Domino 500

[hgster14]

Like a lot of other comments on this forum, I too thought the Domino was too expensive.  I saw it advertised as early as 2010 and kept putting it off again and again.  Almost everyone commented about how purchasing the machine had created a new way to look at connecting wood.

Prior to last week I kept reading information about it online.  I watched all the videos multiple times on the Festool website, you tube (thanks Half inch shy Paul Marcel ) and any where else I could find it.  I tried to understand all about the thickness, registering from the fence vs. flat surface, slow plunging, different mortise widths, etc.  I gobbled up all the information.

WELL, I caved in last week and bought it.  I got the Domino 500 set with the trim stops etc, plus the domino set with all the cutters.

I felt as though I knew the machine very well prior to buying.  So my first attempt at connecting some wood went pretty smooth

In fact when I put the dominos in, I was just a little surprised at how snug the fit was,,,,BONUS. ;D ;D  The edges lined up perfectly and I do mean perfectly.  It was an exhilarating kind of feeling when I thought about it.

The domino was not my first Festool purchase, but again I never fail to be impressed with their tools.  I had a similar reaction to my purchase of the TS55 track saw. 

Thanks to all on here who contributed to my purchase. 

 

[peter halle]

ENJOY your Domino! If you have any questions there are lots of Dominators here who would love to help!

Peter

 

[#Tee]

ya as many of us in here know how much of a joy connecting wood joints flush without a lip to sand off saves us alot of time ..everything adds up, less time to hook up the sander, find the grit and smooth it down. imo its only something we can appreciate. i see ppl spending so much time cutting m/t i dont even want to appreciate it doing the old fashion way.

 

[birchwoodwerks]

When I bought my domino I didn't think I would use it as much as I do. I build a lot of furniture and cabinets and man after a year of use I don't know how I did half the things I did without it

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I got the Domino (with the metal pins) the same year it came out. I thought it ridiculously expensive, but I got as a part payment for one of my first own carpentry jobs - renovating a house for a Festool dealer!  ;D

I can't even remember how long ago it was but since then I have realized that the Domino has been one of my best investments - ever - when it comes to power tools. I have used it on numerous projects and on very varied materials. In the end I had two of them but sold off the old one to a friends father last year.  It "has paid for itself" over and over during the years and should my Domino gie up its ghost I would go out and get another one instantly.  It is brilliant.

 

[#Tee]

I got the Domino (with the metal pins) the same year it came out. I thought it ridiculously expensive, but I got as a part payment for one of my first own carpentry jobs - renovating a house for a Festool dealer!  ;D

I can't even remember how long ago it was but since then I have realized that the Domino has been one of my best investments - ever - when it comes to power tools. I have used it on numerous projects and on very varied materials. In the end I had two of them but sold off the old one to a friends father last year.  It "has paid for itself" over and over during the years and should my Domino gie up its ghost I would go out and get another one instantly.  It is brilliant.

agreed! its fast,easy,clean and professional grade joinery. id just lol at those who comment on the df500 cost from the outsiders point of view. i didnt do enough furniture to purchase one but finally had a project that needed it (pocket holes not an option). took a few hours to learn how it all works and i was like dam?? thats all? im done?...30min job took 5min with superior accuracy

 

[Steve-Rice]

Like many other woodworkers, I have literally spent tens of thousands of dollars equipping my shop, but the Domino is unequivically my single favorite tool.  It has definitely changed the way I work. Every piece of furniture I design and build has some Domino joinery in it. My only regret is that I waited as long as I did to buy it.

 

[Davesbuildtips]

My 4 favourite Festool machines in no particular order are Domino, Kapex, TS55, Rotex 150.
I opted for the 700, the 500's box of cutters including 4 -10mm dominos and purchased the seneca adaptor.
The 500 is a sweet machine indeed, you will never have buyers remorse.

 

[Mleger]

[smile]Very proud owner of a new Domino 500 as of this afternoon.  I also reviewed all the You Tube videos mainly to gather more information and pick up as many tips as possible before the day I decided to pick one up.  I had already become an official Festool owner last December when I purchased a CT26, followed within a few days by a TS55, Rotex RO125, MFT/3 and OF1400.  I acquired these tools as I was finishing my basement workshop with the ultimate goal of minimizing the amount of dust that would be released during future projects.  I haved used my track saw, sander and router extensively over the past year and I definitely have been extremely pleased with the results.  I expect no less from my new Domino as it will replace my trusty Ryobi biscuit joiner which has served me well over the past 20+ years.  Look forward to exchanging experiences with fellow Festool owners.  P.S. My significant other is very pleased with the very clean and more than 90% dustless workshop I run.

 

[bigarm]

I have had a Domino 500 for a month or two (at most) and have used it only on a couple of projects so far.  I labored over the 500 or 700, but in the end chose the 500.  I can see that I might need the bigger one at times, but so far am really happy with the 500.  I am still learning how to use it and it will be some time before I do know the best way to use it.  It is a great tool though and I am really happy with it.  If anyone knows must see or read things about it, I would welcome the suggestions.