaukee M18 3-1/4″ Planer, a powerful motor delivers up to 14,000 RPM. The new cordless planer isn’t part of Milwaukee’s brushless M18 Fuel line though. It really doesn’t seem to need take that step at this point.

Two-Blade Design

A two blade design offers smoother cutting than single blade models. For maximum versatility and accuracy, the new Milwaukee M18 3-1/4″ Planer features 20 locking positions with an adjustable depth of 0 to 5/64” which eliminates the need to re-zero between cuts. The tool’s maximum rabbet depth of 27/64”.  An innovative adjustable chip ejection feature allows users to eject chips on either the left or right side, keeping debris out of their line of site.

The Milwaukee M18 Planer offers an outstandingly smooth cut. The dual-blade system helps create a confident feel when shaving down work pieces that need a better fit. Chips are thrown well out of the line of sight and the depth control is outstanding on this model.

Pro Tool Reviews Managing Editor, Kenny Koehler

Milwaukee M18 Planer Key Features

• Power Source: 18V RedLithium Battery
• Maximum No Load Speed: 14,000 RPMs
• Locking Positions: 20 Locking Positions (0″ to 5/64”)
• Rabbet Cut Capacity: Up to 27/64”
• Length: 12.38″
• Height: 6.97″
• Width: 6.17″
• Weight (Bare): 6.15 lbs
• Weight with Battery: 7.5 lbs
• Warranty: 5 Years
• 2623-21 Kit includes: M18 Planer, (2) Planer blades, Bevel/edge guide, M18 RedLithium XC Extended Capacity Battery (3.0 amp hour) and Multi-Voltage Charger
• 2623-20 Bare Tool includes: M18 Planer, (2) Planer blades, Bevel/edge guide
• Price: 2623-21 Kit $349; 2623-20 Bare Tool: $229

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The first jointer I ever purchased was a 4” bench top model from Delta. I used it for a handful of projects, including my first foray into furniture making. After starting a furniture company a couple of years ago, I quickly outgrew the Delta and upgraded to a 6” Ridgid from my local Home Depot. I’ve found the Ridgid does fine on smaller boards and with light use, but it easily overheats when used at its capacity for any length of time.

Until recently, when I’ve needed larger boards milled, I’d have my local supplier surface the wood. But when I received a sizable order for some large maple pieces this past fall, I realized it was time to invest in my shop’s ability to handle large, rough stock.

My (re)search began with my local mill’s recommendations, followed by the Internet. Based on the lumber I typically work with, I determined I’d need an 8” jointer. And I knew I’d want to find one with a spiral cutterhead for cleaner results. I narrowed the list down to three models, but didn’t have deep enough pockets to pay the premium for Powermatic, so it was Jet versus Grizzly. Since I’d recently had a satisfying experience with a Jet bandsaw, I was a little partial towards Jet, but a recommendation from my local lumber mill (based on his 10-year experience with a Grizzly 8” jointer) and the significant cost savings (about $700) forced Grizzly to the lead.

Grizzly has a much broader selection of models and features than Jet, so I called them directly to get some guidance. I spent some time on the phone with a sales rep who was very knowledgeable and put absolutely no pressure on me to buy. He directed me towards a less expensive model than the one I’d been considering (it happened to be on sale). He explained the benefits of a parallelogram bed versus a traditional dovetail bed, making the decision to order the Grizzly G0490X an easy one.

After hanging up with Grizzly, I went right to the website and ordered the jointer. I also added the Grizzly spiral cutter head replacement for my 20” planer. Overall, I really like Grizzly’s no-nonsense approach to pricing: listed directly on their website, their prices are the best you’ll find. With Jet, you have to do some searching to find the vendor with the best price/purchase options.

The Arrival, the Un-boxing, and the Setup

I love freight trucks that bring me big tools and give me a reason to drive my forklift! After placing my order online, I had my new jointer inside of a week, which is great in my book. I hate dropping some serious coin on a new toy (ahem… TOOL!) and having to wait a month to receive it.

