Comparison and my thoughts on the Festool Domino DF 500 and the DF 700.
Festool Domino DF 500
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Festool Domino DF 700
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Great Video Jason! Thank you for the mention! Regarding the issue of Festool's warranty: We designed our cutter adapter with the help of a former Festool engineer. Similar to using an aftermarket sawblade on a saw or drill bit in a drill, the Magnuson Moss warranty act prevents a manufacturer from voiding a warranty because aftermarket parts are used. Making 4mm/5mm/6mm mortises of a shallower depth with smaller cutters subjects the Domino XL to less physical stress than it was designed for, and after selling thousands of cutter adapters over the last eight years, we're not aware of any instances where one has caused damage to the Festool Domino. Similar to how you can feed a drill or saw too fast and stall the bit or blade....or damage the drill or saw.... how the Domino XL is used (how fast it is plunged) is more of an issue than cutter size when wear is a concern.
This is great to know and I’ll be sure to pin this comments so other can see as well!
It is unfortunate that Seneca is out of stock on the small mortise kit. These things happen; but it really puts doubts in my mind when I reach out to a company and they don’t respond.
The Small Mortise Kit is expected to be back in stock later this month! ETA is listed on the product page and will be updated if it changes. We feel your pain though on the whole 'lack of response' thing... that frustrates us too. So what company isn't responding to you? @@Markdoubts
We'll have more small mortise kits later in the month; the product page on our website has an estimated restock date and we'll update that if the timeline changes. @@Markdoubts
Still waiting for Seneca’s small mortise kit.
I own both, and reach for the 700 almost every time. The ergonomics are so much nicer, and the heft of the machine keeps the cut more consistent and accurate without me having to exert myself to keep it stationary, especially into endgrain.
I was about to make this same comment. I find the 700 more stable and seems more consistent in getting good alignment.
thankyou very much for this advice.
I only found this AFTER I'd ordered the DF500....but had been wondering if I'd made the right choice, so very helpful to see this!! Thanks!
Hands down the best explanation of differences between these two sizes. Bravo!
Thank you for the review. I have been considering and really trying to justify buying one of these. I watched your video because I couldn’t decide which one to get so I was just gonna buy the more expensive one because “bigger & more expensive is better right?” Your truthful comparison answered all the questions I had plus the ones I didn’t even know i had yet. Lol I’m definitely going with the 500 and if I ever have a job for the 700 I’m confident I can find a work around! Thx again
I bought a 500 not long after the machine was introduced and have been using it for over 10 years. I also struggled when the 700 came out trying to decide if I really needed to spend the money on a second machine. I've built over 40 chairs, numerous tables, and many other projects with my 500. I've yet to encounter a situation where only the 700 would have worked. As you say, unless you're building very large projects like entry doors, the 500 is all you really need. I'd also add that buying the 500 was the best tool purchase I've made in over 50 years of woodworking. I recently donated my old hollow chisel mortise machine to a charity tool auction because since I've owned the 500, I simply never used it. Thanks for a great video and confirming my own personal experience.
This is some excellent advice. I've started with the DF 700 XL since I was making large furniture and outdoor pieces. Also, I love the connectors (knock-down fasteners). The big model is a a perfect choice for what I was doing. I soon bought the Seneca adapter and have made do ever since. For the past year or more, I've been thinking of buying the DF 500 (for all the reasons given in this video).
I bought the 500 before I saw your video, but I agree totally with you. It's also nice that Festool throws in the complete cutter set if you buy the complete tenon set. It's around $365, but it pays for itself when you're always needing a certain size of tenon for varying projects.
Thank you for the big help!
Thanks for this video man. I'm "in talks" with the wife about getting a domino and I was a little worried that I might be selling myself short by only getting the 500. Thanks for clearing up the misconceptions I had. 500 it is.
Absolutely love this video. Thank you Jason!
You’re welcome
Thanks this really helped me understand the differences between the too machines, it helped with my purchase decision.
This video has helped me big time. I was going back and forth but now I know the 500 is for me. Great Video 👍🏼
Glad you found it helpful 👍
One thing I found when choosing the 700 first, was that the ergonomics of the 700 are better. It has a much better hand grip and is well balanced, whereas I found the size of the barrel of the 500 too large and uncomfortable. That is, until I realised that if you grip the electric connector at the back of the 500 it was much better and more controllable. I'm surprised that Festool haven't upgraded the 500 but I guess if it ain't broke...
