Domino 700/500

[Motor]

I'm contemplating the purchase of a Domino 700. Will the 8mm cutter/domino be too large for use on (19mm) 3/4" lumber? Can you centre the 700 cutter on (19mm) 3/4" stock? (For example face frames.) The supplier advises that Festool doesn't endorse the use of the Seneca adapter for smaller cutters on the 700 (and the supplier won't sell the adapter).

I was going to buy a 500 but I like the idea of larger and deeper dominos for heavier work like mitred hand rails etc. Open to suggestions. I can't see myself using a domino machine for smaller stock than 3/4".

 

[Cheese]

I guess it depends upon what youre going to work on. If it’s 3/4” face frames and cabinetry, then the 500 works well. If it’s for full sized doors & gates, then the 700 comes out ahead.

If it’s both...then you need both.

Remember the recent new 8mm adjustable/removeable Domino was focused on 3/4” material.

 

[mwolczko]

I’ve done work on ¾” stock with the 700, but using the Seneca adapter for smaller tenons. There isn’t much meat either side of an 8mm tenon in ¾”.
I heartily recommend the 700 with the Seneca extras.

 

[Cheese]

Here are some photos of the new D8 Domino in action on I presume, 3/4" stock.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

[attachimg=3]

 

[Birdhunter]

I think I use a 5 mm or 6 mm bit on 3/4” plywood. Using an 8 mm bit would be very tricky. Getting it perfectly centered would require something like the Seneca spacer. Even perfectly centered there isn’t much wood left around the mortise. Blowing out the wood whilst inserting the tenons is definitely possible.

I use my 500 on wood thinner than 3/4” all the time.

My guess is that you will end up with both machines eventually. Which ever you buy first, the set with all the cutters and an assortment of tenons is a good decision. If you go with the 500, get back up 4mm and 5mm bits.

 

[Cheese]

The instruction manual for the new D8/50 Domino suggests a minimum panel thickness of 18mm solid wood or particle board.
https://www.festoolusa.com/service/owners-manuals

Just click on DF 500 Connectors.

 

[Motor]

I guess it depends upon what you’re going to work on. If it’s 3/4” face frames and cabinetry, then the 500 works well. If it’s for full sized doors & gates, then the 700 comes out ahead.

If it’s both...then you need both.

Remember the recent new 8mm adjustable/removeable Domino was focused on 3/4” material.

I may need both but can't afford both... especially with
all the accessories.

 

[Cheese]

I may need both but can't afford both... especially with
all the accessories.

I hear you...I've had my 500 for the last 6-7 years and finally picked up a 700 last fall on the reconditioned tool sale.

 

[ChuckM]

I may need both but can't afford both... especially with
all the accessories.

I can afford both, but I stick to my DF500 because I build mostly furniture pieces rather than doors or gates or anything that is too big for the DF500.

One time for a table project that I did want to use the longer dominoes. I had the option of borrowing an XL from a friend, but I ended up not doing so. Instead, I got the longer dominoes from him and used them in the table project as follows:

I mortised the table legs and post with my DF500 and then drilled the mortises deeper to accept the long dominoes. For a one-time job, the method worked seamlessly well.

That was the only time I needed an XL.

 

[rmhinden]

I have a Domino 700 XL and the Seneca Small Mortise kit.  Plus the 4, 5, and 6mm 500 bits and matching sized dominos. 

Overall I have been happy with this combination and have used it on 3/4" and 1/2" plywood.  I have used the 8mm bit in 3/4" plywood without any issues, but it is on the big side.  I have also used the 6mm bit and dominos on 3/4" plywood.

One issue I have had with this setup is the preset depth of the mortice doesn't match the domino when using a shallow depth mortice using the 500 bits in the face of a board.  I solved this by making a spacer out of PVC tubing.  This is described in the 500 supplemental manual, but works fine for the 700 XL.  Took a while to get the right length, but works fine.  I talked to Ryan at Seneca who suggested this idea.  Great support from Seneca.

The other issue I have is that the support bracket is small when using the 700 on the face of a board.  It works, but feels precarious, not much to hold onto.  I plan to see if I can make a fixture that is bigger with a handle to make this a more secure operation.  Has anyone else done this?

I hope this is helpful.

 

[Motor]

Very helpful.

