Domino Decisions

[UncleJoe]

I think I will be getting myself a Domino for Christmas. I guess this has been asked before but which one. Now that the smaller bits are being made fo rthe larger Domino can one really use the bigger Domino on casework cabinets and such or is it just too cumbersome.

This is not a financial decision but I don't want two domino's. I appreciate any input from those with the large one that have used the smaller bits.

I do all sorts of work and all of it is hobby work. I can see a use for both large and small.

 

[barnowl]

If you don't regularly build 6 panel doors and larger work, the 500 is awesome.

Right down to 1/2", and up to 1-1/2" or more.

 

[tjbnwi]

You can stack dominos in thicker pieces if the need arises. I've used my 500 for theses doors, then for the casework.
https://picasaweb.google.com/tbadernwi/ClevelandRocks

Tom

 

[Birdhunter]

Heft both Dominos and then decide.

I use my 500 to build anything from small boxes to large cabinets. If Festool made a 300 Domino, I'd buy it in a heart beat.

 

[fidelfs]

I have both dominos and this is my hobby.

I bought the seneca adapter and tried with it the DF700.  The big guy is more ergonomic, balanced, stable, heavier.  My DF500 will be for sale pretty soon.

There is no need for the 500 anymore, Seneca also sells the shims to center plywood for the DF700.
I am making a desk and I will use the small bits but I will have a custom domino, deeper on the horizontal pieces for more strength.  I don't know if it is needed, but I can do it without any problem, I don't have to stack the dominos, just one longer will do it.

In my opinion you can do both with one, get the DF700.

 

[UncleJoe]

I have both dominos and this is my hobby.

I bought the seneca adapter and tried with it the DF700.  The big guy is more ergonomic, balanced, stable, heavier.  My DF500 will be for sale pretty soon.

There is no need for the 500 anymore, Seneca also sells the shims to center plywood for the DF700.
I am making a desk and I will use the small bits but I will have a custom domino, deeper on the horizontal pieces for more strength.  I don't know if it is needed, but I can do it without any problem, I don't have to stack the dominos, just one longer will do it.

In my opinion you can do both with one, get the DF700.

Thanks that is a big help. I have to do more thinking. Hmmmmmm

 

[Steve248]

Lots of people must have this very debate with themselves. I have also decided on the 700 and will go down the Seneca route. I can't buy both so this was without the best solution for me.

 

[BBrown626]

For you guys that bought the 700 with the small bit adapter, any regrets? Any recommendations?
Will I get by with just the adapter and small bits or is there more to buy in order to make it work?

Thank you,

Brent

 

[bkharman]

Shims and adapter. Nuff said.

Also pick up the 500 domino sys with bits.

I love this combo. Never wanted the 500 after I tried the 700 in person. Prepare for a lot of debate here.

 

[Coen]

I have both dominos and this is my hobby.

I bought the seneca adapter and tried with it the DF700.  The big guy is more ergonomic, balanced, stable, heavier.  My DF500 will be for sale pretty soon.

There is no need for the 500 anymore, Seneca also sells the shims to center plywood for the DF700.
I am making a desk and I will use the small bits but I will have a custom domino, deeper on the horizontal pieces for more strength.  I don't know if it is needed, but I can do it without any problem, I don't have to stack the dominos, just one longer will do it.

In my opinion you can do both with one, get the DF700.

As long as you don't need the larger dominos, why bother with a bigger and heavier machine?

 

[jacko9]

I have both machines and I don't think that the 700 is bulky at all.  If I had to give up one of my Domino's it would be the 500 (but I don't have to give it up).  I'm almost 70 years old and using the 700 is a pleasure with it's balance and smoothness of cutting.

Jack

 

[dltflt]

I don't have the 700 but I have had an opportunity to use one and it a very well balanced machine and smooth action.  I would love to have the 700 but probably don't really need it.  That said I still like the 500.

 

[shed9]

I have both dominos and this is my hobby.

I bought the seneca adapter and tried with it the DF700.  The big guy is more ergonomic, balanced, stable, heavier.  My DF500 will be for sale pretty soon.

In my opinion you can do both with one, get the DF700.

Exactly the same situation for me. I have both machines and the Seneca RTS adapter and shims also and I could not agree more.

In my opinion, the 700 is more ergonomic and stable because of the weight and size.

 

[jaymon5]

I have the 700 and the seneca adapter and shims and have no regrets.

 

[dfuller]

I have both and and probably will keep both.  However, I just ordered the Seneca adaptor and doubt I will use my 500 much once it arrives.  I prefer the 700 for reasons stated above.  Short of my table saw, my 700 would be the last tool that I'd give up. The gains in speed, accuracy, and strength that the domino brings make it literally a game-changer for me.

 

[Thistleman]

I have both and find the 700 more usable ( although I do not have any adapters/domiplate/etc) it fells better balanced in my hands and easier to achieve a nice smooth plunge with than the 500, absolutely essential if you are going to use it successfully.

 

[racerv]

I purchased the domino 500, 700, adapter, and shims simply because there's so much debate on this topic and I could not make up my mind.  I recommend you do the same if you are on the fence.  I have since returned the domino 700 along with the shims and adapter.  I kept the 500.  I really wanted to like the 700 and have one machine to do it all but I just couldn't justify keeping it. It was too big, was inconsistent, difficult to align on smaller work pieces, the machine would sag when holding it by the fence and adjustment is very finicky, plunge felt sticky... I could go on.  The 500 on the other hand pretty much worked perfectly out of the box aside from having to adjust the sight line.  Every mortise I did with the 500 lined up where I wanted it to and parts fit together nicely so that's why I kept it.   

 

[bkharman]

I purchased the domino 500, 700, adapter, and shims simply because there's so much debate on this topic and I could not make up my mind.  I recommend you do the same if you are on the fence.  I have since returned the domino 700 along with the shims and adapter.  I kept the 500.  I really wanted to like the 700 and have one machine to do it all but I just couldn't justify keeping it. It was too big, was inconsistent, difficult to align on smaller work pieces, the machine would sag when holding it by the fence and adjustment is very finicky, plunge felt sticky... I could go on.  The 500 on the other hand pretty much worked perfectly out of the box aside from having to adjust the sight line.  Every mortise I did with the 500 lined up where I wanted it to and parts fit together nicely so that's why I kept it. 

I think you are the first person who I have returned the 700. Glad you got what you wanted, but very surprised the read your post.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[Kynasf]

It's a hobby for me too and I went for the 700. I'm not going to be making lots of anything, but I did want something that would cover all bases. I'm amazed by the 700. I only used it for the second time today to knock up a small mdf storage unit, but the Seneca shim and adapter worked flawlessly with the 5mm dominoes.  It is big and heavy, but I think that is a good thing as it feels very sure footed. I cut all the dominos on tight setting today and the whole thing went together perfectly. I'm relatively new to Festool, so yeah, really pleased with it.

 

[BBrown626]

Didn't mean to stir up trouble.
I ordered the 700, Seneca adapter and the domino assortment for the 500.
I'll have to look at the shims when I get smarter on this tool.

thank you!