All you need to know about the old and new DF500s (including why paddles replaced the pins and why cordless) -- straight from the horse's mouth

[ChuckS]

 

[ChuckS]

In the comments section, about why the handle is not done on the new corded machine:

 

[ChuckS]

Looks like corded folks have to wait for a long time if they want a DF500 RQ with a handle. In the meantime, those who can't wait like me, they can consider a 3-D printed option (which, of course, is not as good as the one on the DFC that's lower and close to the base):

 

[Cheese]

It's very interesting that Wolfgang considers both the original pin version and the newer lever version of the DF 500 to both be Generation 1 tools and it's basically the new dual column guide that graduates the new DF 500 to Generation 2 status.

 

[mino]

It's very interesting that Wolfgang considers both the original pin version and the newer lever version of the DF 500 to both be Generation 1 tools and it's basically the new dual column guide that graduates the new DF 500 to Generation 2 status.

They probably developed both versions at the same time as alternates and so were mostly "free" to pick one or the other when actually making the tools.

 

[luvmytoolz]

They probably developed both versions at the same time as alternates and so were mostly "free" to pick one or the other when actually making the tools.

I thought the only reason they went later to the lever or paddle type was because of some patent issue with the pins?

 

[mino]

I thought the only reason they went later to the lever or paddle type was because of some patent issue with the pins?

Yes, that is the spoken /and likely/ cause why they switched the production model. Though when you develop new tools you prototype various paths ..

My take why they consider both 1st gen is because both were originally developed concurrently as alternates, along with the DF 700 version.

 

[ChuckS]

Google Search

 

[Cheese]

My take why they consider both 1st gen is because both were originally developed concurrently as alternates, along with the DF 700 version.

I don't believe that wives tail as the DF 500 was released in 2005/2006 while the DF 700 was released in the US & UK in 2013...that's a 7 year development time frame between the release of the DF 500 & the DF 700, That length of development is significant and certainly doesn't support the idea that these tools were developed in parallel time frames.

I'd offer the suggestion that after releasing the DF 500, certain issues surfaced that Festool realized they needed to rectify before the release of their new DF 700.