Domino Dilemma

[bruceinCT]

Hello,

First time poster here so I just want to introduce myself.  Recently bought the TS 55 track saw so I can say I now qualify as a Festool Owner.  I can see why folks get addicted to these machines.  In any event, I know this question has been asked and answered but I will give it a shot anyway.  I am a hobbyist.  I'm not building fine furniture by any means.  Im mostly into restoration of my 100+ year old house.  I have 3 major projects ahead of me that I think the Domino joiner will help speed up (time is valuable for the part timer) and all which require M&T joining. 

1. Rebuilding 2 dozen flat panel wooden shutters
2. Building wooden storm windows and screens to replace the aluminum triple tracks
3. Building replacement carriage doors for my garage.  These have 8 lights per door and 4 lower panels.  Approx 4' x 8' each.

The wood thicknesses required for the projects are 5/8" (glue up panels on the shutters) -> 1 3/4" (rails & stiles on carriage doors)

So as you can see, I really need both machines but only really need the 700 for the carriage doors.  After these projects are done which will be in approximately 25 years, I can see myself using this tool to rebuild the interior closets and other random projects where this joinery would be handy.  I don't think I will be doing much else with thick stock like the carriage doors, however the savings for building them myself versus having them custom built could by a whole bag of 700's.

My initial thought is get the 500, work on the other things, and wait and see if a used 700 shows up sometime between now and the future and use it for this project or just go for the 700 and get the Seneca adapters and call it a day.

Any thoughts from those in similar situations? 

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm going to bet that once you get the DF 500 and see what it can do and get used to it, more projects will come your way.  The same goes for the DF 700.  Each tool has its own place where it shines. 

 

[Ed Bray]

I bought a DF500, 3 months later I bought a DF700XL, 2 weeks later I bought the Seneca adapter and domishims, 3 weeks later I sold the DF500.

Suits me very well and if I was doing it again I would buy the DF700XL in the beginning, but that's just me, others may feel differently and if I wasn't just a hobbyist I may have also, but the DF700XL does everything the DF500 can do and more and the little additional time that it takes to use when utilising the smaller cutters is worth it to me. Plus, I spent the money I got for the DF500 to buy my tracksaw and rails.

 

[bruceinCT]

Thanks for the reply.  That's helpful.  Have you been able to manage 1/2" ply with it?  I think it would be pretty rare for me to domino 1/2 ply though.  I imagine 3/4" material (solid and ply) would be the thinnest stock I would regularly use.

 

[Ivanhoe]

I also went the way of  the 700/senca adapters/shims. It's worked great. No regrets coming from this hobbyist.  ;D
I have used it on both 1/2" and 3/4" with success -

 

[Ed Bray]

Yep, 1/2" ply is fine with the domishim attached, I tend to only use the 4mm or 5mm cutters with it though.

 

[jbasen]

I'm also a hobbyist.  I couldn't justify both machines so I went with the 700 and the Seneca adapter/shims.  I have used the 700 quite a bit with 3/4" ply but haven't had a project yet that has required anything thinner.  I have no regrets.  The 700 is big but well balanced and easy to handle. 

 

[LeeGinAZ]

Another vote here for the 700 and the Seneca shims/adapter. 

 

[bruceinCT]

Sounds unanimous!

Now who wants to part with theirs?  Kidding of course, but it seems by the market that people buy them and don't let them go!

 

[Birdhunter]

I've got both Dominos. The 500 is excellent for small work like boxes and is also excellent for cabinet and book cases. The 700 excels for large stuff like benches and is also excellent for cabinets and bookcases. The 700 has the best ergonomics, but it is a tad heavy.

If I could only keep one, it would be the 700 with the Seneca plate and bit adaptor.

 

[shed9]

I have the 500 and 700 (including the Seneca adapter and shims).

The 700 is the better machine and not just because its the bigger of the two. It is better engineered and better balanced - All in my opinion of course.

One thing to note, there is a difference in depth between the 500 and the 700 machines so you need to account for this when using 500 cutters in the RTS.  Small niggle.

 

[stvrowe]

I have both the 500 and 700.  I have had the 500 since its introduction in the USA and the 700 for about a year and a half.  When using dominos, the 500 gets the most use in my shop.  I often read how much "better" the 700 is than the 500, how its "better engineered" and "better balanced".  Owning and using both extensively, I don't buy into those arguments at all - they are equal in engineering and balance and one is not "better" than the other - they are just different.  To me, the ergonomics are a bit better on the 700 due to the handle but, it 'danged' well better be because of its weight.  In my experience, the dust collection on the 500 is superior to the 700. 

If your need is for small M&T or wish to get the DomiPlate (which is a very nice attachment), get the 500.  If your need is for large M&T, get the 700.  If you need both small and large M&T, consider getting both or opt for the 700 with Seneca adapters.  The Domino is truly a game-changer whichever model you choose and neither has given me any disappointment.  Don't fret over the choice since you have 30 days to decide whether you made the best choice for your application. 

 

[bruceinCT]

I appreciate all the great responses!  Since I will need the larger tenon sizes for at least one very big project (carriage doors), it makes sense to start with the 700 and the adapters.  If I find I could use the extra maneuverability on smaller stock, the 500 is always an option and the cost of the adapter is negligible in the grand scheme of things and I would already have some of the 500 bits.  And with the 30 day return policy and incredibly high used resale value it's hard to lose with either one of them.

 

[RussellS]

The 8 and 10mm Dominos come in lengths of 50mm.  So you could use 2 or 3 of these Dominos in your 1.75" rail and stile carriage doors.  The 500 cuts to a maximum depth of 28mm.  The 500 machine can also be used to join large pieces of wood  That is not exclusive to the 700 machine.  You would have 25mm of domino going into each rail and stile.  Enough penetration to hold them together with glue.  Especially if you use 2 or 3 dominos.  You could also pin them if really worried.

 

[jbasen]

I just used my DF 700 for the first time with the seneca adapter and a 4mm cutter to edge join 1/2" oak boards for a panel glue up.  Worked like a champ.  The depth of each cut was absolutely consistent so after just a little sanding you won't be able to see the joints between the boards. 

Just a great tool. [thumbs up]

 

[bruceinCT]

Ordered the 700 kit from Bob Marinos.  Plus the 8 & 6 cutters and the Seneca adapters and shim.  Now I just need to build my wife's shoe rack so she sees the value in this purchase!  [eek]  Hopefully get to play with it this weekend if it gets here!