RTS-500 Cutter Adapter for Festool DF700

[tjacks66]

I'm trying to decide whether the RTS-500 Cutter Adapter for Festool DF700 would allow me to purchase a DF700 and truly be able to cover the capability of the DF500. I'd like to buy one domino and would rather have the DF700 if this adapter can truly accomplish the smaller work of the DF500.

Can someone with the RTS-500 Cutter Adapter comment on whether it provides the same accuracy, integration with DF-700 accessories and seamless usage, or what the trade offs are if any?

 

[promark747]

I just received my RTS-500 and it works just as advertised.  The quality is excellent and I was able to make perfect 4, 5, and 6mm mortises (I use the XL's larger 8 and 10mm cutters for those sizes).

One minor thing...the pins on the XL are too big to fit inside 4mm mortises, so you will not be able to use them to index (other than from the outside of the workpiece, of course) for that size cutter.

Also, you will need some kind of spacer, such as the Domi Shim, to center the mortise on material thinner than 3/4".

Overall, I recommend the RTS-500 very highly!

 

[tjacks66]

So it sounds like the shims and the adaptor would work good if I want to just buy the DF700. Do you only have the DF700 or do you have a 500 as well?

 

[promark747]

So it sounds like the shims and the adaptor would work good if I want to just buy the DF700. Do you only have the DF700 or do you have a 500 as well?

Just the DF700.  My opinion is that the DF700 with the RTS-500 is a great alternative to buying both Domino machines.

 

[tjacks66]

I noticed they have a 6mm cutter for the XL priced at $94.95, I assume you wouldn't need that if you bought the RTS-500 adapter and maybe this part was developed prior to the adaptor.

 

[promark747]

I noticed they have a 6mm cutter for the XL priced at $94.95, I assume you wouldn't need that if you bought the RTS-500 adapter and maybe this part was developed prior to the adaptor.

The regular 6mm cutter (for the DF500) works perfectly with the DF700/RTS500 combo, but the Seneca version would give you greater depth if you needed that for longer, custom tenons.

 

[geekboy]

Thanks for posting about the RTS 500 cutter adapter...I also thinking about getting the XL and the adapter. I'm not very experienced with the Domino and have read some articles online about the difference between the 500 and the 700.  I read the an article that talked about the difference in the plunge depths and the fence height adjustment between the two.  Has either the plunge depth or fence height been a problem when using the small bits and domino's?

 

[bkharman]

I have used the 6mm in my 700 many a times, zero issues. Like others have mentioned, for ½ and ¾ plywood (or any material that size) you really need the domishim from Seneca. They do have new height gauges coming, but the plates work very well. I have also done a few 4mm joints and you either have to reference off the outside edge, mark center lines or use the wings that come with the 700. Each has its use but all work.

I really love my setup with the 700, the domishim, and the bit adapter. Never felt any hindrance or any reason to also get a 500.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[jacko9]

I love the Seneca tools and plates and I'm sure that they work as advertised but, I also love both sizes of the Domino since the smaller machine is quite a bit lighter and easier to handle for an "old guy" like me.  I have both machines for the larger capabilities of the DF700 and use both of them equally.  If you can afford both they are very nice to have [wink]

Jack

 

[thumper267]

Like others have stated  the 500 is a bit easier to handle but I have spent time using both and ended up buying the 700. I also got the bit adapter + the domi shim and am happy with the performance of the tool. The stability of the 700 is quite noticeable to me. Hope this helps. 

 

[tjacks66]

So if I get the DF700 with the Seneca adapter what Systainer Domino sets I pick now that they will be on sale 1 May?

Should I get the Domino Tenon Assortment for Domino XL DF 700, (8/10mm) - 498204 or the Domino DF 500 Tenon Assortment - 498899 (4/5/6/8/10mm).  Wondering if I can kill two birds with one stone on the 8/10mm sizes by getting the DF500 set vs. the DF700 set.

 

[bkharman]

So if I get the DF700 with the Seneca adapter what Systainer Domino sets I pick now that they will be on sale 1 May?

