Want a Festool Domino Joiner, But Aren’t Rich? 3D Print Your Own!

Joinery might just be the single-most debated topic across all trades, because woodworkers get really passionate about which methods and tools are best. But Festool’s Domino system, which includes the joiner tool and the dominos themselves, always seems to garner respect. There is just one problem: it is very expensive. So, frugal woodworkers will be happy to see the “DIY Domino Machine” designed by JSK-koubou.

The basic cordless Festool Domino Joiner tool (the DFC 500 E-Basic) costs $1,279.00. Even for Festool fanatics, that is a lot of money to pay for a single-purpose tool. The price does, however, make some sense, given the complex motion the tool needs to make and all of the adjustment features necessary to make it practical.

But what if you were willing to make some minor sacrifices when it comes to those features? Then all you really need to do is plunge a router while moving it back and forth. At its core, it is just a slotting operation. JSK-koubou recognized that and kept just the important features in order to simplify the concept for DIY accessibility.

Most of this Domino doppelganger is 3D-printable. That includes the frame that holds the handheld router, as well as the small adjustable table it works with. Other than fasteners, the only parts that aren’t 3D-printed are hardened rods, bearings, and springs. Those let it move it two axes: sliding left and right, while also plunging in. The spring provides resistance when plunging to help the operator move steadily. A movable stop sets the final depth and spacers set the width.

You can find the files to build this “2 in 1 Joint Jig” (no trademark violations with that name) on JSK’s store for ¥1,980 JPY (about $12.39 USD). The materials and parts should cost less than $20, plus the cost of the router. Compared to a Festool Domino joiner, that is practically free and you really don’t have anything to lose by giving it a try.