Domino DF 500, what are your experiences?

[Stephen B]

The last review of a DF500 appears to have been by Nick on November 30,2011.

As I am considering purchase of one, does anyone have more recent comments or thoughts based on their experiences of this machine?

With appreciation

 

[builderbob]

I loved it when it was first released and I still love it today! 

Good testimonial, right?

Bob

 

[nclemmons]

Game changer.

If you build cabinets or furniture and want to do fast, accurate mortise and tenon work, there is no better choice in my opinion.  Beats biscuits or traditional mortising machines in flexibility, portability, accuracy and efficiency.

I bought mine when it first came out and still marvel at how good the tool is.

neil

 

[tjbnwi]

Wouldn't be without it.

Tom

 

[mouppe]

It's a gift from the gods to woodworkers.

 

[deepcreek]

The Domino is one of the last tools I'd give up in a hardship and something I'd buy again without hesitation.

There is nothing else like it for fast but precise joinery.

There are some tricks to learning to use the tool properly and a few quirks with the fence.

 

[Paul G]

with the arrival of the DF700 (and the new DF500 bit adapter)  I'm at a loss of why to get a DF500. Are there things a DF500 still excel at over the DF700?

 

[mouppe]

with the arrival of the DF700 (and the new DF500 bit adapter)  I'm at a loss of why to get a DF500. Are there things a DF500 still excel at over the DF700?

Yes, plenty. You can't use 4, 5 and 6mm tenons with the larger domino. These tenons are the most suitable ones for lumber thicknesses up to 3/4". If you are building casework, small furniture pieces, boxes, etc. you will typically be working in this range which makes the smaller domino machine more appropriate.

If you are a door, gate, bed, big trestle tables etc. maker, then the larger machine is more suitable.

 

[Paul G]

with the arrival of the DF700 (and the new DF500 bit adapter)  I'm at a loss of why to get a DF500. Are there things a DF500 still excel at over the DF700?

Yes, plenty. You can't use 4, 5 and 6mm tenons with the larger domino. These tenons are the most suitable ones for lumber thicknesses up to 3/4". If you are building casework, small furniture pieces, boxes, etc. you will typically be working in this range which makes the smaller domino machine more appropriate.

If you are a door, gate, bed, big trestle tables etc. maker, then the larger machine is more suitable.

Doesn't this adapter take care of that? http://festoolownersgroup.com/festool-jigs-tool-enhancements/4mm-5mm-6mm-adatper-for-domino-xl-%28df700%29/msg259301/?topicseen#msg259301

 

[semenza]

with the arrival of the DF700 (and the new DF500 bit adapter)  I'm at a loss of why to get a DF500. Are there things a DF500 still excel at over the DF700?

I would say handling. I find that I use the Domino (500) for things that I never pictured when I purchased it. There is a tendency to picture using the Domino ( or any tool) on a bench in a straight forward , ideal set up. But I have used it in many non ideal situations where I think the 700 would have been awkward or troublesome. Such as on an already assemble piece, upside down,  in the middle of a panel where being able to grip easily from any direction is useful.

I suggest, if possible,  you get your hands on both of them to compare.

Seth

 

[GarryMartin]

I would say handling.

Agreed.

The OF1010, OF1400 and OF2200 can all use an 8mm bit, but you wouldn't get rid of them all and just keep the OF2200 now would you?  [wink]

 

[Paul G]

I would say handling.

Agreed.

The OF1010, OF1400 and OF2200 can all use an 8mm bit, but you wouldn't get rid of them all and just keep the OF2200 now would you?  [wink]

Good point, but in my case it's about where to start, not getting rid of something. I don't recall ever getting rid of a tool, but some loaners never found their way home  [laughing]

 

[GarryMartin]

Then I guess there was some sound advice above; i.e. it really depends on what you're going to be using it for, and that you should try them both at a dealer to see which suits you.

 

[Wooden Skye]

I agree with Seth that handling would be a major difference.  I have the DF500 and as others have mentioned, their is a learning curve.  With that said I think with the new product from the boys at Seneca, the DF700 is now a much more versitile tool and if most of my work was done in the shop or before assembly I would go for the DF700 and the adapters.  Plus you could still use the domiplate with the shims they have.  It would be great if there was a way to get the larger cutters to be used with the DF500, but I think the tool lacks the power to use the 12 and 14mm cutters.

 

[sancho57]

The more I use my 500 the more I like it.
As far as the adapter for the 700.

If i wanted a 700 I would buy a 700. If I want a 500 Id buy a 500.

In my experiance things dont work 100% the way you want wen ya start messing with them

 

[Rocky]

I would think that adding 3rd party attachments would void warranty.  Just my 2 cents.  Like the Dust Deputy.

 

[skids]

with the arrival of the DF700 (and the new DF500 bit adapter)  I'm at a loss of why to get a DF500. Are there things a DF500 still excel at over the DF700?

I would say handling. I find that I use the Domino (500) for things that I never pictured when I purchased it. There is a tendency to picture using the Domino ( or any tool) on a bench in a straight forward , ideal set up. But I have used it in many non ideal situations where I think the 700 would have been awkward or troublesome. Such as on an already assemble piece, upside down,  in the middle of a panel where being able to grip easily from any direction is useful.

I suggest, if possible,  you get your hands on both of them to compare.

Seth

Agreed..The form factor of the 500 make it much more versatile. I don't have a Domino yet, but I know I would use it like I currently use my biscuit joiner. Which has been at times, completely free hand on the fly to make a quick join up.

The 700 seems much more like a bench tool. It's huge!

 

[Runhard]

I would think that adding 3rd party attachments would void warranty.  Just my 2 cents.  Like the Dust Deputy.

I would be interested to hear if this is true. Would using a 3rd party drill bit void a Festool drill warranty? Would using 3rd party abrasives void the warranty on a Festool sander? What about other brand saw blades on TS, Kapex and jigsaws? I am not trying to be smart or argumentative, I really want to know. I do not, and have not, used any accessory or attachment other than what Festool offers, but it would be nice to know what is considered okay by Festool.

Daniel

 

[greymann]

On the original question, as a hobbyist right now doing mostly cabinets, the 500 is all I need.  Compared to my now sold biscuit joiner, it is a total game changer.  It helps make my cabinets look like I really know what I'm doing.

On the question of addons, I use the domiplate and it definitely takes my work up notch in quality.  I really can't see any way it could cause a warranty issue to arise.  I would however be rather concerned about adding a threaded extender and using bits not designed for the product like you would have to do with the 700 to do the same work as I do now.

Dick

 

[Stephen B]

Thank you all for your comments and contributions.

Several of you mentioned the 'learning curve' . Assuming I purchase a 500 set with the trim and cross stops ("training wheels"), what are some basic tricks I need to know.

Up until now I have been using biscuits, with either a joiner (borrowed), or when making steps or panels/butcher block benches, my router.

With appreciation.