Caught two old timers arguing over domino joints vs dowels at the shop this morning

I was picking up supplies in Tacoma and heard these two guys, both 30+ years in, going at it. One said dominos have no place in face frames, the other swore dowels are just a faster way to hide gaps. It got me thinking, my crew of 4 has used both and honestly I flip flop depending on the hardwood. Which way do you lean when a client wants that seamless look on a walnut cabinet, and does the glue-up time change your answer on a 3000 dollar job?

2 comments

2 Comments

hollyg5924d ago

Dominoes on walnut hide better, but dowels give you more slip time before the glue sets.

julia_carter7023d ago

Different take here, but I have to say it. Walnut is dark enough that even a well hidden domino is still a little square you can spot if the light hits it right. Dowels with a matching plug, you can grain match those so well they basically disappear. Plus the extra working time is huge for me on long glue ups. I would rather take my time lining up dowels than rush dominoes and get something slightly off. It's all about what you're comfortable with, but I have had way better luck with dowels on figured walnut.