Domino 700 or 500

[Millcrete]

Uses of either? Differences? Applications of either?eventually I'll get both  which should I get first?

 

[Kev]

There's been a lot of discussion on this. Also lots of consideration of the Seneca Woodworking adaptor to extend the range of the 700 to the smaller dominos.

If you're going to ultimately get both, buy the one that suits your first project needs now.

The only real negative for the 700 is it's size ... it's a lovely machine.

500 = chairs, cabinets, boxes
700 = doors, tables, beds

as a guide anyway!

 

[Millcrete]

Does that adaptor fit every small domino bit?

 

[Birdhunter]

Over simplification, but joining big pieces, 700. Joining small to medium pieces, 500. I am trying hard to dream up a project big enough to justify the 700. So far, no luck in spite of building large cabinets and bookcases. The 500 seems to do everything I can dream up to build. Perhaps, a log cabin?

 

[promark747]

Does that adaptor fit every small domino bit?

Yes. Two minor caveats: 1) the indexing pins on the 700 will not fit inside 4mm mortises, and 2) you will need a shim such as the Seneca Domishim (or equivalent) to use 3/4" or 1/2" material, as the fence on the 700 is offset 15mm (vs 10mm on the 500).

 

[jacko9]

If your going to get both eventually (like I have) then think about your first few projects and see which one fits best.  I use my 500 for cabinets, credenzas, small to medium size furniture.  My 700 shines in table building where stout leg to apron joints need the extra length and thickness and of course doors where even with doubling or stacking tenons the 500 doesn't cut deep enough.  Both machines are excellent and fit the everyday needs in a cabinet/furniture shop.

Jack

 

[jacko9]

The sale at Tool Nut got the better of me and I ordered a 500 and the assortment sys. I have plenty of projects this year where it will get good use. I went the route of the 500 because the 700 just seems too big and making smaller tenon slots with the Seneca adapter seems like a bulldozer for a post hole.

So I hear consistent distinctions made about when to use the 500 vs 700. But my question is how were doors and table tops built prior to the intro of the Domino in 2006 (the original to the 500)? The reason I ask is that such declarations of use are made but for tools which never existed a decade ago yet table tops and doors have been built for a loooong time. Sure, large cut mortise and tenon joinery was used but so were biscuits for decades, were they not? And biscuits are smaller than Domino tenons.

I used a slot mortising machine where I could cut 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", OR 5/8" mortises 4" deep as wide as I wanted to.  I cut the tenons on the table saw and for doors I always used multiple haunched tenons.

Jack

 

[Kev]

The sale at Tool Nut got the better of me and I ordered a 500 and the assortment sys. I have plenty of projects this year where it will get good use. I went the route of the 500 because the 700 just seems too big and making smaller tenon slots with the Seneca adapter seems like a bulldozer for a post hole.

So I hear consistent distinctions made about when to use the 500 vs 700. But my question is how were doors and table tops built prior to the intro of the Domino in 2006 (the original to the 500)? The reason I ask is that such declarations of use are made but for tools which never existed a decade ago yet table tops and doors have been built for a loooong time. Sure, large cut mortise and tenon joinery was used but so were biscuits for decades, were they not? And biscuits are smaller than Domino tenons.

We've obviously had the option for chain mortising and had our "big machine" cut tenons for a long time - it's just that the Domino is a process revolution in that space ... Yes, dowels, pins, biscuits, etc have all been about too ... and don't forget pocket joinery.

 

[Ajax]

I just received the DF500.  I'm probably going to get the DF700 before the sale ends in June.

I'm an amateur woodworker, but I've done plenty of mortise and tenon work for tables, desks, library stands, etc.  I'm into Craftsman style furniture, so M&T work is essential.  I'm interested to see how the Domino machine works out.  I've had good success cutting tenons by hand and with a table saw (both with a dado stack and with a tenoning jig.  I've also had good success with cutting mortises with a chisel, a forstner bit and chisel, and a router and a Mortise Pal.  The Mortise Pal is a fantastic way to go if you don't have a Domino.

I also bought a Leigh FMT  jig off EBay with all the templates that I plan to use for a set of dining room chairs.

 

[Oso Rojo]

I had my hands on both machines yesterday and the 700 seemed really big. I guess I'm used to the PC biscuit cutter and the 500 fits more that format. For me the 500 is big enough and the one or two projects I'll ever do that need more just will get more tenons.

 

[leakyroof]

I had my hands on both machines yesterday and the 700 seemed really big. I guess I'm used to the PC biscuit cutter and the 500 fits more that format. For me the 500 is big enough and the one or two projects I'll ever do that need more just will get more tenons.

