For years, Festool has been like that trusty old friend who never lets you down, especially when it comes to woodworking tools. Take the Festool Domino, for instance. It’s not just a tool; it’s like the rock star of the woodworking world.
Now, I hear you asking, “Is there a more wallet-friendly option out there?” Absolutely! If you’re watching your pennies like most of us, there are alternatives to the Festool Domino that won’t break the bank.
Festool Domino – An Overview
Festool Domino is a premium, superior tool used as a domino joiner for your joinery. It creates loose or floating tenons as quickly as possible, which is rare and even impossible with other tools. However, it is sold at a high price tag.
Though a professional woodworker is not required to use Festool Dominos, this hand-held power tool can provide a quick and easy tenon joint and loose mortise.
Cost
The Festool Domino is worth about $1,000 to $2,000. It is usually why other woodworkers look for the best alternatives. However, the Festool Domino’s precision, versatility, and time-saving capabilities make it a top choice for serious woodworkers who value the highest quality tools.
Why Is Festool Domino Expensive?
- Mortise small and large projects fast
- Perform fast edge glue-ups even without the wobble of the biscuit joint
- Perform repetitive cuts on surfaces to make perfect matching joints
- With optional, it can create joints on round surfaces.
- Cut mortise 4-inch (or so) deep (Domino DF 700)
- Make domino tenons on angled joints.
How It's Used
Step #1
Before using the Festool jointer, ensure that the 5mm cutter is connected to the tool. You can also use the lock key to fit it in.
Step #2
To keep the dust out of the workplace, attach the dust extraction port. Then, position the adjustable fence to the tenon spot.
Step #3
Measure the thickness of your material using a scale. The presets will help you in repeating the measurements.
Step #4
Fix the height of the fence, select the correct domino tenon cutter, and set the domino mortise for the job.
Step #5
Lastly, mark the placement of the tenon and put the domino joiner in that exact position. Grab the handle tightly and push it forward. You’ll see the cutter move gently, providing a deep cut. Place the tenon you’re using and attach the wood accordingly.
Top Alternatives for a Festool Domino
Plunge Router
If you do not want to alter the joinery technique and require a robust wood joint type for your project, then using a plunge router is the best option.
Plunge routers, allow you to lower the bit directly from the top and cut the slots you require, unlike with fixed guard routers.
If you’re also not keen on hand-make mortise and tenon joints, this is a good option for you.
Main Features
- Two side hand grips
- Base plate
- Various collet sizes
- Changeable rotating cutters
- Adjustable plunge stop
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino?
- You don't want to change your joinery technique.
- You need a solid joint type for your project.
- Make strong, durable mortise and tenon joints without needing a domino joiner.
Pocket Hole Jig
Pocket holes or a pocket hole jig are the best alternatives to a Festool Domino for cabinet construction.
A good pocket hole jig, or pocket holes, can quickly join plywood for cabinet carcass construction and cabinet face frames.
Main Features
- Twist-apart drill guides
- Multiple drill guide pocket holes
- Integrated depth stop
- Heavy duty and micro jig support
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino?
- Cost-effective for cabinet construction and face frames
- You need a more efficient similar joinery method as Festool's
Basic Mortise and Tenon Jig
This tool is a fast and easy way to make domino joints using a standard dowel holes drill. It offers the strength and flexibility of a traditional joint at a lower cost.
General Tools’ all-in-one aluminum tenon and mortise tool are designed to cut the tenon and the standard mortise in one setup. Unlike Festool tenons, this tool creates a unique, one-of-a-kind tenon domino joint.
Main Features
- Uses a router table
- Integrated clamps for material gripping
- Integrated markings with clear vue
- Usually comes with a spiral cup-up bit.
- Cuts matching tenons and mortise in a single setup
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino
- Creates ultra strong joints allowing through tenons compared to concealed Festool tenons
- Lower cost of mortise and tenons
- Not so complex to use for all skill levels
Product Highlight: Rockler Beadlock Pro Jig
This is one of the fast and easy domino joiners – creating a robust and cost-effective domino jointer. Unlike a standard drill bit-based joint, this tool uses Beadlock to create a clean and resilient joint, and it doesn’t require you to chisel the holes.
For additional flexibility, router bits are also available to cut tenons for various exterior projects. The key features include:
- Quick drilling with little to no chisel [1] clean-out
- Router bits available for making tenons
- Very easy to use and economical
Loose Tenon Jig
To make unique jigs, one best alternative you can use is a loose type tenon jig. You can achieve the same size and shape, just like a Festool Domino joiner.
