XL700 use question with Seneca parts vs the 500 with the proper bits

[jeh]

Is anyone using the various add-ins for the XL that give it the capabilities of the 500? I'm curious if the weight and size of the XL700 make it awkward to use. I do mostly face frames and larger, but do have the need for smaller stuff as well.

The add on plates look like kind of a rig. What is the time required to attach and remove and do they have to be recalibrated every time. I keep my tools in the container so any add-ins would have to be put on and removed when used.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[shed9]

Jim

I have a 700 XL and the Seneca RTS500 adapter including the domi-shim plates. As it happens I have also taken delivery of a DF 500 as of last week.

My initial thoughts after comparing the two tools, I prefer the weight, handle position and balance of the 700 over the 500 - however I'm used to the 700 so I'd expect some bias at this stage - I've also not used the 500 in anger yet so time will tell.

To answer your questions,

1. The weight of the 700 is not awkward to use (with the 700 or the 500 cutter sizes)
2. The domi-shim plates are fairly quick and well under a minute to get on and off and the bits also fit snuggly in the Systainer.

Not sure what you mean by recall rated, but if you mean calibrated then no as you still use the main Domino sight and as long as that's setup your good to go.

If your going to buy one Domino but would prefer access to the 500 and 700 cutters, then the 700 with the Seneca adapter/s is a good (and probably the only) route in my opinion.

The bottom line is what ever you go for, I've not known anyone yet to regret either the 700 or the 500.

Hope this helps.

Lee

 

[MrToolJunkie]

Jim -- it looks like you sold a 500 recently in the classifieds so my guess is that you did not like that unit for some reason or it did not fit your needs.  I am new to the XL, but it is really well made, smooth and well balanced.  I needed it for deep mortises, but plan on using the 500 as well for smaller stuff. 

 

[jeh]

Jim -- it looks like you sold a 500 recently in the classifieds so my guess is that you did not like that unit for some reason or it did not fit your needs.  I am new to the XL, but it is really well made, smooth and well balanced.  I needed it for deep mortises, but plan on using the 500 as well for smaller stuff. 

You are right about selling the 500. My plan is to go with the XL and Seneca items, so I was making sure it was not a completely crazy thing to do.

 

[shed9]

Jim -- it looks like you sold a 500 recently in the classifieds so my guess is that you did not like that unit for some reason or it did not fit your needs.  I am new to the XL, but it is really well made, smooth and well balanced.  I needed it for deep mortises, but plan on using the 500 as well for smaller stuff. 

You are right about selling the 500. My plan is to go with the XL and Seneca items, so I was making sure it was not a completely crazy thing to do.

Perfectly sound option, push that buy button......