this post was submitted on 01 Dec 2023
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Woodworking
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Nobody hates the domino. They hate that it's used in YouTube projects trying to display doing something on the cheap.
If the projects used a dowel jig instead, nobody would complain. But the domino is a very expensive tool and blows the goal of a 35 dollar project.
If the projects shown would use a dowel jig, you would only get one video per month from your favorite channel instead of one per week. Additionally, it would be extremely uninteresting to watch the YouTuber use the dowel jig after the first 2 videos you watch because it is tedious and not very interesting.
And I really dont see the point. As a hobby woodworker you would be able to complete the projects with the same result by using a dowel jig, it would just be more work for you. When they say "I use the Domino because I have it on hand, but you can use any tool that you own to join these boards" that really is true. The Domino does not change the outcome, it just makes the process easier.
I didn't think there's anything wrong with using a domino. Not every channel explains that you can use a dowel jig.
A real problem in DIY video is treating materials cost as the only cost to taking on a project. I've definitely seen at a bunch of them demonstrate doing a project in a way that requires a certain tool without explaining alternatives. I've seen many videos that get a job done for under 50 dollars because they have a full shop on hand.
Ahh, okay yeah I get it. Would be a lot better for beginners if they just said "I'm going to use a Domino, if you don't own one you can use a dowel jig. Here is a video explaining how to do it" and link to a dowel jig tutorial. Would probably be the best for new watchers and doesn't annoy the long term viewers who know how to use dowels