Joiners

[leonelqh]

Hi guys/gals
I'm new here and new to woodworking(painter by trade). A need for larger CD racks started it all for me . Recently purchased a Kapex and now I'm  looking into the Joiners but can't seem to decide on which one . I'm leaning towards the Domino XL .
Can I get some advice ? my next project is an audio rack with some of the components weighting 100 lbs. each

 

[Tayler_mann]

I have found my 500 more than adequate for any application. It is smaller and I think easier to use. However, some people really like the XL and swear by it. You can buy an adapter and have the 500's smaller cutters in it as well. For me though, I feel that if I am not making doors or something large like that on a daily basis I like the versatility of the 500. I usually have my 5mm bit in and if I need larger I usually go to my 8mm. I still have not found the extreme need for the baseball bats the XL is known for. In my opinion (which virus greatly between individuals) I would by the 500 take the extra money you save and buy either the systainer set or a few different bits and sets of dominos. That is at most just my opinion.

I feel the XL is an amazing tool but I just lack the need for using that large of tenons in my projects.

 

[Birdhunter]

I own both Dominos. I find the 700 is most useful for really big projects like benches and medium projects like cabinets and bookcases. The 500 is most useful for small projects like jewelry boxes to medium projects like cabinets and bookcases. The overlap was intentional.

I like the feel of the 700 better than the 500. The 700 is larger and heavier than the 500, but handles better for me.

Whichever unit you buy, purchase the set with all the cutters and a selection of tenons. Also, the Seneca accessories greatly enhance the use of the Dominos. Watching Halfinchshy's YouTube videos on the Dominos will accelerate the learning curve. Practicing on scrap wood is advisable. The Dominos require a degree of skill to get best results.

 

[Shane Holland]

Welcome to the forum.

Based on your project, the Domino DF 500 is the best choice. The Domino XL is not well-suited for 3/4" materials. If you choose one and decide you would have rather had the other, remember you have 30 days to return/exchange.

Shane

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm going to suggest that if you're making racks to hold components weighing 100# each, 3/4" (19mm) material may not be your best choice.  You might be better off with 4/4 or 5/4 material, and if so, I'd select the DF 700.  If you choose to stay with 3/4" material, Shane is correct (as usual  [big grin]); the DF 500 is the better choice. 

 

[Shane Holland]

Good point, Willy. I guess it depends on the span of the shelves what the best material thickness might be.

To expand on my thoughts... I think the DF 500 covers the majority of applications for joinery. Doors, gates, large furniture, etc. would be examples of exceptions that would warrant the XL.

 

[jbasen]

I'm a hobbyist and couldn't justify purchasing both the 500 and the XL.  I chose the XL with the adapters from Seneca so I could have a single machine that does it all.  Seneca makes a bit adapter that allows you to install the smaller bits from the 500 on the XL and adapter plates that allow you to properly center the bit on 3/4" and 1/2" stock.

This combination has worked great for me.

 

[Mbconstructionjoinery]

I opted for the 700xl with the Seneca adapter and shims as I also wanted one machine to cover all the bases I have only had it a short time but have done quite a few test pieces and one or 2 smaller jobs and find it a great piece of kit, can't speak for the 500 as I'v never used one but you certainly wouldn't be disappointed with the xl

 

[jacko9]

I have both machines but, if I could only have one it would be the larger 700XL with Seneca Imperial thickness set

http://www.senecawoodworking.com/products/imperial-thickness-gauge-domishim-for-festool-domino-xl-df700

And some other cutters and adapters from Seneca;

http://www.senecawoodworking.com/collections/all

Jack

 

[leonelqh]

Hi guys
Thanks so much for all your replies/advice.
Shane, Spark the plan for my audio rack is to use all 1 3/4-2 inch stuff  . If I can use the smaller bits with adapters on the bigger machine I think that makes more sense , don't you?

 

[jacko9]

Hi guys
Thanks so much for all your replies/advice.
Shane, Spark the plan for my audio rack is to use all 1 3/4-2 inch stuff  . If I can use the smaller bits with adapters on the bigger machine I think that makes more sense , don't you?

If your going to use material that thick, why not use the 8mm or 10mm cutters on the XL700 machine.

Jack

 

[ear3]

I remember going through a similar decision making process, as my bias has always been towards more power.  I don't have the XL, so I can't make a comparison, but I will say that I've never found the 500 wanting.  Maybe if I were to make a door I would, but the majority of the stuff I work with is 1.5" and under.  Remember the 500 does 10mm.  When I'm using thicker material, I just stack the dominoes.

 

[dltflt]

The 500 will do 90% of your projects and I am very happy with mine.  That being said I still would like to have the 700.

 

[jacko9]

I use both machines the 500 and the 700 and the nice advantage of the 700 is not only will it cut thicker mortises, it will cut them much longer in depth.

 

[Sparktrician]

Hi guys
Thanks so much for all your replies/advice.
Shane, Spark the plan for my audio rack is to use all 1 3/4-2 inch stuff  . If I can use the smaller bits with adapters on the bigger machine I think that makes more sense , don't you?

Makes really good sense to me.  The dominoes you can use with the DF 700 will give you far superior strength, especially given the loading you describe. 

 

[Sparktrician]

The 500 will do 90% of your projects and I am very happy with mine.  That being said I still would like to have the 700.

Same thing here.  I have only the DF 500, but I still have a serious lust for the DF 700 and for the jobs I can take on with it.