Domino 500 or XL
- Thread starter ktkamm
- Start date
There are a few posts asking a similar question here so using the search function should give you lots to read! 
Basically, the original 500 model is designed for normal furniture type work. The larger XL is designed for thick wood projects - say 1" and up as the tenons are so much thicker, wider, longer. The 500 works great for 1/2" and up work based upon the tenon thicknesses available. So far, the XL seems to be popular with people doing doors, large outdoor projects and such. For your usage as listed, the 500 is best in my opinion.
Basically, the original 500 model is designed for normal furniture type work. The larger XL is designed for thick wood projects - say 1" and up as the tenons are so much thicker, wider, longer. The 500 works great for 1/2" and up work based upon the tenon thicknesses available. So far, the XL seems to be popular with people doing doors, large outdoor projects and such. For your usage as listed, the 500 is best in my opinion.
At the top of the Festool Tools & Accessories page is a sticky with tons of info.
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/consolidated-qa-for-domino-xl-df-700-joiner/
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/consolidated-qa-for-domino-xl-df-700-joiner/
Based on my experience you are a bit in the middle. The end tables and sofa tables are certainly within the realm of the 500. Kitchen/Dining room tables could easily use the XL. I've made a dining room table with the 500 without issue, but I would have used the XL if I had it at the time. The previous bost regarding material dimensions is right on. I'd based my decision on what projects come after the tables. If cabinets go with the 500. If doors and outdoor furniture, go with the XL. I dont' think you will go wrong either way. I have my name on a XL with June 1st coming fast!
I know both machines quite well and agree completely with Davee.
Everyone needs the DF500 - some off us need the DF700!
or is it
Everyone needs the DF700 - some of us need the DF500?
No - I remember...
- get them both and buy your wife something nice at the same time!
Peter
Everyone needs the DF500 - some off us need the DF700!
or is it
Everyone needs the DF700 - some of us need the DF500?
No - I remember...
- get them both and buy your wife something nice at the same time!
Peter
I am a few days away from having the XL700, the best advice will come from those that already have both.
According to those that do have the XL the physical size of the machine isn't greatly larger than the 500 so doing 8mm and 10mm mortises should be convenient with the XL. I'll be surprised if someone doesn't begin to offer 5mm & 6mm aftermarket cutters for the XL so probably the drawback will come for those of us that use a lot of 4mm tenons -- 4mm seems quite a stretch using the XL machine.
According to those that do have the XL the physical size of the machine isn't greatly larger than the 500 so doing 8mm and 10mm mortises should be convenient with the XL. I'll be surprised if someone doesn't begin to offer 5mm & 6mm aftermarket cutters for the XL so probably the drawback will come for those of us that use a lot of 4mm tenons -- 4mm seems quite a stretch using the XL machine.
If what you describe is the extent of your woodworking for now, I would buy the Domino 500. It will do everything you need for the furniture you want to build. I have the Domino 500 and purchased the XL 700 for heavy duty doors and large furniture joints. I have built tables like you describe with my 500 with no problems.
Jack
Jack
