Domino DF 500 or 700

[electricald]

Hello Guys,

I am new to woodworking. I have collected some Festool gear already and am curious about the Dominos. Again I need to stress that I am NEW at this. I have my shop constructed (22 x 26 detached garage) and just about ready to start moving in.
The two dominos.......... is the 700 built more for a production shop type environment and the 500 meant for a guy like myself. You know, the average woodworker working alone in his shop. Will the 500 suffice for my needs or if I can afford the 700 should I get it. I know I can read on this but I fell it is better to ask those who are experienced.

Dan P.

 

[ajones]

Hi Dan its more a case of what you want to make ,have a look at some of the videos on the net they will give you and idea where each machine excels

 

[tbellemare]

The 700 makes big mortises - from 8 mm to 14 mm thick and up to 70 mm deep.

The 500 makes mortises that are from 4 mm to 10 mm thick and up to 28 mm deep.

The 700 is better suited to making big things like man doors, beds, heavy furniture, etc. The depth of the mortise as much as its size is what is strikingly different.

Tom

 

[electricald]

Footstool,

Which videos are you referring, Festool TV or another?

Regards,
Dan

 

[electricald]

Hi Tom,

That say lots to me. Thanks so much. So I think I will save more and get the 700.
Tell me, do thes dominos eliminate the need for a morticer altogether? I am trying to get a feel for the capacity of these devices and it seems to be a ''skys the limit'' so of attitude among woodworkers.

Regards,
Dan

The 700 makes big mortises - from 8 mm to 14 mm thick and up to 70 mm deep.

The 500 makes mortises that are from 4 mm to 10 mm thick and up to 28 mm deep.

The 700 is better suited to making big things like man doors, beds, heavy furniture, etc. The depth of the mortise as much as its size is what is strikingly different.

Tom

 

[peter halle]

I don't have the 700 and really don't use my 500 that much.  I can tell you that this at least one member (traditionally trained in the UK) here who has sold their mortisers after getting the 700.

Peter

 

[Kev]

I want Tom to tell us more about a "man door" and how it differs from other types of doors  [wink]

 

[PeterK]

Well --- obviously the 500 makes girlie doors!!!!!!   [wink]

Now you know Tim Allen wouldn't be caught dead with that baby tool when a manly sized Domino is available.

 

[Bob Marino]

  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

 

[tbellemare]

I want Tom to tell us more about a "man door" and how it differs from other types of doors  [wink]

It's as opposed to a munchkin door like on cabinets.

Tom

 

[tbellemare]

Tell me, do thes dominos eliminate the need for a morticer altogether?

Maybe...

There are still some situations that might be easier handled with a dedicated mortising machine but I can't immediately think of any I can't make with a Domino machine that is 70 mm deep or less.

Tom

 

[ajones]

Footstool,

Which videos are you referring, Festool TV or another?

Regards,
Dan

Hi Dan there are videos on youtube some by fog members that go into great detail regarding both machines. you should watch them all..

Bob is right in saying the df 500 is mostly used for sheet goods my df 500 use has been 99% sheet goods I have just bought the 700 for larger projects.

my guess is you will end up with both in your future.

 

[electricald]

Hey Peter,

That is an interesting but of information, thanks for responding.

Regards,
Dan

 

[electricald]

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

 

[electricald]

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

 

[Kev]

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]

 

[VictorL]

It depends on your projects. I do use DF-500 80-90% and DF-700 10-20%.
DF-500:
Gluing panels (5-10mm dominoes)
Cabinet cases (mostly 5mm dominoes)
Edges (4mm)
Corner reinforcement (4-6mm)
Tables (10mm )
Cabinet doors (6mm)
Drawers (4-5mm)
Chairs (10mm)
and so on

DF-700....
Well... 12-14mm dominoes. Big doors. that's it

 

[Tinker]

DF-700....
Well... 12-14mm dominoes. Big doors. that's it

That's what is called Man Doors Uhh Uhh Uhh

 

[electricald]

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. :

 

[tbellemare]

The 7 can do everything the 5 can, cant't it?

No, it can't.

They are complimentary with slight overlap but neither can do everything the other can do.

The 700's smallest bit is 8 mm diameter. That's too big for anything under about 1" thick.

The 500 can go down to 4 mm diameter. That's about perfect for 1/2" material. There are many situations where the 700 is just too big.

Tom