Thank you for the great presentation and honest review!
You’re welcome
Hi, new viewer here (and now subscriber). I just wanted to say thank you. I came into this video set on the 700, for all the reasons you listed, but after thinking about it, and taking all of the information and opinions you provided I realize now that I will be absolutely set with the 500 for the foreseeable future. Thank you so much, you literally saved me a thousand Canadian dollars!
Glad you found it helpful and welcome!
Awesome info! Thanks for the video.
Glad you found it helpful!! 👍
It’s a great tool. I use it for home projects.
Good discussion. Good advice. My Domino was bought used from a Craigslisting. A machining table for using that big moma needs to be at a low hip height , 3 or 4 inches lower than my hand tool bench for best control. The solution is to stack two 1-3/4" pads cut from a junk solid core door to jack my heinie up where it needs to be. That way I can still use the stops, vises, and hold downs on that bench.
That was very helpful indeed. Thank you
Thanks for the info Jason! Another great video.
Thanks brother
I have had the 700 for over ten years and have used for everything you can imagine, love it. My son has the 500 and uses mine quite a bit for contracting, when I build outdoor furniture with thicker lumber I use the 14mm dominos and they are great.
Excellent analysis and beautifully explained. Years ago, I bought my first track saw from Timberwolf Tools and ordered the Mafell MT55. David at Timberwolf asked me what I primarily cut and suggested I look at the KSS 300, which also can be used as a track saw but is half the size and weight (but 50% more expensive). I bought both and thought the smaller saw would be a waste of money and sit gathering dust. Ten years on, I've made about 100x as many cuts with the KSS 300 as I have with the regular sized track saw. More isn't always better. Would've been great if you could have shown all the various dominos from 14mm to 4mm together and in profile as well as vertically for a full size comparison.
I have a 500 and get along well with it. Your video was very informative and useful.
Great to hear!
I own the 700. Made the decision to get the 700 instead of the 500 because there are aftermarket accessories you can buy for the 700 to do things you can with the 500. But if you own the 500 you can’t do the opposite because there are limits. May still buy a 500 later on though. You made some valid points too.
Send time this week one of your videos helped me make a purchase decision! Just ordered the 500!
Happy to hear that!!
Thanks for the insights, really helped. Great video!
Glad you found it helpful
I have the small one (DF 500) and it has worked great for every project I have ever done. The Domino is expensive, but it is able to create high quality, perfectly aligned, really strong joints super fast.
Hey Jason. Another great video - Thanks for posting. I bought the 700 (when it was much less expensive). I've since added the Seneca adapter for the smaller cutters and of course use these quite a bit. The 700 is a beast and although I've gotten used to it, I wouldn't mind having the 500. I think the 500 is a great way to go for most first time buyers.
I’m glad you enjoyed it!! 👍👍
When I went to buy a Domino, the salesman told me the exact same thing you say in the video and I chose the 500 and I can't get enough of it. I've also spliced thicker materials using 8x40 pins and totally fine. I'm not saying I'd use it to build a patio but a bed for an acquaintance was a blast.
great video,you answered all the questions i was looking at,thank you
You’re welcome!!
I have both the DF500 and the DF700. The advantages of the DF700 are the new register Pins, the two settings for depth, flexibility with the adapter and the more powerful motor. The DF700 is clearly the better machine when you have the adapter bit - except for its size, weight and price. That’s why I find myself using DF500 more often just for convenience. I am just starting to appreciate the KV-SYS D8 system as I like furniture to be easy to install and to remove while retaining the strength of the Domino. I find myself mixing it with the Duo-Dowler from Mafell for cheap stabilizing dowels and the 32mm system holes.
Thank you for the info on both tools.
You’re welcome
very good summary. I did still end up with the 700 because someone was selling one virtually new with all the acessories and both starter packs for the proce of a 500. some good negotiation from my end and a little urgency on theirs meant i walked away with a new 700 for less than half of what it would normally have cost
Nice 👍
Thank You! Your review and opinion for either are extremely helpful and by far most practical to weigh options. Think I’m going 500 since I won’t really do much heavy stuff anyway.
