Domino 500 vs 700

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rp127777

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Probably been asked, but I didn't find any threads when I searched. Which Domino and why?  I am hobbyist and would like to know the pros and cons.

Thanks,
 
The 500 light machine for smaller work pice, can cut mortise from 4,6,8,10mm
The 700 bigger machine for bigger work piece, can cut mortise from 8,10,12,14mm apparently there is a module that let you cut 6mm as well. Both use the same accesories. Personally I never use such machine so I went with the 500 and I am verry impressed of how easy it is to use.
 
Put “500 or xl “ in search and got some good results..I use the xl with a set of smaller bits when needed
 
rp127777 said:
Probably been asked, but I didn't find any threads when I searched. Which Domino and why?  I am hobbyist and would like to know the pros and cons.
Click to expand...

What are you making?
 
My choice was and will always be the DF500. Not one with Popeye arms, the 500 is much easier and less tiring for me to handle plus it costs much less.

For bigger jobs that even double or triple dominos won't work, I would go with floating tenons cut with a router or mortising machine.

Before the XL came on board, countless woodworkers and furniture makers have lived happily with the DF500.

 
I use the 500 quite a bit more. I am lucky to own both. If I had to choose one it would be the 700 with the Seneca small mortise kit. That will make all the cuts you need. Having both is a luxury.
 
As [member=44099]Cheese[/member] asked, it all depends on what you are going to make with a Domino.  I had no real need (want yes, need no) for the larger size Dominos so I went with the DF500.  Terrific piece of kit. 
 
Rudymejia12 said:
I use the 500 quite a bit more. I am lucky to own both. If I had to choose one it would be the 700 with the Seneca small mortise kit. That will make all the cuts you need. Having both is a luxury.
Click to expand...
I'm with Rudy, I have both but I would go with the 700 if I could only have one. Those big tenons are awesome for doors and gates.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 
When I was trying to make a decision years ago, I decided to go with the 700 once I found out about adapters. It can do everything the 500 can and more. Now if you aren't gonna be making large items then the 700 would be overkill and you would be paying for the capability.
 
I have both. I use the 500 more than the 700, but find the 700 excellent for large piece work. I recently build a large bed with a solid oak frame and headboard. The 700 was indispensable for that project. I guess one could double up tenons, but that’s a lot of time spent. I built benches out of Ipe. I’m not sure the 500 would have survived whereas the 700 powered through the hard wood. I find the 500 is much lighter than the 700 and seems to handle better.

Whichever one you buy, I suggest buying the kit with all the cutters and an assortment of tenons. The Seneca thickness adaptors are a worthwhile accessory.
 
I picked up a 500 a couple years ago and I love using it. However, i find it to be uncomfortable to plunge and grip. I am right handed, and my hand doesnt fit on the barrel and in between the hose connection. I find the grip to be inefficient and tiring over long plunging sessions. When it came time for producing furniture, i found the 500 a little limiting with its height adjustment and domino size. 8mm and 10mm are stout, but they pale in comparison to the size of integral tenons i used to make. Just two weeks ago i was fortunate to find a new in box XL at a great discount. I snatched it up, and i regret not buying this model originally. The ergonomics make it much easier to use. Sure, it weighs quite a bit more, but it is twice as comfortable to use. Besides, how often are you wielding the 500 or 700 with just one hand? Every operation is a two-handed affair, and you dont notice the weight. I definitely notice the updated grip. Im waiting on my seneca adapter, but i kept my old 500 bits and dominoes. I frequently use the smaller sizes for panel alignment and will continue to do so with the adapter. I havent owned it long enough to give a comprehensive comparison, but it is the much better tool of the two. It is similar to how few people own the 2200, but it is the much better router. Dont be intimidated by the weight or size, if you work on medium(chair, end table, nightstand) to large projects(doors, gates, dining tables, beds) then the 700 is the right choice. The price difference definitely sucks, which is what took me so long to buy a 700. I kept waiting and waiting for a used one to pop up on the market. Finally got lucky.
 
Thanks everyone for your input.  As I am a hobbyist and to answer some questions, at this point I don't have a specific need or project.  I think it is more of a want than need at this time.  Since my retirement last year, I am tooling up as I do projects around the house and get more into woodworking.  Eventually will do mostly cabinet and built-ins, so think based on all the input I will go for the 500.  I have to be patient though as have spent too much in the last 6 months, since drinking the Kool-Aid. lol.  Great site for feedback from all.
 
I’ve built lots of cabinets with the 500. Buy the kit with all the cutters and tenons plus a couple of 4 mm extra cutters. Those little cutters tend to lose their tips.

Both New Brit and Halhinchshy have excellent training videos.

Practicing on scrap is a great idea.

Both the 500 and 700 are great tools, but need good technique to get good results.
 
I like my 700 because the ergonomics is better. I can push in with my belly/hip/chest/knee/leg when needed. you cant do this with 500. you have the power cord in the way.

I have the accessories that allows you to use the smaller cutter.

if you only use it lightly then maybe 500 will suit you.

 
[member=66159]rp127777[/member] I think the DF500 is probably the right choice for you then.  Unless you plan to make doors or have a need to employ the XL connectors, the DF500 will be more than enough to cover the things you want to fabricate.

rp127777 said:
Thanks everyone for your input.  As I am a hobbyist and to answer some questions, at this point I don't have a specific need or project.  I think it is more of a want than need at this time.  Since my retirement last year, I am tooling up as I do projects around the house and get more into woodworking.  Eventually will do mostly cabinet and built-ins, so think based on all the input I will go for the 500.  I have to be patient though as have spent too much in the last 6 months, since drinking the Kool-Aid. lol.  Great site for feedback from all.
Click to expand...
 
I can tell you what I like and dislike.

I don't like the plunge depth adjustment on the DF500.
I prefer the linear one on the DF700

I don't like the fence locking knobs on the DF500.
The ones on the DF700 are ok.

I don't like the paddle stops on the DF500.
The ones on the DF700 are better.

I don't like lineup visibility on DF700.  I'm 5'11" and can't see the line looking directly overhead.  This is due to the length of the machine.  The DF500 is fine.

I don't like Dominos below 8mm and I specifically would not use a Domino for stock
under 3/4" (18-20mm).  I have, I won't again.  Others will disagree with me.

Most people get the 500, and it covers their needs. There is no reason why it won't be good for furniture.  I have found that armchair woodworkers, like myself, that spend more time on forums than actual woodwork get picky about things like fence stops.  Guys like me buy a DF500, DF700, Lamello Biscuit Joiner and a Mafell DD40 just to never use them.

You will be satisfied with the DF500. 
 
rp127777 said:
Probably been asked, but I didn't find any threads when I searched. Which Domino and why?  I am hobbyist and would like to know the pros and cons.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

This may help:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Peter
 
Rudymejia12 said:
If you ever plan on using the domino connectors then the 700.
Click to expand...

It’s been mentioned before that Festool is working on Domino connectors for the 500.  [cool]
 
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