Which domino

[Yeon]

So I'm pretty sure my next festool purchase will be a domino. I've been watching videos and reading reviews here on FOG. I'm trying to get advice as to why someone would get the 500 instead of the XL besides price being an issue. Since you can get the aftermarket attachment for the XL to cut the smaller size dominos I don't really see why one would not want the option to make the larger sizes even if it isn't very frequently. Additionally from reviews I've read the XL just seems all around like it is designed better.

 

[bobfog]

So I'm pretty sure my next festool purchase will be a domino. I've been watching videos and reading reviews here on FOG. I'm trying to get advice as to why someone would get the 500 instead of the XL besides price being an issue. Since you can get the aftermarket attachment for the XL to cut the smaller size dominos I don't really see why one would not want the option to make the larger sizes even if it isn't very frequently. Additionally from reviews I've read the XL just seems all around like it is designed better.

The XL is a better more ergonomic design as a whole, but it needs to be as it is a much bigger machine. Whilst the Domino 700 is a newer generation of machine it isn't necessarily a better choice than the 500. The 700 using the 500 cutters and aftermarket attachments is s compromise IMO, a bit like using a sledge hammer to hammer a pin nail. To be perfectly honest, the best thing is to have both eventually, but for now buy the one that most suits the projects you are currently working on or will be in the near future.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I have used the Domino since the first year it came out, so obviously the DF500.
It has seen so much use to the point that I can declare it the most "valuable" tool I have ever purchased. Perhaps not the most versatile but it has been a help in a myriad of projects, large and small.

I have fitted it with an extra grip which does help a lot with improving the ergonomics. The ergonomics are not bad, but they are not great either. The smaller footprint of the DF500 wins out in many applications and I can't see how I could replace the DF500 with the DF700. Last time I got my yearly bonus the $$$ would have gotten me a complete DF700 setup. I was very tempted and did a lot of fondling and research. However I came to the conclusion that the DF500 sees me through 90-95% of my needs and even though the DF700 would cross over into the DF500 territory for the most part I eventually came to the conclusion that for larger than DF500 work I have access to machinery that will suffice and/or surpass it anyway.

I was going to run a DF700 with the larger bits 12/14mm and the DF500 with 10mm and smaller to keep them separated but then I realized the versatility of the DF700 would be hampered so I decided to stick it out a while longer and make do with what I have.

I am still eyeballing the DF700 but the two major projects that would have paid for it have come and gone and both were resolved with the DF500 and other means. If business is strong this year I might still consider it but it is no longer on the short list as I am really pleased with the DF500 and it is one of the few tools I can't imagine being without.

If you have the means and the needs I would suggest trying both within the 30 day trial period and start out with the one you favor the most. I think the DF700 is a little bulky for on site use (I have done some very awkward position domino cutting on site where the DF700 would simply not have fitted or worked).

Should you consistently work with building doors and larger windows then perhaps the DF700 would serve you better. I still prefer traditional joinery for that but I have built a few custom windows using the DF500.

Regards, Henrik 

 

[Kev]

I have both. If I was only using the small dominos I would go with the 500. The 700 is awesome, but it's not designed for thin stock. It's no different to the question of big router, small router. Yes, you can put a small router bit in a 2HP monster and trimming something small .. but it's not ideal - if you were trimming all the time you'd get the right too.

 

[Holmz]

[member=61509]Yeon[/member]

What projects examples do you have?
Are they wood or sheets?

 

[jdm5]

I have fitted it with an extra grip which does help a lot with improving the ergonomics.

[member=2085]Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits[/member] - can you share details of your additional grip for the DF500?  Interesting idea...

 

[RussellS]

Since you can get the aftermarket attachment for the XL to cut the smaller size dominos I don't really see why one would not want the option to make the larger sizes even if it isn't very frequently.

Lets take a different example.  Drills.  I have a big heavy 1/2 inch drill.  With a keyed chuck.  Big strong drill.  According to your "logic" anyone who uses a light 3/8" drill is dumb and stupid.  The 1/2" drill can accept little drill bits too.  No adaptors needed!  Why would anyone ever buy any drill except one of those Milwaukee Super Hole Hawg drills?

 

[waterloomarc]

I have the 500. I love it. Prior to getting it I went through the same process as everybody else, which to get? I scoured the forums and Internet, watched videos etc. But seeing the 700 on video wasn't the same as holding it in my hands. Once I actually went to a dealer and handled them both the choice, to me, became simple. The 700 is a beast! There's was no way I wanted to deal with that all the time. I would still love to have one for bigger projects but since 85% of my projects don't need it's capabilities I went with the 500.

I haven't regretted my choice once. Not even a little.

 

[Nat X]

Try them both yourself. I got the 500 because I only needed the smaller cutters and the extra expense made no sense to me at the time, but I absolutely hated using the thing because the switch pinched my thumb constantly and it was so light it danced around on the workpiece whenever it was turned on. Also didn't care for the paddle stops or the fact that the mortise width could only be adjusted while it was running, so I wound up switching. I'd never buy another 500.