Glad you found it helpful
Very helpful assessment. Thank you!
I use the 700 !! I don't use the 500 because for small pieces I prefer Lamello/biscuit joiner With the 700 I make shelves, balcony railing, another larger things. Most of the time 10mm bit, and 12mm for balcony for example.
Awesome video, thank you for this one.
Great explanation, definitely helped make up my mind
Very helpful video, thanks Jason! I know a lot of people have a "bigger is always better" mentality but i think practicality is more important.
Glad you found it helpful
Really appreciate this video. It solidifies my original want of having both
In a perfect world both is nice!
Wow, excellent presentation, Jason. Thanks for sharing. Scott
Thank you and you’re welcome
@@bentswoodworking I’m currently watching your WorkbenchCon presentation. I was there, but somehow missed it.
Well at least you still get to see it 👍
@@bentswoodworking Yes, I was thrilled to see it listed among your vids.
I’ve found myself gravitating towards using the smallest and lightest power tools as I can get away with in general over the last few years. I now use professional 12v tools 90% of the time and only use larger tools when I have to. As a result I get home at the end of the day with less aches and pains in my hands and back.
12v all the way. But the 700 is a must unless you want to limit yourself to plywood and boxes.
Thank you mate, this was really helpful.
Your welcome
There is one thing that I noticed when I received my 500, it's weight. It's not so heavy that it would wear you out, but it isn't a feather either. It is definitely a solid little machine. I would say it weighs about as much as my mid-sized router (Dewalt 621). Since I just saw that it is around seven pounds, I couldn't imagine working with the bigger one at almost twice the weight. This is one of my favorite joining tools. I now have to force myself to experiment with some more fancier joints like dove tails and finger joints. The Domino just makes it so quick and easy to put things together.
Yeah it definitely makes the process much faster 👍
Great review, thanks for all the info.
You’re welcome
Super helpful! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video/advice! Thanks again!
You’re welcome
Excellent comparison video Bent.
Thanks for taking the time to put together a comparison. I reckon it really depends what you tend to make and therefore where you can save time. The 700 is a heavy tool but it’s way easier than cutting mortice and tenon joints for gates and doors, so it’s worth the investment. Thanks again.
You’re welcome
Very helplful video. Thank you!
Great video! I'm sure this will answer a lot of questions about the Domino! Also, I have had one project in my shop where I've said I can't do it without the Domino 700. It is was a solid ash conference table, 8 ft wide x 20 ft long, 2 inches thick, built in 4 sections using the Domino XL connectors, to be shipped across the country. I was lucky to be able to borrow a ds700 from a friend, who, incidentally, had it for 2 years and only used it once!
Yeah I think that’s a great example of when the larger is needed.
This was superb. Thank you.
Great video. I agree with you completely. Unfortunately when I was in the market to buy on in early April this year both were sold out with nothing in the near future. Finally came across a 700 and pulled the trigger. Do I wish I had the 500 ya but happy to just have one
Like I said in the video, either is a pleasure to use 👍👍
I have the 700, it's great for making household doors and joining slabs. I've purchased the 8mm cutter and have made cabinet doors and faces. Alignment is tough on the 3/4" materials.
Yeah large stuff like that it’s great
Good Video. I was going back and forth between choosing the 700 or 500. In the end i went with the 700 mainly due to a hue special price which ended up less than the 500. I did buy the Seneca adapter. What i build usually requires the 700, but often wish i had both mainly for the weight topic for smaller tasks. I will hang in there until there is a really good deal on the 500. Don’t really need it but would like to have it. Again for me its a want not a need. Great content from you as usual. Thanks again
Both machines are amazing. It’s definitely nice to have both for sure.
Great Video ! I am taking your advice and going with the 500
nicely done!
Good advice thanks 👍
Thanks for a great video! And to your point regarding thicker material, double stack the dominoes if more strength or glue surface is needed! Thanks!
Good video. Yeah, the df700 is definitely a beast, so the weight difference was a factor for me. I am happy with my df500 and agree that it is the best option for most woodworkers. Thanks Jason.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you , you just helped me decide!