Main Features
- Jigs create the exact same shape and size as Festool's
- Comes with index pins for edge cutting
- Fast and precise alignment
- Offers portability
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino?
- The main reason you should consider this a good alternative is that it creates the same cuts as Festool tenon joinery can do.
Product Highlight: Woodpecker's Morty Jig
Woodpecker is one of those few brands allowing you to create unique tools and jigs. Key features include:
- Fast and precise loose tenon joinery alignment
- Works similar to Festool Domino joiner
- Easy edge cutting with index pins
Mortise and Tenon Router Jig
To begin, this is not a budget-friendly option. It costs close to the Festool Domino 500. But, it is the best Festool Domino alternative for creating mortise and tenon joinery. It can support tenon layouts that a Festool can’t do. It can be one of the good tools for creating wood joints.
Main Features
- Comes with louvers, dowel joints, and more
- Can create bridle joints
- Precise tenons and mortise
- Create floating tenons for the table's breadboard ends
- One setting for mortise and tenon
When to Use an Alternative to Festool Domino?
- You're working on smaller projects that can fit into the jig.
- The project doesn't require plywood joining on edge (which you can simply use as a biscuit joiner).
- When you need the exact wood in both the tenon and mortise as Festool is only available in mahogany or beech.
Benchtop Mortise Machine
This may not be the best Festool Domino alternative on this list, and this mortising machine doesn’t operate the tenon part mortise and tenon joint.
However, it can be your best option if you can cut a tenon using a table saw or band saw, as a benchtop mortise machine is affordable compared to other machines in the market.
Main Features
- Creates a super strong joint as long as the tenon is cut correctly
- Quick and repeatable stock mortising up to 6-inch thick.
- All metal parts with durable fences for repetitive clamping
- Utilizes square drill bits aligning the holes
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino
- Requires low volume of mortise and tenon joints
- Do not have much time to learn complicated router jig mortise and tenon and biscuits or dowel jig.
Plate Joiner or Biscuit Joiner
Plate joiners or biscuits joiners create portable and strong joints suitable for building face frames, counters, or furniture repair.
Although it has limitations compared to the Domino, it can still be used for various applications like plywood edge joinery.
Main Features
- Quick and efficient joinery
- It can be used cordless for portability.
- Effectively align wood pieces for the glue-up
- Works well for angle joints and plywood
- Utilizes purchased joints compared to wood
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino
- Your project involves more edge gluing of thick wood, about ¾ to 1 ½ inch.
- Building furniture with 90-degree joints volume
Doweling Jig
Festool and doweling jigs offer the similar advantage of creating precise alignments, joint strength, and glue-ups workability. That’s why a doweling jig is a comparable and best tool alternative to a Festool Domino.
Main Features
- Surfaces for clamping
- Comes with integrated clamps for round dowel jointers or doweling edges only
- Comes with a five-hole pattern for broad surfaces
- Divides from the base and works on a flat surface
- Can make two pieces easily with alignment slots
When to Use as an Alternative to Festool Domino
- Use doweling jigs if you want fast alignment with indexing marks and index pins for end cuts.
- It cuts loose tenons like a Festool does.
- It offers portability.
Best Biscuit Joiner Models
Product Name | Description |
DeWalt Biscuit Joiner Kit | Best for creating cabinets, counter edges, and face frames |
Draper 83611 Storm Force | Quality sub-brand and high-processing tool with 50hz motor |
VonHaus 8.5 Amp | Comes with 8.5 amp motor, suitable for hard materials |
Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT | Comes with powerful lithium-ion battery, suitable for cuttung soft and hard materials |
PORTER-CABLE 557 | Flexible and budget-friendly tool, with a sleek design |
1. DeWalt DW682K
This biscuit joiner is perfect for creating face frames, counter edges, and cabinets. It can cut thick wood with its 10,000 rpm. This biscuit jointer uses dual-rack and pinion fence.
Main Features
- 10,000 RPM with 6.5 Ampere motor
- 90-degree adjustable fence
- Regular 4-inch blade diameter
- Depth limit at preset of 0,10 and 20 degrees
- Heavy-duty aluminum shoe
What I Like
- Can do precise alignment
- The index pins are anti-slip
- It has a preset depth limits
- The best for plywood
- It is portable
What I Don't Like
- Limited depth options
- Unstable joints
2. Draper 83611 Storm Force
The Draper 83611 is another biscuit joiner with a much higher speed and processing. This Storm Force Biscuit jointer is a notable brand that promotes quality with a high-performance engine (900-watt). If you’re into DIYs, this is one of the valuable biscuit joiners for you.
