Finally Domino time

[TheTrooper]

Going to finally order a Domino. I've wanted once since I bought my TS55 3 years ago.  Now the question is should I order the 500 or the XL with the senco adapter? I do some inlays for hardwood flooring that is usually ⅜" engineered and I also build cabinets, dinner tables and I do staircases.  I've seen Peters video but can't remember if the XL with the adapter will do 4MM.  Or will it just be too big and bulky

 

[Ed Bray]

I had both the DF500 and the DF700XL, I also had all 3 accompanying systainers which gave me a selection of bits from 4mm right through to 14mm.

When I got the DF500 I thought it was the bee's knees and it worked very well, when I got the DF700XL although it is heavier I found the ergonomics in use to be much better, it is better balanced. This has to be taken that I am only a hobbyist and not doing thousands of holes a week where the additional weight of the DF700XL may then start to be an issue.

When I got the Seneca adapter and Domishims, I did some testing with the DF700XL using all the DF500's cutters and found that I could do everything with that combination that I could with the DF500.

I kept the DF500 Domino Systainer along with 4mm, 5mm, 6mm bits and sold my DF500 along with 5mm*, 8mm and 10mm bits and used the money recovered to buy a TS55 and Rail kit.

*The DF500  comes with a 5mm bit and the DF500 Domino Systainer also has a 5mm bit.

Personally for me in hindsight, I should have bought just the DF700XL and all 3x Domino Systainers along with the Seneca adapter and Domishims (and probably now, also the Seneca DF700XL Height Adjuster).

It is your decision and I am sure you will get many other differing suggestions as to what to do, but for me this is the fit that works.

 

[TheTrooper]

I had both the DF500 and the DF700XL, I also had all 3 accompanying systainers which gave me a selection of bits from 4mm right through to 14mm.

When I got the DF500 I thought it was the bee's knees and it worked very well, when I got the DF700XL although it is heavier I found the ergonomics in use to be much better, it is better balanced. This has to be taken that I am only a hobbyist and not doing thousands of holes a week where the additional weight of the DF700XL may then start to be an issue.

When I got the Seneca adapter and Domishims, I did some testing with the DF700XL using all the DF500's cutters and found that I could do everything with that combination that I could with the DF500.

I kept the DF500 Domino Systainer along with 4mm, 5mm, 6mm bits and sold my DF500 along with 5mm*, 8mm and 10mm bits and used the money recovered to buy a TS55 and Rail kit.

*The DF500  comes with a 5mm bit and the DF500 Domino Systainer also has a 5mm bit.

Personally for me in hindsight, I should have bought just the DF700XL and all 3x Domino Systainers along with the Seneca adapter and Domishims (and probably now, also the Seneca DF700XL Height Adjuster).

It is your decision and I am sure you will get many other differing suggestions as to what to do, but for me this is the fit that works.

Thanks, that is actually the route I was thinking since I never know what I'm building week to week.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I bought the df500 and went through what your going through.  I keep looking at the df700 but every time I feel like I made the right decision.    The df700 is an awesome tool.  I like the ergonomics of the 700 better than the 500. And senca with there adapters made everyones decision a lot harder. 

I looked at the work I was doing, the work that I would be doing and picked the df500.  The majority of my work is under 1in.  After I consulted my partner at work we both agreed on the df500. If the majority of your work is 3/4 hardwood I would look at the df500 with the domiplate.  Its smaller size is perfect for this type of work.  Plus you have to look at the added price.  The df700 is almost $400 more, add $150 for plates and adapters and domino assortments, the price gets high very fast. 

 

[SoonerFan]

I bought the df500 and went through what your going through.  I keep looking at the df700 but every time I feel like I made the right decision.    The df700 is an awesome tool.  I like the ergonomics of the 700 better than the 500. And senca with there adapters made everyones decision a lot harder. 

I looked at the work I was doing, the work that I would be doing and picked the df500.  The majority of my work is under 1in.  After I consulted my partner at work we both agreed on the df500. If the majority of your work is 3/4 hardwood I would look at the df500 with the domiplate.  Its smaller size is perfect for this type of work.  Plus you have to look at the added price.  The df700 is almost $400 more, add $150 for plates and adapters and domino assortments, the price gets high very fast.

Agree.  For me the 500 was the right choice.  I am a hobbyist and don't to anything that needs apt he 700.  I used the money I saved vs.the 700 on a Centrotec set to go with my drills.

 

[TheTrooper]

I wish there was a retailer in my area that has one so I could put my hands on one.  The only retailer is a paint Store and I've been asking for 6 weeks to get bags for my CT36, who the hell sells a $800 vacuum and don't stock the bags. They don't even carry 100 grit sand paper.

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

What area do you live in?  Maybe another FOG memeber can help you out and show you there df500 or df700. 

 

[TheTrooper]

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

 

[bkharman]

For the bags, go with Amazon. No use in waiting that long.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[tjbnwi]

I'm willing to let you see and use the 500 & 700, if you want to travel to northwest Indiana.

Tom

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Im in Charlotte that doesnt help much. 

 

[TheTrooper]

I'm willing to let you see and use the 500 & 700, if you want to travel to northwest Indiana.

Tom

Do you find the 700 bulky or uncomfortable to use

 

[TheTrooper]

Im in Charlotte that doesnt help much.

Who do you use for a retailer?  I've bought pretty much everything except my sanders &  Ct36  AC from Mike at shop festool.com

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

So if you do hardwood floors this might matter to you.  The df500 can sit flat and center pretty close to center.  With the df700, being that the surface area where the cutter is at is wider this isnt possible.

 

[tjbnwi]

I'm willing to let you see and use the 500 & 700, if you want to travel to northwest Indiana.

Tom

Do you find the 700 bulky or uncomfortable to use

The 700 is very ergonomic. Not bulky at all.

I have 2- 500's and a 700, they are matched to each other I can set up all three and use them on a project, the parts will all fit well.

I just reread your first post-----go with the 500. It will not work on 3/8" unless you modify the fence stops (been there, done that).

Tom

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Im in Charlotte that doesnt help much.

Who do you use for a retailer?  I've bought pretty much everything except my sanders &  Ct36  AC from Mike at shop festool.com

I buy from Woodcraft in Charlotte,  they have the best Festool selection that I have seen so far.  They have the df500 and df700 on there shelves. 

 

[TheTrooper]

Thanks Tyler that is a good point.

 

[TheTrooper]

Going to order the 500 now, thanks guys

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Definitely get the Domino assortment Systainer and the Domiplate from Senca and you will be set!

 

[plymburner]

If you're in Charlotte, NC, the Moulding Source in Mooresville, NC - 704-658-1111. They had a Festool demo day about a month and a half ago and have the the full Festool line. Great owner and will let you try out the tools.