To me it almost sounds like I need the 500 instead. I don't make doors and don't see a market for custom doors where I live. I would say that a 10mmx50mm domino would provide substantial support for a table leg or large railing connection. Primarily I would be using the domino in place of biscuits when joining mitred handrails and laminating 3/4 - 1" table tops. I'm hoping the domino system is more precise than my Porter Cable biscuit cutter (plate joiner), which has a tendency for mis-aligned biscuit holes.

I appreciate any advice.

 

[Lou in DE]

I had (still have actually) the Porter Cable unit and used it before I got the 500 a couple years ago - there is no comparison in accuracy or strength of course. I kept the PC to make slots to attach table tops - that's all it does anymore - I've had it for maybe 20 years. I have this phobia about selling off any old tools - it's a sickness. [big grin]

 

[Motor]

I had (still have actually) the Porter Cable unit and used it before I got the 500 a couple years ago - there is no comparison in accuracy or strength of course. I kept the PC to make slots to attach table tops - that's all it does anymore - I've had it for maybe 20 years. I have this phobia about selling off any old tools - it's a sickness. [big grin]

Thanks for the input. I know the feeling about old tools. I still have the nail pouch I bought when I was 18. 50 years later it's still in service - although the belt is stretched to the max!

 

[Birdhunter]

The Domino machines can do joinery of great accuracy, but there is the need for excellent technique. I’d suggest watching some videos and practicing on scrap. The New Brit Workshop and Halfinchshy both have excellent videos.

The projects you describe fall more into the 500 Domino range than into the 700’s range. Don’t forget the a strong vac is necessary to get good results.

 

[Cheese]

I'm hoping the domino system is more precise than my Porter Cable biscuit cutter (plate joiner), which has a tendency for mis-aligned biscuit holes.

Not even close...it's comparing a Chevy to a Mercedes.  [big grin]

I went from that NOISY PC 557 jointer to the DF 500 and the very next day, I sold the 557. No regrets, I wouldn't take another 557 if it was given to me. You'll be amazed at the difference. [big grin]

 

[gsdvorak]

I've had the DF500 since it was introduced in NA, and like [member=44099]Cheese[/member], I got a recon 700.  The 500 still gets the majority of use, but I'm starting to use more 6/4 and 8/4 wood so the 700 no longer feels neglected.  From what you stated, I'd recommend the 500- get 10% off on the vac by buying the set (if you don't have one already).

Regards,
Gerald

 

[grbmds]

I have both but use the DF500 the vast majority of the time. If you plan to do any projects that would use 4mm or 5mm Dominos I would recommend the DF500 and adding Dominos to the joint, where possible, if you need something more substantial than a 10 mm tenon. I find that the 700 is a little cumbersome on smaller projects because of its size and weight. A 10 mm tenon that works with the 500 is already quite substantial just not as long as the 10 mm Dominos that work with the 700.

I wouldn't use an 8mm tenon on 3/4" lumber as the amount of wood on either side of it (assuming it's centered exactly) would be below a 1/4". I would be concerned about break-out or possibly bulging after glue up. A 6mm works well; even a 5mm in some applications and the thickness of the tenon is more like the generally accepted formula for mortise and tenons; the tenon being no more than 1/3 of the thickness of the wood.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I would have to echo what most others have stated already. I was an early adopter of the Domino - thanks to a Festool dealer I did work for that handed me one back in 2004 or 2005 I think.

With the XL I was hesitating for a very long time but when a project "large enough" to warrant the purchase came up I bit the bullet. I like it a lot and it did a tremendous job - but it has only been used on three four projects. The 500 still gets most of the use and the other day while talking to a colleague that has both Dominos too we were thinking that one of us might as well sell the XL 700 and we could borrow it off each other. And buy something else to swap around, like the Conturo.

None of us would give up the DF500 though.

Recently I got the Lamello Zeta P for a project and love it - but it would not replace the Domino DF 500.

 

[Motor]

I guess it depends upon what you’re going to work on. If it’s 3/4” face frames and cabinetry, then the 500 works well. If it’s for full sized doors & gates, then the 700 comes out ahead.

If it’s both...then you need both.

Remember the recent new 8mm adjustable/removeable Domino was focused on 3/4” material.

Thanks everyone. I bought a 500. I will be using it with one of my Festool vacuums.

 

[Cheese]

Thanks everyone. I bought a 500. I will be using it with one of my Festool vacuums.

After you get some driving time in, let us know your thoughts. [smile]