Deciding on the Domino

[Gixxerjoe04]

Was going to post this on my regular woodworking forums until I found this site, so figured I'd ask the guys who are well versed in the subject.  I've been eyeballing the domino for awhile, now I'm in the mood to stop eyeballing and buy one.  I would wait for them to go on sale but I don't want to wait until I'm old haha.  Anyways, I'm trying to decide between the 500 and xl but just not sure.  I plan on using it for small type furniture and think the 500 will suit me probably 80% of the time.  Really looking for what the limitations are for the 500?  I don't plan on making doors or anything hefty like that, the only items my wife wants and some family members want are the farm style tables, probably 6-8' long.  Is that too big for the 500 to handle?  I know the depth isn't that great compared to the xl, didn't know if you put a few of the 10mm dominos in the legs and apron, if that would be strong enough.  I know the xl has the accessories to be able to use smaller bits like the 500, but it seems after buying all that, you could come close to just buying both dominos.  So help me decide which to get, what would you not build for you house with the 500?

 

[Sparktrician]

First,  [welcome] to the FOG! 

Second, there's really nothing that you can't do with the DF 500.  If I were building doors or gates, I'd prefer the DF 700, but in reality, the DF 500 can do pretty much anything, even if it takes doubling up on the smaller dominoes.  The projects you spoke of are perfectly in range of the DF 500.  Go for it!!!  And don't forget that proper dust extraction is critical with either of the DF series, so think seriously about getting one of the CT dust extractors with the DF 500.  There are package deals that can save you some significant bucks. 

Another thing, when you get the DF of choice, be sure to coat the threaded shaft that the bits screw onto with a good anti-seize lubricant, including the shoulder.  And tighten the cutter bits no tighter than a gentle snugging.  This will help you at bit change time.

Good luck with your projects.  And prepare to be assimilated...

 

[Birdhunter]

I put off buying the Domino far too long. The 700 wasn't available when I bought the 500, but I'd have still gone with the 500 since most of my work is smaller projects.

I did later buy the 700. The excuse was to build a number of outdoor benches. Maybe, you could buy the 500 first and use the farm tables as an excuse to buy the 700 later. It worked for me.

As was mentioned, dust extraction is a must, especially with the deeper mortises of the 700. Even with dust collection, I have to tap out the sawdust from the 700's mortises.

I also suggest buying the accessory kit with the assortment of tenons and cutters.

The Seneca accessories for the Dominos are excellent. I bought a number of after market accessories for the 500, but the Seneca products are the only ones I use frequently.

Halfinchshy has some great Youtube videos on calibrating and using the Domino. Those videos and practice on scrap will shorten the learning curve. There is a learning curve with the Domino. Technique is critical to getting good results.

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

Would a shop vac work well enough?  In the process of buying a new planer at the moment as well, so trying to not make the wife too mad haha.

 

[Mort]

I use an old craftsman vac with my 500, gets it completely clean.

 

[Steve-Rice]

Welcome to the FOG!

The rule of thumb is that the mortise and tenon be approximately 1/3 the thickness of your parts.  The 10mm domino is over 3/8" thick, so unless you're joining parts thicker than 1 1/8" thick, you only need one domino and the DF 500 is all you'll ever need.  Obviously, if you go thicker than 1 1/8", you can always use multiple dominoes with the DF 500.

Something to consider is the weight of the two domino models.  The DF 500 gets heavy after a while.  I've had numerous projects which used scores of dominoes and the DF 500 gets heavy over time.  I've never used the XL 700, but I would imagine that monster gets seriously heavy after a while. Just something to think about.

BTW, once you go Domino, you'll never go back to any other joinery method.  I love that thing and I domino everything now.  It's a purchase you won't regret.

Lastly, you can definitely use a shop vac with the domino and Rockler sells that Universal Small Port Hose Kit which works great on the DF500 and other Festool tools.

Good luck!

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

Thanks for the info, been looking on ebay for one but kind of scared to buy off of there, never know what you might get condition wise and all that.  Will probably go with the 500 I'd say and just use my shop vac for now.  I took my wife to woodcraft a month ago and was looking at everything.  Took her to the festool section and was telling her about all the stuff I could do with the domino, told her but look at the price, couldn't believe she still said I should get one haha.

 

[Birdhunter]

Suggest you take the hose from your shop vac with you when you buy the Domino to be sure they are going to fit together.

Re the 700 weight question. I personally don't find the 700 any more tiresome than the 500. The 700 is bigger and heavier but the way the 700 is structured makes it not seem burdensome.

I think you are wise to not buy the eBay Domino.