The packaging held well and all the parts arrived in excellent condition. Un-boxing and setting up is definitely a two-person task, but it only takes a couple of hours from start to completely dialed in. The out-feed bed was dead on with the spiral cutter head from every angle: I couldn’t even squeeze a .0015” feeler gauge anywhere.

The in-feed table was very close and probably would have been fine as it came from the factory, but I took the opportunity to work with the bed adjustments and get it even closer. This was very simple to do; by following the instructions, I was able to get the in-feed bed set up as precisely as the out-feed bed arrived from the factory, within about 10 minutes. To accurately dial in the beds, it is important to have a very straight, long straightedge.

Pro Tip: for an affordable and accurate straightedge, head to your local big box tool store and hold a couple of straight edges (or levels) up against each other, and facing a light. Pick the one where little to no light comes through on both sides.

The Grizzly G0490X also comes with this badass belt buckle; all you have to do is unbolt it and figure out how to attach it to your favorite leather tool belt.

“Lucy, you’ve got some planin’ to do…” (Read with the best Ricky Ricardo you can muster)

With a mountain of rough sawn maple in front of me, and a brand new toy [tool] to play with, my work morning was off to a great start. I had 3” thick, 5-8” wide planks in 9’ lengths to surface, so although the in/out beds on the Grizzly G0490X are very long, I set up some additional in/out roller stands to help me get as flat of a board face as possible.

The first thing I noticed was how quiet the Grizzly G0490X is, compared to my Ridgid. I think it’s primarily the spiral cutter head that’s responsible for the noise reduction. Next, I noticed just how hard it was to push such heavy boards across the beds, so I stopped to wax them. Big improvement. Still, I anticipate I’ll invest in a power feeder down the road. After surfacing a few boards, I stopped to check over the machine.

I found that everything had stayed tight and well-aligned and that my wood faces were coming out incredibly flat and straight; even the planks that began with a lot of twist. The spiral cutter head was awesome! Although the wood is not 100% machine-mark free, the markings are significantly lighter and end up being much easier to sand out than straight blade chatter.

After planing the reverse side of the newly flattened surface, it was time to straight-line mill one edge to a perfect 90º angle. At first, I was having a hell of a time keeping the fence at 90º: it seemed to fall out of alignment after every pass. I was, of course, pushing a fairly heavy slab of lumber against it, but I thought it should have been holding just fine.

It took me re-tightening the setup adjustments a few times with no luck before I realized that the two factory-installed bolts at the top of the round bar and fence were loose. I should have checked these from the beginning, my mistake. With the fence then locked into position at 90º and staying there, I was getting unbelievable (in my book) results! Getting an edge like this made my glue seams all but completely disappear. Wow, I feel like a real woodworker now!

I also really appreciate the design of the safety switch on the Grizzly G0490X. The Stop switch glows red and has to be twisted into position to enable the use of the Start button. The twisting function seems inherently safer to me than the traditional yellow safety key used by most power tools, because unlike safety keys, which are commonly left in-place, you can’t bypass this additional step.

I wish Grizzly had designed a hook or slots for storing the push pads. My shop tends to swallow parts like this if they don’t have a designated home. I did, however, find a pretty good hanging spot (see photo).

Grizzly G0490X 8” Jointer w/Spiral Cutterhead Specifications

• Motor: 3 HP, 240V, single-phase, 15A, TEFC, 3450 RPM
• Total table size: 8″ x 76-3/8″
• In-feed table size: 8″ x 43-3/8″
• Cutter head: Spiral with 40 index-able carbide inserts
• Cutter head speed: 4800 RPM
• Cutter head diameter: 3-3/16″
• Max cut depth: 1/8″
• Max rabbeting depth: 1/2″
• Cuts per minute: 21,400
• Deluxe cast iron fence size: 36″ L x 1-1/4″ W x 5″ H
• Approximate shipping weight: 556 lbs.
• Price: $1,325

Grizzly G0490X 8” Jointer w/Spiral Cutterhead Features

• Shielded and lubricated bearings
• Precision-ground cast-iron tables
• Fully adjustable tables
• Serpentine belt and pulleys
• Easy-access lever-adjusted tables with height gauge
• Heavy-duty center-mounted fence with angle gauge
• Built-in dust chute with 4″ port
• Powder-coated paint

The post Grizzly G0490X 8” Jointer w/Spiral Cutterhead Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

As a furniture maker, I am always on the lookout for new tools, techniques, and jigs that simplify the construction of strong and long lasting joinery.  With a couple of face frames to build and a table project in the works, this seemed like a great time to try out the new Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig Pocket Hole Joinery system.

Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig Features & Attributes

Right out of the box, the Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig Pocket Hole Joinery System sets itself apart from other pocket hole jig systems.  For starters, the jig is large and hefty, without being too bulky or cumbersome, and is built primarily of aluminum with steel and ABS plastic accessories.  The jig contains on board storage for the included pocket hole drill bit and depth stop along with two square drive bits of different lengths.  Also included in the box is an assortment of screws, a hex wrench for setting the depth stop on the cutting bit, and a locking-plier (vice-grip type) clamp for holding two workpieces flush when screwing them together.

The Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig itself features mounting screw holes on the bottom and the front edge so that the tool can be mounted in either the standard vertical or the horizontal “flatback” position (best used for very long workpieces).  The workpieces are held 1-1/2 inches above the table, in either position, so a standard 2×4 works perfectly to support longer workpieces.

The grooved aluminum face keeps the work from sliding, and the clamping mechanism holds the work securely while allowing the operator to easily adjust the Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig to hold pieces ranging from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches in thickness.  An automatically adjusting drill depth guide is integrated within the clamping mechanism, meaning the operator can  switch between different material thicknesses without adjusting the collar on the drill bit.  For drilling multiple pieces of the same thickness, the jig features a repeat handle, allowing the operator to swap workpieces with the flick of a finger.

The on-center spacing of the pocket holes can be between just under 3/4 inch and just over 1-3/8 inch using a dial on the left side of the jig.  A right side workpiece stop can be set to provide uniformity in hole placement from piece to piece.  The stop itself appears to have been an afterthought as it is nothing more than a machine screw with a plastic foot, which seems out of place when compared with the rest of the jig.

A screw selector guide on the side of the jig automatically adjusts to the thickness of the workpiece, removing guess work or calculation, and instead showing the user exactly which screw to use in each application.  The simple on board vacuum port keeps the jig and the surrounding work area virtually chip free.  Unfortunately, the dust collection cannot be used in the optional “flatback” position.

Although the jig contains a lot of moving parts, it is very simple to use. Only one hand is needed to set and lock the clamp, and you’re ready to drill.  In addition to the instruction manual, a Quick Start Guide is included, and a sticker showing the steps is located right on the jig itself.

Results and Conclusions

I tested the pocket hole jig in several thicknesses of wood and in a variety of species. The PC560 easily handled all sizes of material from 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches, and the drill cut cleanly through each sample, as long as I used a high speed drill – lower speeds can leave rough or fuzzy edges on the pocket itself. I constructed two cabinet face frames from approximately 3/4 inch cherry, and the system worked very well. The joints were tight and square, leaving no gaps. Using the included clamp, the alignment in the thickness direction wasn’t perfect, but was no worse than you would expect from any other joinery system. A quick pass with a hand-plane or orbital sander makes the joint smooth and flush. The system worked adequately for joining aprons to table legs as well, although the different material thicknesses and my desire to offset the aprons from the faces of the legs made some creative clamping necessary. I prefer to use other more traditional mortise and tenon joinery or floating tenon joinery methods for tables and chairs, but these methods are either much more time consuming, require more expensive tools, or both.

