Last minute domino decision... 500 or 700

[CF]

Hi all,

Thanks for a great site. I've gotten a ton of useful info over the years and could use a bit more with the soon to end 10% discount.  I have been looking to pick up a domino and can't figure out which size. I'd love to take advantage of the current discount set to expire soon.

This will be for amateur use, although I have a lot of tenon related projects set for this summer. The list includes two sets of outdoor tables and chair / benches, an outdoor sofa, 2 cribs and a few plywood projects.  Once the marathon summer is over, there are a bunch of ply cabinet projects in the making and then a full height solid wood china cabinet to complete.

My question is, can the 500 handle all of this or is the 700 with the smaller bit adapters a better way to go. For those with the adapters, have you had any problems or regrets?  I can only splurge on 1.

I can't really test them both out as the nearest dealer is well over an hour out of my way and I have t been able to squeeze the time in recently. This will strictly be an internet purchase.

Also, is the domino set worth it, or are the aftermarket centering to position guides a better route?  Any other must get accessories or add ones?

Again, thanks for a great forum!  Look forward to any advice as I will likely buy by Monday for the discounted price.

 

[Luzzy]

I went with the 700 and Seneca adapter. For 69.00 it was a no brainer. I put the 5mm cutter in and it worked like a charm.

 

[Birdhunter]

Get both Dominos. You will do so eventually and, if you do it now, you will save a bundle. The accessory kits with the cutters and tenons are bargains in the long run.

Take a deep breath and dive in with both feet.

I have both units and the 500 excels at small to medium projects and the 700 excels at medium to large projects.

The Seneca Domiplate for the 500 and the Domislim for the 700 are extremely useful additions.

 

[jacko9]

I have both and you would use both if you do a lot of woodworking but, if you can only afford one the 500 will work for you until that day you say dang I want to build some heavy duty doors for the house [wink]

Jack

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

I could only afford the 500 so that's what I went with.
I also got the domino assortment and domiplate from seneca.
It's a good setup but if I was doing a lot of big projects (not at the moment) I'd get the 700 too.

 

[stvrowe]

I have had the 500 since its intro in the USA.  I have had the 700 since February of this year and have only used it extensively for about 3-4 weeks now.  Both are great machines but the more I use it, I am really liking the 700.  I don't think the 700 does as good a job as the 500 at dust extraction.

For the short term projects you describe, it appears as if the 700 is a better fit.  In its current form, it wouldn't be much good for plywood projects but, as others have indicated, you can get an adapter to use the smaller Dominos.  I have no experience with the Seneca adapters since I have a 500 and have no need for them.  With the 700, you can always make smaller mortises with the adapter but with the 500, you can't go larger.

As far as the set goes, I purchased the set with the 500.  The trim stop I use quite a bit and it works great.  I used the cross-stops once just to try it out - IMHO, it is not so great.  I would rather just line up the window with a pencil mark than use the cross stop.

If you opt for the 500, consider getting the Domino tenon assortments as it offers a great value at considerable savings.  Unfortunately, this does not hold true for the 700 assortments.

 

[putter288]

I have the 700 with the aftermarket bit and shim attachments  and there is almost nothing i can not do with it.  I like the fact i can do both heavy duty (benches and tables ) and fine (stiles to rails) work.

 

[Ajax]

I bought the 500 back in March before the price increase.  It was dead on accurate when I got it and it saved me hours of time on my first project with it.  The joints were prefect.  During the 6 years I've been into woodworking, I've cut a lot of M&T joints by a combination of table saw, router, chisels, and various jigs (Mortise Pal, tenoning jig, etc.).  The 500 impressed me with its build quality and results.

I just bought the 700.  Hopefully, it will be here early next week.  I have a beefy garden bench project that requires the 700.

 

[Paul G]

If you absolutely can only have one get the 700 and the adapter for 500 bits. If you get the 500 it won't be long till you want the big brother for a larger project. I have the 500 and am getting the 700 for that very reason.

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Lots of good advice. If you can only afford one, then I think that the 500 is the better choice as it can do the small range of projects and you can stack Dominos if you need added strength. I use the 4mm size often and so the 500 is the only machine for that application. The set with the extra cutters is a good value. And keep in mind the 500 was the only Domino available for years and everyone got along just fine using it for all kinds of projects. Since you mention doing lots of cabinets, then I think the 500 might be better suited for this as well.  I would buy the set or at the least add the trim-stop - I use that on just about every project it seems.

Now, the 700 is an engineering marvel and right up there with the OF2200 in terms of getting everything right IMHO. It is smooth, easy to handle, powerful and a real joy to use. I bought it for those bigger projects. I think getting the Dominos in the longer stock is a good way to go and add the cutters you need. I opted for the set with this one too as my older 500's cross-stops would not work with the newer 700 (this is no longer the case as all Dominos now use with the same cross-stops). Personally I will not use an adapter as I have the smaller machine, but you are still somewhat limited into how small you can go with the 700. They each have their place for sure and you will likely end up getting them both at some point anyway.

 

[Ajax]

My advice:  get the 500 with the dominos and cutter assortment.  You will use it more often than the 700.  Try a few projects. Next domino sale (2015?) you'll be ready to get the 700 too.

 

[shed9]

If you absolutely can only have one get the 700 and the adapter for 500 bits. If you get the 500 it won't be long till you want the big brother for a larger project. I have the 500 and am getting the 700 for that very reason.

This ^

 

[NiteWalkerGR]

Next domino sale (2015?) you'll be ready to get the 700 too.

That's my plan.