Main Features
- High-performance, using 230 volts – 50 hertz
- Standard 4-inch blade diameter
- 135-degree fence rotation
- Biscuit joiners offer a general depth of cut at 20 degrees
What i Like
- This tool is portable
- It has a spindle lock button
- The fence adjustment is flexible
- It has different biscuit sizes
What i Don't Like
- It's kind of pricey for its quality
- Not that lightweight
3. VonHaus 8.5 Amp
VonHaus is a less popular brand that offers quality and high-performing biscuit joiners. It’s pretty expensive but has impressive features, though.
All the basics are here, like 10,000 rpm, biscuit size presets, flexible fence, and so on. Its D-shaped grip and dust control let you work efficiently.
Main Features
- 8.5 Amp with 10,000 rpm powered engine
- 90-degree fence rotation
- Comes with a 4-inch Tungsten blade, dust bag, and adjustable angle, perfect for all types of wood
- Preset depth stops at regular sizes (0, 10, and 20 degrees)
What I Like
- The blades are strong.
- It has a very powerful motor.
- The preset depth stops are adjustable.
- It makes precise biscuit cuts.
What I Don't Like
- This tool is pricey
- No strong joints
4. Makita XJP03Z 18V LXT
The Makita XJP03Z is battery-powered and a cordless biscuit joiner that offers 160 joints on a single charge. It offers portability, making it a great substitute for Festool. Also, its high depth limit and 12,000 rpm engine allow extended cutting control.
Main Features
- 18V lithium-ion battery
- Comes in three biscuit sizes
- Comes with cam locks for easy use and fence adjustment
- Fence rotation at 0, 45, and 90 degrees
- Flawless 4-inch blade diameter
- Cast-aluminum pivot fence
What i Like
- It is cordless
- It has different biscuit sizes
- There are cam locks
- The battery is powerful enough
- This tool has an aluminum pivot fence
What i Don't Like
- No free battery is included
- It produces loud sound
5. PORTER-CABLE 557
The Porter-Cable 557 is a budget-friendly joiner that can handle all your requirements regarding making dominos. Its seven cutting settings allow it to work with any type of material.
The 557’s design features a higher-than-normal tilt capacity that allows for smooth movement. Its grip also allows for additional control.
Main Features
- Powerful 7 Amp motor with 10,000 rpm and seven various settings
- 4 inches general blade
- 1-inch O.D dust port for dust removal
- Deeper biscuit size up to 90 degrees
- 135 degrees tilting fence
What i Like
- It has a highly powerful motor
- It has a micro Height Adjustment Knob
- It has port for dust removal
- This tool is portable and precise
- It comes with a lock-on trigger
- It has high Adjustable Fence
What i Don't Like
- Not strong joint
- Less depth preset
Best Dowel Joiner Models
Product Name | Description |
TritonTDJ600 Duo | Has a powerful 59 amp motor perfect for cutting soft and hard materials |
Freud FDW710K | Features an optimal motor power with 6.5 amp good for regular work |
Grizzly Dual-Spindle Doweling Joiner | Unique doweling jig that joins plate or biscuit joiners with a hand-held design |
1. Freud FDW710K
The new technology in the Freud FDW710K is designed to accelerate your workflow and provide you with the best possible results. It’s ideal for various furniture maintenance and general joinery projects. Its 5-year warranty also makes it an easy choice.
Main Features
- 6.5 amp motor at an optimal performance
- 90 degrees fence titling
- Works with 5mm to 12mm bits with 32mm drilling bits center to center
- Deep cut at up to 1 ⅜ inch
- Comes with a pinion fence and adjustable rack
What I Like
- It has a five-year warranty
- This tool is reasonably priced
- Allows ease of setup
- Fence mounter grip
What I Don't Like
- Optimal performance
- Unstable joint
2. Grizzly Dual-Spindle Doweling Joiner
The unique design of the Grizzly is that it allows joiner glue-ups by offering the same hand-held construction but with better joint power by drilling a dowel joint. It functions the same as the biscuit joiner method, only for the dowel, except for some distinct features.
Main Features
- Drill dual holes (5/16 inches) with a space of 1 ¼ inch.
- Joining angles from 0 to 90 degrees
- Drill depth adjustment up to 1 ¼ inch
- Comes with a dust port for an uncluttered space
- Ease of use
What I Like
- Creates strong joints
- Low priced
- Improves the joint's strength
- Perfect for making straights and angles, even for small or large projects
What I Don't Like
- Exact placement required
- No dowel adjustment
3. TritonTDJ600 Duo
The Triton Duo dowel joiner can quickly join furniture or shelving components. It can cut dowel joinery easily with its duo dowel jointing system. The fence of the Triton duo dowel jointer can create holes in thick or hardwoods. Its full metal exterior is highly durable.
