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Some time ago, I had a few hand powertools stolen out of the garage.
One thing I never replaced was my PC plate joiner. For small to medium
blanks, I figured I could get by with a router slot cutter if needed
(proved to be a bit sloppy for me) - and careful clamping.

Works well enough for those smaller projects, but I've never been too
satisfied with my results - always some alignment issues - but nothing
a #7 can't resolve. However, for my dining room table project, I'm
tempted to get something to help with alignment.

Certainly I could glue up one section at a time - and am half tempted
to go that route given the visibility of the project. I've also been
investigating the Dowelmax - which looks to be a great thing. If it
were even just $200, I'd pull the trigger. But it's $270 base - over
$350 for the 1/4" guides. Given what I've read, it could be an "every
project" type tool... Even at $350 - I'd go that route before getting
another
plate joiner.

Given the price though, it's 1/2 the cost of a Domino - another
ungodly expensive tool. Mix in the price of an FMT (which has called
to me for years) - I could get Dowelmax ($350) for now - and FMT
($600-700) when the chair project comes around after the table...

Struggling a bit with the options. I've learned to wait till the need
dictates a purchase - and buy once with no regret about cost; but
having trouble with this one. "Speed" isn't really a selling point to
be honest with you - I don't mind being in the shop woodworking (This
is a hobby - not a profession). If the DowelMax takes 5 minutes longer
for an apron joint or 10 minutes longer for a panel - I think I'm ok
with that. Precision, flexibility and strength in my joinery are the
top criteria. I'm trying to look ahead and see where I'd say - "Rats,
I should have gotten the Domino for this."

My heart says DowelMax and FMT, but my head has been conditioned to
lean towards the Domino for that combined dollar range. What's worse -
I've seen a few postings that seem to indicate that the Domino makes
everything else obsolete (FMT, Dowelmax, BeadLock, biscuits). Yet the
cynic in me thinks this is similar to a new restraunt that opens up;
the hottest thing for a while - and then is just another place to
eat.

Eh, back to the research....

jbd in Denver -