Hi Ben,

On your question, I would suggest the Domino by far as it will be in your hands on virtually every project.  The Woodrat is interesting and has its place, but won't be used nearly as often.  Keep doing projects and each one will be better than the one before.  Enjoy!

Jerry

As some of you may remember, I'm a beginning woodworker who just received a number of Festool tools.  Our gracious host, Matthew, chastised me to dirty the tools up a bit (http://festoolownersgroup.com/index.php?topic=559.msg4954#msg4954).

I'm happy to report I did dirty them up some on my first project, a patio table.  I made a whole bunch of mistakes on it, but learned from them all and am mostly happy with the finished product.  At least, it's better than the 2x4 constructed cart that it will replace. 

The joinery on this table started very simple with screws driven straight in at the corners (see wood putty patches at the corners).  Halfway into the project, I invested in a Kreg master kit, which I love and used to attach the top and bottom planks to the aprons.  However, I'm now thinking of more complex joinery options for upcoming projects.  I'm considering the Domino, of course, but also the Woodrat.  I like the idea of the Domino for its simplicity, but the Woodrat is appealing because of its versatility.

If you could own only ONE, would you get the Domino or Woodrat???

Ben,

Great first project.  Congratulations.  There's a couple of reasons I would get the Domino (I do not own the WoodRat but have thought about it some.  I did have the Leigh FMT jig, which was wonderful, but it sold to make the cost of the Domino a little easier.)  1.  As Jerry says, you'll use it on every project.  When a M&T is faster than almost any other joinery method, there's no reason not to use them extensively.  2.  Speed.  I know there are a lot of hobbyists (who dont own a Domino) who think that time is not important for them because they are not professionals.  For me, the time is just as important as it is to a professional, but for different reasons.  When I saw in the Wood mag video that someone posted on here that it took just 45 mins to mortise and assemble a rocking chair after milling was completed (compared to 8 hours the old way), I realized again what an exceptional machine the Domi really is.

I have to fight for every minute I get in the shop, and would rather build two tables or cabinets or whatever in the time I have available than one.

My $.02.  Good luck with your decision and congratulations on geting rolling with a bang in woodworking.

Dave

I have both machines. Unlike others, if I was to choose only one, I would go with the Woodrat for sure. As a matter of fact I have been using Woodrat for loose tenon joinery since I bought it over 2 years ago. The only advantage Domino offers is that you can take it to wood. On the other hand, you can do lost of other joinery besides loose tenon using Woodrat. 

Byron,

Great suggestion.  I actually plan to try and learn hand tool techniques concurrently with powertools.  Another set of "toys" on my wish list is a good set of chisels and a couple of Lee Valley hand planes. 

I didn't want to start with hand tools alone for a simple reason.  After the investment I've made in tools, I need to produce a couple of good pieces to convince my lovely wife it was all worth it!  And powertools will help me with that.

I agree that the domino or rat would get you there quicker, but is that really what the hobby is all about - the end result?

Surely it's the journey that is important not the destination?

Personally, I love taking the time to learn a technique, and with the right tool and instructions you'll be surprised how quick it is to make a decent joint by hand. For example, I went on a local course to learn how to cut dovetails, an within two days I could confidently cut both through and blind dovetails by hand using just a hand saw, mallet and a chisel.

I would say if you do invest in a power-tool - great, but maybe at the same time get yourself some inexpensive tools (but decent quality) and practice for say half hour each session and you'll be surprised just how quickly you'll  be making joints - it really is a great sense of achievment!

Whatever your decision, good luck, your first project looks great.

Hi Ben,

There's one more avenue you could try, which is in between the Domino/Woodrat and the hammer and chisel. Another member here, Rocker, has developed a jig for making mortises using a router and spiral upcut bits. You should find that on his blog. Many people think highly of it, though I've never used it.

Regards,

Albert