A very brief write up on the topic (I have a longer version on the MUF though I am not sure linking is appreciated by the mod's):
The machine is bulkier.
But, the ergonomics are improved and the on/off switch is way better (if it lasts!) and overall balance is great.
Plunge speed is slower than the Domino DF500 and a little slower than the DD40G with 8mm bits. I find I have to use more force - despite the better ergonomics - to complete a plunge with the DDF 40.
My DDF40 was the MaxiMax version - all goodies included.
However they did not ship my unit with a plunge depth scale [crying] which I realized early on in the thread on the MUF as I complained about having to measure up the depth of cut manually from the bits and another user wrote about the "scale on the side of the machine" - which turned out to be missing on my unit! [big grin]
(The dealership has ordered up the spare part today...)
Being well familiar with the plunge action of the DD40G and Domino DF500 (and 700) I agree that the butt end grip works best. For the Domino I equipped it with a "D" handle sort of like the XL700 which has significantly improved plunge action and ergonomics on my DF500.
But I digress...
...the DDF is slower to plunge, the depth scale was missing and the depth stop is mushy, the plastic tabs give a little when you reach the end of the plunge. It feels a bit cheap and makes it a little harder to know when you are done. On better quality MDF the DDF40 slows a little midplunge and requires more force to complete the plunge despite having better ergonomics. I tried various grips but decided the butt end is still the best and more comfortable than the DD40G and the Domino.
Despite all that the machine is a joy to register against the work piece and to work with, precision is excellent and with less slop than the Domino (for better or worse!)
Everything assembled has a snug fit with no play but without having to use excessive force to put it together. This is stellar performance and definitively outweighs the nitpicks - which still are annoying, I have to say.
The accessories are very well made and the alu adapter for the template rail works as a lateral support for surface plunging (perpendicular to the material). However my adapter did work itself a bit loose - twice - after a series of plunges so it is something I will have to keep an eye on. I did tighten it up I am sure and after the second time it worked one side a bit loose I was sure I wasn't imagining things, but with some mdf dirt and grime in there it will probably not unwind further down the line.
It is surely not a Domino replacement but it will take a heavy toll on my Domino usage. Still, the Domino does things that are unique to it and has given me some good solutions for furniture making so mine is a definite keeper but I do appreciate the updated Duo Doweller as it has taken the older DD40G/P to the next level and made it as simple to use as the Domino has always been.
The DDF40 can also register on the inside side of cabinets which is nice - though the vac hose adapter has to be removed for the right side - and this came in handy for me today.
If you are into the DDF I think it makes sense to get the MaxiMax with the goodies as it does expand the possibilities. Stocking up on Dowels is cheap too!
For anyone contemplating either the Domino OR the DDF 40 I am not sure which to recommend over the other.
As it stands today I think I would go for the DDF40 for cost over time, ease of use and the ease of finding and stocking up on dowels though I am very happy with my Domino. The DDF40 can do a few things related to cabinet building the Domino simply can't so if one is on a limited budget the DDF40 has a few key advantages.