Three-way joint with the Domino
Connect three table stretchers using Domino tenons.
I figured out a way to use my Festool Domino joiner to make a clean, strong connection between the three stretchers on this table. This three-way joint should be helpful for all sorts of tripod bases. I started by sticking each Domino tenon into a mortised piece, without glue, and used the table saw’s miter gauge as shown to center 60° angles on each one. Then I used 5-minute epoxy to glue the tips of the three Domino tenons together, holding them tight and flat by hand as the epoxy stiffened up, with clear tape underneath to protect the bench and resist the epoxy. Give the epoxy a full day to cure, and you’ll have a strong, three-way connector. Next, I cut Domino slots in the ends of the stretchers, and then cut 60° angles on the ends of the stretchers using the same setup I used for the Domino tenons. The stretchers on this table are rounded; I did most of that after cutting and fitting the joints but before final assembly. The glueup was a little tricky, but the tenons kept the stretchers in place so a band clamp could pull the legs and stretchers together, with the help of angled cauls clamped to the legs.
—PHIL GRUPPUSO, Seekonk, Mass.
Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #309
Comments
I am probably missing something, but isn’t this just reinforcing an end grain to end grain joint with another end grain to end grain joint? It is probably super helpful with alignment though.
I don't think you are missing anything.
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My thoughts exactly. I can't see how this helps.
Agree with above. And I believe I can cut the mortises with a table saw way cheaper than the Domino and make the insert out of a single piece of wood or better yet, plywood.
Yes, I think the only way that joint would would be viable is with a laminated or plywood insert. Unfortunately, the Domino does not make up for a basic misunderstanding of joinery. Those stretcher pieces, even glued end to end with epoxy, will eventually fail.
My thoughts exactly. Making a similarly shaped slip tennon from a single piece of plywood is the only way I see this approach actually adding reinforcement to the joint.
I'm building a round table with three splayed legs. I used this method to create multiple stretchers for stabilization. This is also great to assist alignment during glue up. And I believe it does add some strength to the joinery.
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