Glad I could help!
thank you. this is exactly what i wanted to know. great video
You’re welcome
Both! I ended up buying the df700 after having the df500 for a year. For larger projects like tables
Both is great in a perfect world
Thanks so much. I have both. This will help so many.
Glad you found it helpful
What a great and clear video. Thank you.
Jason great video sir. You just helped me out and saved me $500. Im still another project away from pulling the trigger but I’m definitely going with the 500. Thanks again fir another great video.
You’re welcome
You are good. Just a thank you for all your input.
You’re welcome
Jason, Excellent presentation. I have both. I've had the 500 for years because I was a tool tester for the North American release of the product. It truly is a revolutionary tool. My wife and I purchased the 700 because we're building 16 interior doors to replace the junk that came with the house and the 700 is irreplaceable for this task. The size is definitely the determining factor. The 700 is really cumbersome for the day-to-day projects as you have said. I think every woodworker should have a 500 and watch Sedge from festool (and you of course) to learn how to use it properly
Doors is actually one of the reasons I wanted the larger as well
I’ve had my 500 for about 5 years. Absolutely love it. I watched Sedge and learned something new about the tool even after all this time.
That was really well explained. I have the 500 and love it. Like you I don’t use large thick materials.
Glad you found it helpful
You did a great job with this review video!
Glad you liked it!
The 700,even with seneca adapters is cumbersome for smaller work. I have and use both 700 and 500.Regularly. The stationary mortiser is gathering dust. Being able to take the machine to the work is the thing along with speed and accuracy and very large work is easy.
It’s definitely a different using experience between the two
I have the 500. When I've built larger furniture in the past, I used a router to cut the mortices. It really didn't take all that long. I built my workbench and my kitchen table using a router. There tend to be very few large mortices on furniture; there are many more smaller mortices, so thats were the real time saving is. I got my 500 because I'm planning building cabinets for my new kitchen. I wanted to say thanks for both your kitchen cabinet video from a while ago, and your more recent kitchen island video.
I have the 500 and am very happy with it, however my next project is building a new entry door and I am contemplating on the 700 but I need more uses for it to justify the purchase.
Great video and wonderful advice
Glad you liked it!
thank you for this video now I have diced it!
Great video. Agree that most will be fine with the 500. I also own both and have barely used the 700 while the 500 is used on every project.
I've had the 700 for a few years and like you there isn't a job I've done that couldn't be done with the 500. I have now got the lamello zeta p2 and I totally love it and I think it in conjunction with the 500 would suit me working on cabinets and other interior work. I'd only get the 700 if I was working on very big timbers. I couldn't contemplate working in small rooms with the 700 so it's now almost redundant. However the 500 in conjunction with the zeta p2 would keep the expense of the lamello fittings down.
I would love to try out the lamello
I respect your opinions I bought the 500 on your advice it’s been about a year since I bought the 500 I was needing the 700 a lot more in my shop than the 500 so I bought the 700 I feel I need to throw my opinion in for other people trying to decide maybe help them for there needs it was a instant wow for me I really like the feel the balance ergonomics extra adjustments the extra pins on the 700 is awesome I don’t even notice the extra weight because of the design seems more natural for straight plunges I am glad I have both but I have to say if you can only have one get the 700 but on the flip side having both is nice too ! But a luxury not needed this my opinion for my shop keep up the good work I enjoy what you do thnx !
Thank you!!
Really appreciate your POV. It did help 👊
Glad to hear
Nice comparison. I bought the 700 because I was making shaker t-panel interior doors and was perfect for the job. I have entertained the idea of having both though.
Yeah big doors like that, the 700 is perfect!
What an awesome video! Thank you
I have the df500 and it really is a game changer for casework. The additional connector system even gets you into lamello territory. I can see the appeal of the 700 , but for me i think id rather have a hollow chisel mortiser for that price. However, if you need portability and additional size capability that fits in a systainer the 700 is probably worth it.
Great points!
Thanks for the vid. I'll go with the 500. Will it be fine for 8/4 material?
I love the 500 and have yet to run into a project where i needed anything more.