Main Features
- High-performance, 700 watts engine with 17,000 rpm
- Adjustable fence from 0 to 90 degrees for perfect angular cuts
- Comes with 8mm drill bits with consistent performance
- High adjustable drilling depth settings
What I Like
- Comes with extra drill bits
- High fence rotation
- High-performance motor
- Adjustable drilling depth control
- Easy to use and portable
What I Don't Like
- Quite pricey
- Unstable joint
A Guide in Choosing an Alternative for a Festool Domino
Big and Small Joints
If you’re looking for large joints, then a dowel jig and a mortise tenon are good alternatives. However, making biscuit joints can be a bit hard to handle with these products. The same with large joints, the best for small joints are found in the dowel and mortise tenons.
Strength of the Joint
Festool Domino’s high strength of joints makes them ideal for various applications. If you are looking for more powerful joints, go for the mortise and tenon joinery or doweling jig.
Angled Joinery
When it comes to angled joinery, most woodworkers prefer using mortise tenons or biscuit joiners. These are both easy to hold and provide strength to the material. However, Festool Dominos do an extremely good job for fast-angled pieces.
Exterior Joints
Many factors go into getting an exterior joint, and Mortise Tenons are the ones that can provide you with reliable joints other than those from Festool Domino. Do not go for pocket holes or biscuits.
Efficiency
Most of my fellow woodworkers prefer Festool Domino due to its speed. This is because it allows them to finish their work quickly and efficiently. Biscuits joinery is the best choice if you are also looking for an easy and fast way to get your work done.
Versatility
Go for the tool that will make your work easier, like Festool Domino. It features a durable and portable design. Alternatively, you better use a doweling jig for versatility as it functions almost the same as Festool Domino joiners.
Price
Of course, opt for the machine or tool you can afford. But if you want to ensure quality without minding the price, go for Festool.
Should You Buy a Biscuit Joiner or a Dowel Joiner?
| Features | Biscuit Joiner | Dowel Joiner |
| Ease of Use | Easy to use than doweling jigs. Get your job done with ease | Basic use, but it requires more strength |
| Joint Strength | Can make precise and strong joints than using a doweling jig | While it is typically some of the basic joiners, these are also loose traditional tenon joiners. |
| Alignment and Sturdiness | It provides more durability, preventing joiner from being apart. | The best domino jointer for creating precise alignment for your wood projects. |
| Repetition | No multiple attempts required to achieve your desired cut. | It requires repetitive attempts to get accurate cuts. |
What is a Domino Joiner?
Manufacturers
Many brands produce domino joiners, but The Festool is the one that started it all. Though other brands produce this type of tool, the Festool is regarded as the most popular one.
The Festool’s domino joiners are made with durable and enhanced features that will add value to your woodwork.
Types of Cuts
The domino joiner can create up to six sizes of Tenon by using five different cutters. Its smooth and accurate rotating cutter capabilities allow it to make various types of cuts, such as edgeless frame joints, solid rack joints, and flush panel joints.
It also has a fence that can tilt up to 90 degrees allowing slight modification.
What's the Difference Between a Biscuit Joiner and a Domino Joiner?
Sturdiness
Dominos provides better structural support than the biscuit joiners. They also cause fewer kickbacks compared to the other types of joiners. Although biscuit joiners are known to provide good structural support, they are not as firm and sturdy as domino joiners.
Efficiency
Domino and biscuit joiners are well-known and widely used power tools for accomplishing joint work in wood pieces.
But, a domino joiner is more accurate and faster than their counterparts when performing joint work in wood pieces.
Cost
Between the two, biscuit joiners take over domino joiners as it is more affordable. However, a domino joiner is more durable and efficient, proving their price tag reasonable.
FAQ
Are dowel joints stronger than biscuit joints?
Yes, dowel joints are stronger than biscuit joints. A dowel has extra glue joint space and more deep cuts in the material.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of chatter about the Festool Domino’s steep price tag. But let me tell you, it packs a punch with its top-notch features and capabilities. If you’re after crafting a robust, steady joint on the go, this tool might just be worth every penny.
However, if your wallet’s feeling a bit tight, don’t sweat it! I’ve got your back. The Festool Domino alternatives above won’t break the bank. You’ll be surprised; you can achieve pretty similar results without burning a hole in your pocket.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