Should I get the Domino Tenon Assortment for Domino XL DF 700, (8/10mm) - 498204 or the Domino DF 500 Tenon Assortment - 498899 (4/5/6/8/10mm).  Wondering if I can kill two birds with one stone on the 8/10mm sizes by getting the DF500 set vs. the DF700 set.

At the time that I bought my 700, I actually got the 500 systainer because I had a plywood project coming up. I didn't have a need for the larger bits and tenons.

I plan on taking advantage of the sale here in a week.

I would say it depends on what your immediate needs would be.

 

[tjacks66]

Are the  8/10mm dominos in the DF 500 and DF700 systainers different lengths?

 

[bkharman]

Are the  8/10mm dominos in the DF 500 and DF700 systainers different lengths?

Yes. The 500 sys has 8x50's. The XL kit has up to 100mm lengths.

 

[tjacks66]

Can I set the plunge depth on the XL to 50mm and use both the shorter, or longer, dominos?

 

[promark747]

Can I set the plunge depth on the XL to 50mm and use both the shorter, or longer, dominos?

Yes, though obviously you wouldn't want a 50mm deep mortise for a 50mm tenon.  Also, keep in mind the 8mm cutter that comes with the 500 assortment will not cut that deeply...you would need the 8mm cutter that comes with the 700 tenon assortment.

 

[tjacks66]

Sorry for the stupid questions - I don't have the XL yet. Would using the 8mm cutter in the 500 domino set with the Seneca adapter give you the depth required to use the 50mm tenon? I am trying to figure out whether buying only 2 of the 3 domino systainers would cover almost everything (especially cutters) for using the XL. I'd like to take advantage of the sale and get the DF700 with Seneca adaptor rather than the DF500. The range of projects would include tables, beds, cabinets, etc.

 

[bkharman]

Sorry for the stupid questions - I don't have the XL yet. Would using the 8mm cutter in the 500 domino set with the Seneca adapter give you the depth required to use the 50mm tenon? I am trying to figure out whether buying only 2 of the 3 domino systainers would cover almost everything (especially cutters) for using the XL. I'd like to take advantage of the sale and get the DF700 with Seneca adaptor rather than the DF500. The range of projects would include tables, beds, cabinets, etc.

Think of it this way...  If you are using the 500 assortment (cutters and dominos) you will have full coverage and depth with the Seneca bit adapter. And of course with the XL assortment, you are covered.

I don't "mix and match" the cutters with the 8mm dominos. The have different lengths to accomplish the different tenon lengths.

Cheers. Bryan.

 

[promark747]

Sorry for the stupid questions - I don't have the XL yet. Would using the 8mm cutter in the 500 domino set with the Seneca adapter give you the depth required to use the 50mm tenon? I am trying to figure out whether buying only 2 of the 3 domino systainers would cover almost everything (especially cutters) for using the XL. I'd like to take advantage of the sale and get the DF700 with Seneca adaptor rather than the DF500. The range of projects would include tables, beds, cabinets, etc.

Think of it this way...  If you are using the 500 assortment (cutters and dominos) you will have full coverage and depth with the Seneca bit adapter. And of course with the XL assortment, you are covered.

I don't "mix and match" the cutters with the 8mm dominos. The have different lengths to accomplish the different tenon lengths.

Cheers. Bryan.

To clarify Bryan's comments, the Seneca adapter will allow you to use all of the 500's cutters, but it will NOT allow you to plunge 50mm with the 500's 8mm cutter.  You would still need the 700's 8mm cutter for anything more than 28mm.

tjacks66,
I wholeheartedly recommend going with the 700 and Seneca adapter.

 

[tjacks66]

Thanks you to everyone for the help. I always try to go with the next level in a product if I feel I will need to expand my use in the near future so I'm not limited. I'd hate to get a 500 knowing I would need a 700 in the future, especially since the Seneca adaptor bridges the gap between the two. I don't plan on making jewelry boxes and would have more projects like tables, beds and decorative ceiling beams in my future.

My first project will probably be the bed for my grandson - I'm going to make a bed like a Military helicopter. His dad (my son) is a crew chief on a Marine Huey and I was a Marine cobra pilot, so hopefully it will look either like a Huey or Cobra when I am done.