 

[jbasen]

I am just a hobbyist furniture builder / homeowner with typical DIY projects around the house.  I couldn't justify investing in 2 Dominos so I just went with the 700 and the Seneca adapter that allow you to attach the smaller 500 bits to the 700.  Even through most of my work is with the smaller bits I don't regret going with the 700.  The 700 is big but well balanced and I can tackle any project that comes along.

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

Might be a dumb question but maybe someone might know or remember from last year.  Couldn't remember if woodcraft or just festool in general had any type of sale for black friday in November on their tools.  Trying to decide if it's worth the month wait to save $50, penny saved is a penny earned.

 

[Brice Burrell]

Might be a dumb question but maybe someone might know or remember from last year.  Couldn't remember if woodcraft or just festool in general had any type of sale for black friday in November on their tools.  Trying to decide if it's worth the month wait to save $50, penny saved is a penny earned.

Woodcraft sales exclude certain brands, Festool is always one them.  If you have a need now, buy now.  If you don't need one now wait until you do, not for a sale but for the Festool 30 day no questions asked return period.  Wait until you can use the tool and decide if you really want to keep or return it.  Don't buy a Festool and let it sit on the shelf unused until the 30 days expires. Welcome to the FOG! 

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

Technically don't need it at this exact moment, but I'm sure once I get one, after getting the using it down, I'll def start some projects.  Watched the one guys youtube videos, pretty informative.  My woodcraft is having a grand reopening tomorrow, everything on sale except for festool and domino of course, going to ask the manager if he thinks they'll have a sale in the near future.  If not, once I get a new planer purchased, I'll probably go pick up a 500 as well.

 

[Mort]

Another cool part about it, if you go past your 30 day trial period and you decide you want the 700, you can sell the 500 for darn near what you paid for it. I bought mine used for $700, plus another $200 for the Systainer of tenons and cutters, and I thought that was the deal of the year.

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

Well I saw there was a 500 for sale in the classifieds here, just afraid of dropping that kind of money on a tool from some random person online.

 

[jacko9]

I purchased the Domino DF500 when it first came out and have never regretted that decision.  I also purchased the Domino 700 when it first came out and again, never regretted that decision.  With the added capacity and the Seneca Tools additions, I would buy the 700 today if I could only buy one tool.  The 700 is a better balanced tool and with it's added capability (without sacrificing anything) I would get that in a heart beat!

Good luck,

Jack

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

I just wonder if it's a pain using the 700 with the after market adapters and all that stuff, looks like it would be difficult or cumbersome to use on real small stock.

 

[jacko9]

I just wonder if it's a pain using the 700 with the after market adapters and all that stuff, looks like it would be difficult or cumbersome to use on real small stock.

No actually , the Df700 is better balanced and much easier to use than the DF500,  The extra capability of the 700  is well worth the difference.

Jack

 

[Holmz]

Thanks for the info, been looking on ebay for one but kind of scared to buy off of there, never know what you might get condition wise and all that.
...

I got one of the ebay ones from Italy. It was as expected, but about 800 $ less than buying locally.  It was 230v which was what I needed, but maybe not what you need.
The money was quickly spent on Seneca gear to adapt the 500 bits to the XL. and a 500 and 700 Systainers full of the respective dominos.
I was pretty nervous about it, but it was fine.

I cannot afford twin Dominos, so the Seneca gear make the larger one do it all. I can always buy a DD40 with the money saved. if I have too many notes laying around.

 

[sancho57]

Owning a 500 and not a 700, I can only speak from the view point of the 500.

I find the 500 is one of those tools the more you use it the more uses you find for it.

There is a learning curve to it so be patient, some folks "get it" faster then others. me I still don't really get it even after a couple of end user classes but Im coming along.

There isn't anything I wouldn't build with my 500 including interior and entry doors ad gates, furniture etc.

Do te dominos add strength to the joints? Yes they do and align the joint as well.

At the end of the day it is the adhesive/ glue that holds the joint together.  The modern adhesives/epoxys made today are incredibly strong and durable and made for interior and exterior applications.

So with that being said Im sticking with my 500 mostly because it can do the job and 95% of the stuff I do is with in the normal designed ability of the 500

 

[Gixxerjoe04]

Went and checked out the dominos more in depth at woodcraft today.  The xl sure is heavy it seems compared to the other but don't think that would be a deal breaker.  Looking at the dominos, I'm just afraid the 10x50mm wouldn't be the best for something like an 8' long table attaching aprons to the legs, of course putting pins in it like I saw in one of the video would probably help that and not be seen.  So of course still on the fence, but one guy on here who's local said I can come give his 500 a try which could help the decision.  Thinking 500 and a dust extractor, or just the xl, if only I could win the lottery haha