. The 700 will shrink a bit as you get used to it [wink]
I started with the 500 and after about 3 or so years, I now got the DF700 to go along with it recently before the price increase. And yes, my dealer called me about the sale next month...... [embarassed]
But that's okay [big grin].

 

[Birdhunter]

I'd buy a 300 Domino if they would make much a jewel.

 

[Kev]

I had my hands on both machines yesterday and the 700 seemed really big. I guess I'm used to the PC biscuit cutter and the 500 fits more that format. For me the 500 is big enough and the one or two projects I'll ever do that need more just will get more tenons.

. The 700 will shrink a bit as you get used to it [wink]
I started with the 500 and after about 3 or so years, I now got the DF700 to go along with it recently before the price increase. And yes, my dealer called me about the sale next month...... [embarassed]
But that's okay [big grin].

So this is an interesting point ... and it's something that erks me with promotions down under (and not just Festool). The more you buy of a company's products, the less benefit you get from their promotions over time - but you'd think it should be the other way round!

Further ... bundles, what if you already have lots of CT's ?

Better promo plans please ... How sad would be to have invested in everything Domino and then be offered a discount? [crying]

 

[Kev]

I'd buy a 300 Domino if they would make much a jewel.

Yes please [wink]

 

[wow]

I had the same debate. In fact, I suspect everyone who buys a domino goes through that UNLESS they have a specific job that requires or is better suited to the XL. In the end I could only buy one (for now) so I chose the 500 simply because it was a better fit for most of what I expect to use a domino for.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if I ALSO pick up the 700/XL down the road a bit, once I have a need for it's capabilities and after my tool budget stops hemorrhaging.  [crying]

 

[shed9]

The "500 for small and 700 for bigger" separate comparison is really a moot point in my opinion. It all comes down to ergonomics and maximum capacity requirements.

In reality the 700 can handle the full range of small and large Domino cutters with the Seneca kit (albeit with the end pin > small hole caveat already mentioned).

I have the 500 and the 700 (along with the Seneca adaptor and plates) and using the two machines side by side cutting the same size slots I prefer the 700 overall; The 700 is bigger but this translates into mass which itself translates into stability. Also the fence pins are better in use compared to the newer 500 paddles (yes I know you can get the old style 500 fence with pins but not out of the box). And of course you get a bit more power.

Appreciate everyone's interpretation of the tools will be different but this is mine.

My opinion is that the 500 is for small domino's, whereas the 700 is for small and / or larger domino's with the latter having a slight ergonomic edge.

 

[Michael1960]

The "500 for small and 700 for bigger" separate comparison is really a moot point in my opinion. It all comes down to ergonomics and maximum capacity requirements.

In reality the 700 can handle the full range of small and large Domino cutters with the Seneca kit (albeit with the end pin > small hole caveat already mentioned).

I have the 500 and the 700 (along with the Seneca adaptor and plates) and using the two machines side by side cutting the same size slots I prefer the 700 overall; The 700 is bigger but this translates into mass which itself translates into stability. Also the fence pins are better in use compared to the newer 500 paddles (yes I know you can get the old style 500 fence with pins but not out of the box). And of course you get a bit more power.

Appreciate everyone's interpretation of the tools will be different but this is mine.

My opinion is that the 500 is for small domino's, whereas the 700 is for small and / or larger domino's with the latter having a slight ergonomic edge.

Agree with Shed 9 - if you are going to get both, I'd go the 500 first and when your ready for the 700 purchase you can decide if you want to go to the extra expense of purchasing the 8mm and 10mm cutters (doubling up with the 500).  This is what I have just done....

 

[bkharman]

Does that adaptor fit every small domino bit?

Yes. Two minor caveats: 1) the indexing pins on the 700 will not fit inside 4mm mortises, and 2) you will need a shim such as the Seneca Domishim (or equivalent) to use 3/4" or 1/2" material, as the fence on the 700 is offset 15mm (vs 10mm on the 500).

I have a 700 and love it. I agree that you need the shims to really work with this beast, but she is a lovely beast.

The pins not fitting the 4mm holes is another matter. If you have a 500, you won't get pins in the first place, you will have paddles and they don't fit 4mm holes either.

I will say that if you are building a lot of kit where there are a lot of shelves being mounted mid panel, the 500 may be your best choice.

 

[grbmds]

I noticed that, in one response, this comment was made; "yes I know you can get the old style 500 fence with pins but not out of the box)".

How do you order the fence for the 500 with pins? I don't see it as an accessory on the Festool website.

 

[promark747]

I noticed that, in one response, this comment was made; "yes I know you can get the old style 500 fence with pins but not out of the box)".

How do you order the fence for the 500 with pins? I don't see it as an accessory on the Festool website.

I think the only way is to find one secondhand/used.  As far as I know, Festool does not sell the old-style fence anymore.