DF500 or DF700

[l0pht]

I know the Seneca adapter for the 700 is an option but wanted some real life input.

I would like to pickup a Domino to help build cabinets and furniture (mostly tables).  With that said I've come to the conclusion that the 500 would be perfect for cabinets and the 700 would be perfect for tables  [unsure]

Has anyone used the 500 for jointing table tops or thicker stock? With glue joints being more than strong enough I was thinking the 500 would just be an alignment tool for bigger pieces.  Is there anything the 700 would be able to do I couldn't do with the 500? I can't afford both.  Anyone have any good input?

 

[ChuckS]

My conclusion is slightly different: the DF500 is good for both cabinets and tables, since the dominoes are simply a loose tenon joint. Remember you can use two rows or even three rows of dominoes in a single joint, depending on the thickness of the stock. I built a single post (pedestal) table (which is more demanding than a table with four legs on the joinery) with the DF500. The table remains strong and sturdy as it can be.

"Has anyone used the 500 for jointing table tops or thicker stock"

I think there is another thread going around that has already addressed this question.

 

[Birdhunter]

My bet is that within a year of buying one, you will own both.

 

[Svar]

Remember you can use two rows or even three rows of dominoes in a single joint, depending on the thickness of the stock.

Agree. Actually two rows of 6 mm dominos make a stronger joint (torque) than a single 12 mm domino.
The only limitation of DF500 for large joints is depth of cut. I wish the maximum was 40 mm.

 

[rst]

I'm with Birdhunter, although I think it a took little over a year.

 

[Gregor]

My bet is that within a year of buying one, you will own both.

Could well happen.

Will happen faster when you start with the 500, as the 700 can do low volumes* of small stuff (with good clamping) with the seneca.

* a piece here and there every some months is OK, in case you do

 

[ChuckS]

Must be swimming against the tide. Or what did I miss?

I have had the DF500 since 2013, and have used it non-stop for all kinds of furniture projects (the latest one will be a set of three chairs), but the XL is still on my Wish List (which is two steps from my Shopping Cart (the one below the Shopping Cart is the Purchase Later List)).

Unless I plan to move into doing big entry doors or deck railing (both of which I don't), I do not think the XL will ever land in my tool chest -- or unless a great deal (i.e. a hugely discounted find) comes along.

 

[online421]

I have a DF700, and seriously considering buying a DF500.

its not that I am not happy with DF700, I absolutely love my DF700,

I want a DF500 because I constantly changing the cutter.

For obvious you cant do the 10mm+ cut on the DF500. other than that, I find DF700 is ergonomically better than DF500 when you have a lot to do. I sometimes use my belly to push in the DF700. you cant do that on the DF500.

 

[Birdhunter]

I find plunging either the 500 or 700 sort of like using a big hand plane. I use my knees and body to move the plane likewise the Dominos. Doing so yields a much smoother and controlled move.