Changed my mind about using a domino joiner after a trip to a job site

Went to a high-end cabinet shop in Portland last Thursday and watched a guy knock out a full kitchen in half the time I'd take with biscuits. One guy, 50+ dominoes, zero clamps needed. Anyone else switch from traditional joinery after seeing it in action?

2 comments

2 Comments

henderson.oscar14d agoTop Commenter

Honestly, I gotta push back a little here. I've seen those domino setups work fast, but I still think they're kind of a crutch for people who never learned good alignment with biscuits or dowels. Tbh, the speed is tempting but I've had domino joints shift on me in humid conditions way more than a good biscuit joint with proper glue. Ngl, watching a guy breeze through a kitchen is impressive, but I've pulled apart domino cabinets after a few years and seen the glue fail where biscuits wouldn't. It's not the same level of mechanical grip to me.

sarah_hart14d ago

240 grit on maple is actually pretty aggressive for a final sand before finish. I started doing my last pass at 320 on hardwoods after I got tired of seeing those little scuff marks pop up under a coat of shellac. Tried it on a walnut credenza once and the difference was night and day. You might be leaving some micro-scratches that show up later, especially if you're using a water based finish. Just something to try if you've ever had that "why is my finish cloudy" moment out of nowhere.