This Porter-Cable system surpasses its competition both in quality and ease of use, but also surpasses its competition in price.  With a $200 plus street price, this jig is not cheap.  If I were building one set of kitchen cabinets, I think I may select a lower priced system.  On the other hand, if this is something you expect to use for years, I think the PC560 would be a wise investment.  Pocket hole joinery does have its limitations, however, and a professional cabinet maker or avid amateur furniture maker may be better served by a doweling or floating tenon system, although those can start at about 4 times the price of even the most pricey pocket hole jig.  For someone looking for an easy to use pocket hole system with consistently reliable results,  the Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig Pocket Hole Joinery System will fit the bill.

The post Porter-Cable PC560 Quik Jig Pocket Hole Joinery System appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Ever wish your electric planer had a longer stance and better dust collection? Porter-Cable is attempting to meet those needs with its new 6 amp Hand Planer (model #PC60THPK). The brand new Porter-Cable PC60THPK 6-amp Hand Planer is actually rather sleek, with a raked back profile and 3 chamfer grooves. The new motor, which is reasonably powerful for those looking to do significant hand planing for finish applications, comes up with 16,500 RPMs. At first glance this planer seems perfect for planing wood planks, shortening doors and joists, and also chamfering and profiling the corners and edges of various hardwoods. The part we liked, however, was that it could chunk out up to 5/64″ per pass. For those who have trouble with fractions, that’s a little over 1/16 of an inch – not terribly deep by planing standards, but this is an instrument meant for finer work, not something with which to replace your circular saw. The planer comes with two blades and you can use either high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide blades. HSS blades are perfect for more aggressive planing – where nails might be encountered, and carbide blades are your tools for finish carpenters or craftsman who don’t risk jamming them up on anything except wood.

Depth adjustment is possible via 11 stops which are positioned every 1/128 of an inch up to 5/64″. Many planers don’t offer this fine of differentiation between depths, so the PC60THPK is truly meant for precision work and limited material removal per pass. To be certain of level and square results, the planer has an extra long 11-1/2″ cast aluminum shoe and the three different-sized chamfer grooves allow you to pull off all manner of bevel cuts with a hassle-free proficiency. Like all planers we’ve seen of late, a kickstand protects the blades when the tool is not being used.

The angle of the handle is perfectly positioned to drive the plane forward while providing just the right amount of downward force to keep the tool level and straight. A lock-on switch also means that you can use the tool for extended runs without having to clamp down on the two-finger trigger. Black rubber overmold covers the handle – all the way up to the top where a second hand might be used to stabilize the planing action. The depth knob is positioned at the front of the tool and also has an easy grip surface with a hearty construction so you don’t mind grabbing hold of it to direct the planer. The PC60THPK includes a robust dust collection bag that filters and collects dust and debris. We typically recommend the use of a shop vacuum or dust collection kit for best results since planers take off an inordinate amount of dust very quickly (the tool also includes an adapter to get you connected to most units straight away). To counter this, we did note that the bag is actually larger than most and maintains a rectangular shape to collect more than a typical oval bag. A 2-way dust extraction switch lets you flip the exhaust left or right so you have the maximum amount of flexibility while working. About the only thing that comes up short on this tool is its cord – which is a scant 6 ft in length.

Porter-Cable PC60THPK 6-amp Hand Planer Features

• Motor: 6 amps
• Max depth of cut: 5/64″
• Max rabbit depth: 0.47″
• Includes carbide and HSS blades
• 11.5″ cast aluminum shoe
• Integrated kick stand
• 3 chamfer groove sizes
• Dual sided dust extraction
• Speed: 16,500 rpm
• Durable belt construction
• Replaceable motor brushes
• 2 finger switch with lock on
• Dual blade design
• 6′ high grade cord

Almost in an effort to stave off questions of durability, Porter-Cable included replaceable motor brushes, a replaceable belt drive system, and both sets of blades (high speed steel and carbide). The Porter-Cable Hand Planer (PC60THPK) is on shelves now and retails for a reasonable $89.97. Aside from the blades, vacuum adapter and dust collection bag, the tool also comes with a metal rabbiting fence (0.47″ depth capable) and a blow mold case for storage. The tool also comes with Porter-Cable’s 3-year limited warranty, a 1-year service agreement and their 90-day money-back guarantee.

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