DF500 or DF700

[Aaron B]

Now if this has been asked, just give me the links to those threads and I will read, just don't have time to search right now.

I know there is an adapter for the DF700 that lets you use the smaller bits of the DF500.

Knowing that, is there anything that DF700 can't do that the DF500 can?

I know its heavier and all that, but I just want to know if there is physically something the DF500 can do that the 700 can't even with the adapter.
Thanks for any help,
May get my first Festool for father's day!  [eek]

 

[wow]

I'm starting to think that this should be the first question on the FAQ...

 

[Aaron B]

I'm starting to think that this should be the first question on the FAQ...

;D, I am sure it needs to be, some of those 500 vs 700 threads are before the adapter came out, I was looking for more current threads about them since the adapter levels the playing field between the two (somewhat anyeay), but a couple of those links bna posted are more current.

Thanks for the help

edit: I read something about people buying the 700 but getting the tenons for the 500 instead of tenons for the 700, anyone expand on that?

 

[bkharman]

I did this. I knew I needed to do some casework projects and picked up the 700, went home and ordered the adapter and shims, then bought the 500 domino/bit assortment. I had bought larger bits and a bag of 10mm dominos for a small repair project a few months back, but just picked up a 700 8/10mm sys this week from tool nut.

As far as I am concerned, the XL with Seneca parts is a best of breed machine that can do no wrong.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[shed9]

I did this. I knew I needed to do some casework projects and picked up the 700, went home and ordered the adapter and shims, then bought the 500 domino/bit assortment. I had bought larger bits and a bag of 10mm dominos for a small repair project a few months back, but just picked up a 700 8/10mm sys this week from tool nut.

As far as I am concerned, the XL with Seneca parts is a best of breed machine that can do no wrong.

Cheers. Bryan.

+1 - same here

I also have a 500 in addition to my 700 and prefer the 700 overall - in my opinion it is a better balanced machine and easier to handle because of the fence, the ergonomics and the weight.

 

[landowner]

I just bought the Domino 500 at the beginning of the month and in reading about the XL with the Seneca add on parts, it sounds like it is the best all around machine for my purposes.... especially if it has the better ergonometrics... and has the full range of the 500 with thanks top the add-ons.... Is there any risk with the non-festool parts in use with the XL affecting the warranty? Do the add-ons affect ease of use of the XL? Would the cutter extension from Seneca introduce increased wear exposure to the XL?..... Anyone have any guidance on the affect of the 3rd party components? Just working the details before jumping in...
Thanks for your help
Doug

 

[rljatl]

There is one thing that the 500 can do that the 700 cannot.  The 500 can be purchased for ~$800 versus ~$1200 for the 700.

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

There is one thing that the 500 can do that the 700 cannot.  The 500 can be purchased for ~$800 versus ~$1200 for the 700.

That, along with the weight difference, is what made me choose the 500. The 700 with the Seneca adapter and shims  and the 500 cutters and possibly the domino assortment, and it's a nice chunk of change. I got the 500, Domino assortment and domiplate for just under $1100. I'll be adding the scg-10 once the wallet recovers from the domimeltdown.  [blink]

 

[jacko9]

I agree that the price difference is a big concern but, when cutting 12mm or 14mm mortises you will sure appreciate the DF700.

Jack

 

[bkharman]

There is one thing that the 500 can do that the 700 cannot.  The 500 can be purchased for ~$800 versus ~$1200 for the 700.

For the price I paid for the XL, the domi-shims, bit adapter and the 500 assortment as well as the 700 assortment, I am MORE than satisfied. Like I said, I tried the 500 and it feels like a lightweight compared to the 700. It isn't just the weight, it is the ergonomics of the whole setup.

I highly recommend the trip Tia dealer to try one out if you haven't. It will be worth the trip. This isn't a 200.00 purchase here.

Try then buy.

 

[jacko9]

There is one thing that the 500 can do that the 700 cannot.  The 500 can be purchased for ~$800 versus ~$1200 for the 700.

For the price I paid for the XL, the domi-shims, bit adapter and the 500 assortment as well as the 700 assortment, I am MORE than satisfied. Like I said, I tried the 500 and it feels like a lightweight compared to the 700. It isn't just the weight, it is the ergonomics of the whole setup.

I highly recommend the trip Tia dealer to try one out if you haven't. It will be worth the trip. This isn't a 200.00 purchase here.

Try then buy.

I agree

 

[Crox G]

Do all the XL cutters, especially the 8mm and 10mm, have a max mortise depth of 70mm?
Do the 500's cutters all have a max mortise depth of 28mm? Even the 8mm and 10 mm?

I'm planning a pair of glazed storm doors out of 1.25 inch/32mm stock, and hope to get a Domino for the job. I would probably use 10mm or 12mm dominoes. The 500's 28mm depth seems too shallow for the stresses on the joints. The deeper 700's mortises would make a much stronger joint.

Thanks,
Crox

 

[shed9]

Do all the XL cutters, especially the 8mm and 10mm, have a max mortise depth of 70mm?

No, the 8mm goes to 50mm and the rest go to 70mm depth.

Do the 500's cutters all have a max mortise depth of 28mm? Even the 8mm and 10 mm?

The 500 cutters are 28mm except for the 4 and 5mm which are 11 and 20mm depth respectively - not got them in front of me, but I know they are not all the same and got the specs off the web.

Seneca have a 6mm which goes to 50mm, but its quite expensive in my opinion.

 

[Crox G]

Thanks, Shed--just what I needed to know.
Crox

 

[w802h]

If you want it for door building, the 700 is the better choice.  Your concerns about strength are real.  I've tried drilling and chiseling to extend the 500 mortises deeper.  I also have a couple of long router bits and a custom base that I use to make a series of plunges/vacuumings to accomplish the same, but eventually purchased the 700.  For my business, it's not a tool that I can justify the cost of based on its amount of use, but I know I'll enjoy using it for the projects that I do use it for and the high quality results will be quickly achieved. 

 

[mouppe]

All the points above are good and valid but I would ask yourself if you have a need for very large tenons?

In 5 years of building furniture- including king size beds- I haven't used more than a handful of 10mm tenons so the 700 is overkill for my needs.

Would you drive a minivan if you had no kids?

 

[jacko9]

All the points above are good and valid but I would ask yourself if you have a need for very large tenons?

In 5 years of building furniture- including king size beds- I haven't used more than a handful of 10mm tenons so the 700 is overkill for my needs.

Would you drive a minivan if you had no kids?

Yep, my SUV is the "CodyMobile" and taking my son's dog out for a walk every day is the only reason why we haven't sold it yet.  My wife said that the dog is not riding in her Lexus

Jack

I still like my DF700 better than my DF500 ;-)

 

[pugilato]

I too am struggling whether to get the little or big domino... Leaning to the 500. I expect to use it to build tables and chairs, not doors. Maybe use it for alignment, but I can still use biscuits for those. In essence, trying to avoid cutting mortises and tenons.

Using similar logic, I expect that I will only be using some of the floating tenon sizes, and dont expect to buy the assortment. So, in the interest of becoming informed, what are the most commonly used dominos and for what application?

 

[Birdhunter]

I have the luxury of owning both Dominos.

I'd hate to give up one, but if I did, it would reluctantly be the 700 just because most of the work I do involves small tenons. I prefer the ergonomics of the 700 as well as many of its features. A 500 with the same design of the 700 would be a nice addition to the Festool product line.

 

[Kev]

Yes, shrinking the 700 to 500 size would be magnificent!