Domino 700 on 3/4" materials

[RALPH WERNETT]

Anyone using the Domino 700 on 3/4 inch stock. Looking to buy the 500 or 700 and I like the depth that the 700 can go to.  I have a bunch of glass cabinet doors to build out of 3/4" stock and want to add M/T along with the cope /pattern  to the frames.  Most of my other work  is with 3/4 ply but will be building at kitchen / dinning table and I'm not sure it the 500 will do the job correctly.

 

[Birdhunter]

I use both my 500 and my 700 on 3/4" plywood. I use the Seneca shims to get an exact top to bottom spacing. It is the Domiplate for the 500 and the Domishim for the 700. You have to use the 500 upside down with the Domiplate. Sounds awkward, but it isn't. The 700 is used in the normal position with the Domishim.

Woodpeckers ias announced their version of the Seneca products, but it hasn't shipped yet and it is a far more comprehensive (expensive) system than the Seneca system. Seneca also sells a converter set for the 700 that allows use of the 500's cutters.

 

[grbmds]

When buying, consider whether you will use the Domino on larger projects; meaning bigger furniture or possibly outdoor projects like large arbors. I bought the 500, believing I would never really need to use the larger Domino tenons on anything and because the 700 seems cumbersome to me, especially for smaller projects and cabinet work. However, I can see the possibility of larger projects now and would now, of course, have to buy the 700 separately. That's not a bad thing since you get the best of both and you can use the bigger tool for bigger projects. It's just a lot of money to spend on 2 tools. Go to a store, if you can, lift them, and try them (if possible). Also, you can always send whichever you buy back within 30 days. There is supposed to be an article in an upcoming Fine Woodworking issue which deals with using the Domino for furniture making (not sure which issue). They do use the 700 and the only other review I saw in FWW also reviewed the 700. Look for that article also. It was good.

 

[roblg3]

I own the 700 and have the seneca adapter which allows use of all the cutters.  I also own the shims for 3/4 &1/2" material.  Having it used it alot, If i never did anything larger than 8mm tenons, i.e. 1" thick material i would prefer the 500.  It's more compact and lighter.  The very best way is to go handle them at a retailer.  It's pretty obvious which you'll prefer.

 

[RALPH WERNETT]

Thank you for all the inputs - seems like the 700 can be the way to go with the adaptors for the smaller bitts and offset fence.  I will be attending a Festool workshop at the JLC conference in Prov. RI next week, so I hope to decide which one at the show and walk away with "only one" in mind!

 

[Birdhunter]

Bet you eventually end up with both.

 

[Ed Bray]

Bet you eventually end up with both.

I had both and sold the DF500.

 

[RALPH WERNETT]

selling the 500, means your projects are larger in size and you wanted the longer  m & t ? or the 700 did everything down to 3/4".

 

[bkharman]

I love my 700. Seneca makes great stuff for it and I have never encountered any issues with either the 700 or any of the accessories.

 

[roblg3]

If you are resourceful 1/2" with the XL is not an issue

 

[jacko9]

I don't have any issues with the 700 and I'm 70 years old.  I have both machines but, if I could have only one the answer would be easy the 700 is a winner.

 

[jbasen]

I have the 700 and just finished a set of built-in cabinets made of 3/4" plywood with face frames.  The 700 with the Seneca adapter and shims did a great job. 

 

[RALPH WERNETT]

Looks like after the Festool workshop next week, I will be giving Bob M. a call and before 4/1/15! with what was my wish list.

 

[bmorretta]

I build furniture in the shop with onsite custom built ins and carpentry.

My Domino journey started with the 500 adding the Domiplate from Seneca.  Overtime the 700 was added for the bigger case work. Specifically a bonnet top Queen Anne treatment for a custom built in.  The shorter DF 500 tenon did not provide enough stability for the span.

over time I have found a real need for both.  For furniture the 700 tenon is used for carcass structure while the 500 is used for the show pieces.

Bobbie
Bobbie Beverly Creations

 

[Stone Message]

Some readers of this thread may find the comparison of DF500 and DF700 on the following thread useful:

http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-tools-accessories/choosing-between-dominos-videos/msg380934/?topicseen#msg380934

Peter