 

[grbmds]

I've never thought it made sense to buy the XL if you mostly will use it with the 500 size Dominos. You can buy the adapter and bits, but the 500 and XL are two different tools, each suitable for appropriately scaled projects. I have used the DF500 for a couple of years. The larger size of the XL would have made it cumbersome to use for the projects I've made.

Would it be nice if you could buy one tool and use it for everything? Sure. I just don't think it makes sense. Every tool has its proper use.

Will you get a number of answers the opposite of mine? Sure.

The best suggestion yet is to buy one, use it for less than 30 days, and return it if it isn't what you want. Or, if you have a retail store nearby that sells Festool, see if you can  try them both in their store? I think you will find that, for smaller projects, the 500 makes the most sense. The project would have to be LARGE to require the XL - like kitchen or dining room table size, maybe entertainment center size or, for outdoor projects, arbor size. If that is what you mostly will do, then the XL could be the best choice.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

I have fitted it with an extra grip which does help a lot with improving the ergonomics.

[member=2085]Henrik R / Pingvinlakrits[/member] - can you share details of your additional grip for the DF500?  Interesting idea...

No worries, here you go:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...domino-df500-frankengrip/msg395480/#msg395480

I am still using the same solution to great effect.
I meant to try and see if I could refine it further but there has been no need as it is rock solid and it really has improved my Domino experience. Only wish I had decided to do it years ago - guess I would qualify as a veteran Domino user.  [big grin]

I removed the plastic insert in the Systainer and the DF500 fits with the Frankengrip added. Bits and extras are placed in small plastic see through boxes instead of in the insert where they tended to shift around anyway.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Try them both yourself. I got the 500 because I only needed the smaller cutters and the extra expense made no sense to me at the time, but I absolutely hated using the thing because the switch pinched my thumb constantly and it was so light it danced around on the workpiece whenever it was turned on. Also didn't care for the paddle stops or the fact that the mortise width could only be adjusted while it was running, so I wound up switching. I'd never buy another 500.

Switch pinched your thumb?  Never happened to me, I have worked that switch thousands of times... [blink] I just don't get how you managed to repeatedly pinch your thumb.  [eek]

Yes, the DF500 is light and in vertical position it tends to wander if left unchecked. You are not supposed to turn it on and leave it running. It is a matter of proper technique and it helps using the extra support for verticals. I have only missed the target marginally on just a few (as in three or four)  out of literally hundreds of vertical plunges on scribbled marks on different shaped objects.

Don't like the paddles? Are you referring to the flip out stops? They work great. I have had the old metal pin stops and the plastic stops. Both work as intended. The extra outrigger stops I don't like.

You CAN switch the mortise size when the machine is not running, but only one way. To me that is not a problem - I would be more annoyed if it was easily knocked out of position when the machine was OFF.  I do think the widest setting is unnecessary though. I actually prefer having to have the machine ON when selecting mortise width since that makes it a deliberate choice instead of "oh - I forgot to check the width again".

I immediately grew accustomed to changing it back once I was done with a wider setting (not that it matters much as I can toggle from wider to normal when my Domino is switched off, but still).

When I am working the Domino I can be in the zone and work some projects with hardly making any marks, it is a fantastic tool and very accurate once you get your workflow up and running with it.

I think I would get the hang of the XL in a blink, seems very well thought out.

 

[Mavrik]

I have the early original and love it.

I support what has been said about size.
If your work genuinely needs both then get both.
Else get the one that most suits your needs.

Similar arguments have been made on the TS55 vs TS75.

You really don't want to be lugging a heavy thing for the rare occasion you may need it

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

 

[#Tee]

I said this in another post but i switched from the 500 to 700. i hated the on switch with the 500. i bought the adapter to run smaller bits, the 700 is moreso stable for me on the plunge cuts due to its massive size and weight. I bought this to do future doors/beds and small cabinet work.

best thing is to try their 30 days and see what works for you and your budget.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

The Domino 500 does need a refresh/workover on the ergonomics. 

A handle (folding, perhaps) to balance it out and an on/off switch that does not require applying force in the direction of cut are two of the things that come to mind.

For beds, doors and larger frames the XL will be a great choice although the DF500 can venture into that territory to some degree. For cabinet work and general furnituremaking and the odd jobs I find the smaller DF500 more agile.

 

[Kev]

The Domino 500 does need a refresh/workover on the ergonomics. 

A handle (folding, perhaps) to balance it out and an on/off switch that does not require applying force in the direction of cut are two of the things that come to mind.

For beds, doors and larger frames the XL will be a great choice although the DF500 can venture into that territory to some degree. For cabinet work and general furnituremaking and the odd jobs I find the smaller DF500 more agile.

100% agree .. and a CMS module that can house it.

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Kev: CMS module for the Domino? Care to elaborate?  [huh]