New purchase

[Mr_Mod]

Well i have been lurking around this site for a few years and never posted, so today is my first post.
I  have been using the MFS system for a few years with  other brands of saws and routers, but decided that i needed to upgrade. My workshop aka the garage has become to full to work in since getting married a few years back.

So today i went out and bought myself
LR32 System and 1400/2 LR32 track
TS55 Saw which comes with the 1400/2 track
MFT/3 bench
various festool clamps even though i had a few from using the MFS rails, they will always get used.

Managed to get them home and put with my other tools before the wife returns next week from overseas.

Now a question i have for you is im also interested in the Domino DF-500, would you suggest buying this or make a template and use a router to make the mortices and use the domino tenons? $1800 is a lot for the tool, tenons and accesories.

 

[dltflt]

If you have the projects and the cash I would absolutely buy it.  It is a pleasure to use such a nice  tool.

 

[jacko9]

The Domino DF500 is a great tool for mortise and tenon work.  The ease of setup and the repeatability will save you a lot of time and headaches doing M&T work.

I didn't see a Dust Extractor on your list?

Jack

 

[elfick]

While I can't answer your question, I'd point out that you may want to consider taking the standard 1400 track that came with your TS back to your dealer to see if they will upgrade it to the 1900 for the cost difference. That will get you started on having a variety of track lengths.

 

[Madrigal Home Improvment]

Nice first purchase of some of the finest tools available
Oh yea  [welcome] to the FOG

 

[Mr_Mod]

I  tried changing the track to a longer one, however the dealer says that Festool Aus does not allow them to do that. I have had the CT-33 now for about 10 years and used it with the Makita gear I have and as a general vac around the house, its a good unit.

 

[Michael1960]

Well done with the new tools.  The MFT3 is going to be hard to hide....I can just see old timber, tools etc hiding the evidence!

The Domino 500 is a sound investment.  It saves a lot of time and makes accurate, strong joints.  I don't have a lot of experience using routers to make mortises but I think even the most proficient user would find the Domino quicker. 
If you make larger projects the Domino XL 700 may be worth consideration.

 

[nclemmons]

Nice score on the tools.  Now when your wife asks, you can just reply 'That - oh, I've had that for awhile!'

Domino is a game changer if you make furniture or cabinets.  EVERYTHING is easier with it's accuracy, repeatability, and speed. 

I have the 500 and find it works great for all the furniture and cabinetry I build as a hobbiest, up to and including bed frames.  If you are doing large outdoor projects or doors, the 700 is potentially a better choice.

To me there is no comparison to a router and a domino when it comes to M&T joinery.  Amazing repeatability, dust collection, and control.  For years I used a horizontal router and a home made table, then a mortising machine, then a mortising machine on my table saw.  Sold all of them when I got the domino. 

Purists may say to go the router and do TRUE M&T, which I have done plenty of.  But the Domino is without equal.

neil