Domino DF 500 or 700

[Bob Marino]

Thanks Bob,
I guess one thing is certain, the 700 can do everything the 500 can but not so much or as easy in the reverse? You mentioned doubling up on the tenons using the 500, where the 700 would do it in one go? I guess it is time to watch the videos.

Regards,
Dan

  Dan,

As most always, good advice here. As mentioned, it comes down to what you want to make with this tool. Most people use 3/4" material and the 6 mm tenon is the perfect size. Remember, with larger, heavier pieces, you can usually double up on the tenons to gain added strength. I think for most users out there, the Domino 500 affords more versatility.

Bob

Dan,

  I'm not sure of the exact strength doubling up a tenon would compare to using a single, larger tenon; probably lots of factors apply. The point was that you can double up on a tenon and improve strength. The D can also be used ion 1/2" stock, while the D 700 obviously can't. If it matters, the D 500 is 7 lbs as opposed to 11.4 lbs for the D 700.

Bob

 

[ajones]

Guys,
I have purchased Festool gear already and it impresses me to say the least. I just used my TS 55 to rip 5" clear pine for the furring on my windows and after the first piece I cut, I laughed with the amazement.
So buying the domino I know will be yet another impressive piece of Festool fine engineering. My only problem is I want all Festool, LOL. This gear is addictive............ Do you guys feel the same?

Regards,
Dan

Some much worse than others ... there's no cure known [embarassed]

Although small doses of Lamello and or mafell do relieve the symptom's quite effectively

 

[Tinker]

>>> I'm not sure of the exact strength doubling up a tenon would compare to using a single, larger tenon; probably lots of factors apply. The point was that you can double up on a tenon and improve strength. The D can also be used ion 1/2" stock, while the D 700 obviously can't. If it matters, the D 500 is 7 lbs as opposed to 11.4 lbs for the D 700.

 

[VictorL]

Victor,
Based on what you wrote about how much use your 700 gets over the 5, then isn't it better for me to go ahead and get the 7 and be done with it. The 7 can do everything the 5 can, cant't it? So rather than waste the money on the 5, I can put it towards the OF 2200 router. :

No. What I've tried to say it depends on your needs. I do have both. There are many places where DF-700 is more suitable.  There is overlap between these two machines. DF-500 can do work that DF-700 can't do and vice versa.
DF-500 covers more tasks for me. DF-700 could do more tasks for someone else.

 

[electricald]

Again, Bob thanks,

That is a very interesting comment you just made and it just made a big difference to me. This is where these forums keep everything on the straight and narrow.

Regards,
Dan

 

[electricald]

Victor,
In light of your comment and Bobs it seems that the 500 is a must if you have the choice. As Bob has mentioned, doubling up where the added strength/support is needed and your comment on the use of the 500 more than the 7. So now it looks like I will invest in the 500 and I can later on get the 700. Thank-you Gentlemen. I think that this forum is the best place for advice and I find it helps you filter out what the ads show. And I have to say that this Festool line has me hooked. I was warned by a gentleman of this. ;D

Victor,
Based on what you wrote about how much use your 700 gets over the 5, then isn't it better for me to go ahead and get the 7 and be done with it. The 7 can do everything the 5 can, cant't it? So rather than waste the money on the 5, I can put it towards the OF 2200 router. :

No. What I've tried to say it depends on your needs. I do have both. There are many places where DF-700 is more suitable.  There is overlap between these two machines. DF-500 can do work that DF-700 can't do and vice versa.
DF-500 covers more tasks for me. DF-700 could do more tasks for someone else.

 

[sprior]

electricald, I just got my Domino 500 a couple of weeks ago and chose it over the 700.  I think that if you don't know you're going to be doing the sort of stuff that just demands the 700 (building a heavy workbench, garden gate, exterior door...) then the 500 is the safer bet because if you're getting started in woodworking then you're far more likely to be dealing with 1/2" and 3/4" sheet goods.

As far as Festool in general is concerned, if you've got a bunch of other brand tools you buy your first Festool tool hoping it'll be better, but also kinda hoping it won't be THAT much better so you don't have to replace everything  Then you actually try that tool and it hits you pretty quick that you're totally screwed  [eek]

 

[jacko9]

I have both joiners and I like the 700 better for balance and versatility.  One poster on here a week ago mentioned that he had custom cutters made for his Domino XL 700 to cut the smaller sized joints 5mm and 6mm.

I make solid wood furniture and the 700 has more utility for my projects.

Jack

 

[Timtool]

Dan, i think you should really tell us what you will be building with it mostly, i have both and since i had teh 700 i don't use the 500 any less.
There is a slight overlap in applications, and where they overlap i will use the 500 whenever possible because it's smaller and more convenient to handle. And then i didn't even bother buying 8 and 10 mm cutters for the 700, i only bought a 14mm cutter and the 12 that came with it.
Basically the 700 replaces my bench top mortiser, i use it on things like workbenches, tables, gates and doors. The 500 is fare more versatile and can do a much wider range of stuff, and i still think it's the one to start with generally.

 

[electricald]

Timtool, Jacko, Sprior,

My plan is to start with a workbench with many drawers and top and plane to put the ken apex mitre saw there. Then the plan is to build a workbench and then assembly table. From there I promised my daughter a couple of bookcases and a desk. Then I won't to get into making some of my own furniture. Mind you I am not hopping into his all at once. I plan some training along the way and got a few sources to assist me. I am looking forward to this. So at first I am going to get into sheeting 1/2 and 3/4. It seems like the first purchase would be the 500. Thank-you gents.
Regards,
Dan

 

[jacko9]

Timtool, Jacko, Sprior,

My plan is to start with a workbench with many drawers and top and plane to put the ken apex mitre saw there. Then the plan is to build a workbench and then assembly table. From there I promised my daughter a couple of bookcases and a desk. Then I won't to get into making some of my own furniture. Mind you I am not hopping into his all at once. I plan some training along the way and got a few sources to assist me. I am looking forward to this. So at first I am going to get into sheeting 1/2 and 3/4. It seems like the first purchase would be the 500. Thank-you gents.
Regards,
Dan

Dan,

You will be fine with the DF 500.  I have built a lot of furniture with that machine mostly using #8 Domino Tenons.  Good luck with your new tool and woodworking.

Jack

 

[Old School Carpenter]

I guess I don't understand the question. Of course you should get both! [big grin]

Mike

 

[electricald]

Hello again Jack,
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I always look forward to a new festool product.

Regards,
Dan

 

[andyman]

I've been contemplating buying the 700 I have approximately 25 understair (splayed head) double door frames to make by the end of March, I seen a couple of weeks ago a thread about a modification to take Domino 500 cutters was this removed as this could be a deciding factor if you can use the smaller bits on the bigger machine I understand this was not an official festool mod

 

[jacko9]

I've been contemplating buying the 700 I have approximately 25 understair (splayed head) double door frames to make by the end of March, I seen a couple of weeks ago a thread about a modification to take Domino 500 cutters was this removed as this could be a deciding factor if you can use the smaller bits on the bigger machine I understand this was not an official festool mod

I'd seen that post and I should have paid more attention to it but, It's been a few weeks and it seems like a doable idea for the folks that don't have both machines (like I do [wink])

 

[Hookie]

I had the same 'dilemma'.

I realised I don't make much in the way of morticed backyard gates, and garage doors, and other large jobs. In any case for some heavy work, I would probably drag out the router and make old-fashioned haunched mortice and tenons,, unless I was making dozens. Then I might buy a 700. So I've just taken advantage of an offer of a 500, and a systainer of biscuits and cutters. That should be plenty of 'muscle' to build the box-cabinets for my kitchen, and help the job go like sugar off a shovel. A Kreg jig  [scared] might be quicker, but I will stop swearing now!

I am looking forward to using the Domino on a set of dining chairs too; and will hopefully be figuring some shop-made jigs to help.
So, my advice? Learn to do woodwork reasonably well by hand first. That might seem like something you don't want to consider too much. So, if you still lust after a Domino, then I think the small one will make you happy, for quite some years to come.

Best of luck.

J

 

[peter halle]

I've been contemplating buying the 700 I have approximately 25 understair (splayed head) double door frames to make by the end of March, I seen a couple of weeks ago a thread about a modification to take Domino 500 cutters was this removed as this could be a deciding factor if you can use the smaller bits on the bigger machine I understand this was not an official festool mod

Just a clarification to the question posed in this post.  The removal of the thread that talked about / showed a modification so that Domino 500 bits could be used on a Domino 700 was done entirely because it was a mod to a tool and would encourage a usage that it was not designed for and lead to an unsafe situation.  It had nothing to do with marketing.

Peter Halle - Moderator

 

[bmwproboi05]

After reading this thread I think I also decided to get the d500. However I do have some question.

1. Would the d500 be a good choice to use to make a crib? i.e the rails, and joining pieces. I do plan on using connecting bolts where sides meet also.

2. I know someone here said the d700 is to be used to make a bed, but can the 500 do it as well?

I mainly work with stock from the big box stores. So 1/2 to 3/4 would probably  be the biggest for the most part, but I do want to start getting into the exotic woods.

 

[Kev]

After reading this thread I think I also decided to get the d500. However I do have some question.

1. Would the d500 be a good choice to use to make a crib? i.e the rails, and joining pieces. I do plan on using connecting bolts where sides meet also.

2. I know someone here said the d700 is to be used to make a bed, but can the 500 do it as well?

I mainly work with stock from the big box stores. So 1/2 to 3/4 would probably  be the biggest for the most part, but I do want to start getting into the exotic woods.

500 for a crib for sure.

When it comes to a large bed the 700 would be a typical default position, but there's always options.

 

[jacko9]

After reading this thread I think I also decided to get the d500. However I do have some question.

1. Would the d500 be a good choice to use to make a crib? i.e the rails, and joining pieces. I do plan on using connecting bolts where sides meet also.

2. I know someone here said the d700 is to be used to make a bed, but can the 500 do it as well?

I mainly work with stock from the big box stores. So 1/2 to 3/4 would probably  be the biggest for the most part, but I do want to start getting into the exotic woods.

You'll be happy with the d500 Domino and I'm sure you can build both projects with that machine with some careful design solutions like doubling the joints, etc.

Jack