Same with me 👍
Agree
Very helpful. Thankyou
You’re welcome
Have to admit that I had the 700 with the kit from Seneca. I live in New Zealand So add shipping costs to. I used it alot but you are right it's big tool for those smaller jobs! And I found that I was really only using it for small jobs. So I sold it and with the money I got a new 500 with all the cutters and dominoes. Very happy. BUT, I also own a Lamello and since that purchase the 500 barely sees the light of day! Truth!
I would like to try the lamello
ok i need to join to long span shelves together, they are going to be 15 inches deep. 9 ft long. going to use some type of hard wood, and going to attached via a miter joint. i need to use break down connectors. should i get the 500? or the 700? 1 to inch in a half material?
Absolutely the info I was looking for
Glad you found it helpful
I’m 97% sure this video was very informative…..;) Thanks for the video. I am considering buying the 500. I completed a table project with a newly purchased dowelmax and while the dowels are plenty strong it was rather tedious in set up and having to constantly recheck the depth stop on the drill bit, retightening the screws (six of them) and speeding a lot of time making sure the jig was flush with the edge. Getting the accuracy with the speed of use is the selling feature here.
Честный чувак! Я ровно к тому же пришел. Взял от жадности 700 машинку, но попользовшишь понимаю, что можно было смело брать легкую 500. Низерное количество дел, где нужны длинные настолько шипы. Но громоздкая она прилично.
Great video, thank you. I’m not there yet but I can see how useful a domino would be. My thought was I can barely afford the small one down the road but in no way do I want to regret not buying the bigger one. But you brought up something that I hadn’t considered. You mentioned building doors with the large one. I want to build doors for my house one day, is the smaller domino adequate for door building? They are just standard doors, nothing too large. Thanks again for the video.
I have the DF700 & the Seneca adaptor for use with the 500 bits. Works for me & gives me a universal tool. I've built large gates & small cupboards with one Domino machine. I don't regret going the DF700 route.
I was thinking the same thing. This would have saved me days in labor when building doors. He should have been more focused on the uses of each. I am mainly concerned for doors someone else is small furniture. I believe i would push the limits of the 500 Dominos on many of my doors. I actually stopped making them because of the time it took and the lack of help who could do the same work. Either i was doing it or it wasn't getting done.
Awesome detailed and to the point analysis on the domino.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent points. After purchasing my Sawstop next year, my next investment will be a Festool 500. What sold me is when you basically said you have to think about how often you would be using the 700. You are correct, I have no intention of building huge tables that would take 4 people to move. My builds are things like TV stands, book shelves and cabinets. There would be no need for those huge dominoes cut into the wood. Thanks!
Sawstop is made by Festool so you're already in the family. Also with the 700, you can build stairs. My step father did that. And I agree, for regular furniture, the 500 is the best choice. The 700 just weighs a ton on top of being more expensive.
@@MrTresto people have been building stairs without festool for thousands of years, plus if you're building a set of stairs and for some reason WANT to use a domino, borrow one somehow just for that project.
I had the 700 for a few years and struggled using it for small jobs even with the Seneca adapter. About 6 months ago I bought the 500 and just like you I find I use the 500 most of the time. Now I have stopped using pocket holes for a lot of my jobs (especially cabinetry) and now use 4mm or 5mm dominos. Expensive, but meh.
I’m sure the cost difference using the dominos vs the pocket screws is negligible. Now you don’t have to but the screws so that’s a plus 👍
Good stuff. Thanks. I think I “need” both 😊😊
Yes you do 🤣
Hi, Jason how about comparing the D 500 domino against the best dowelling system - price, strength of joint, ect
Great info, Jason~! I'm just now seeing this video, but I picked up a 500 last weekend. I had a pretty good idea that the 700 would have been too much for the projects that I do (1 1/2" thick wood or less, like you mentioned), so my choice was pretty clear going into it. Had I known about the adapter before purchasing, then I might have been tempted by the 700, but when handling it at the store I realized that it was a bit unwieldy, so I stayed strong. ;-) I've not used it yet, but I'm anxious to to do so on my next build. Thanks for the video~!
Glad you found it helpful
Good annalisys. I mentioned on anouthe one of your Domino videos that my 500 is about 14 years old. I design and build custom furniture. And I will restate that I have probably cut 15,000 mortices with the 500. If you are trying to decide which one to buy, get the 500. You will know if you need the 700. The 700 will be for things largert than almost all furniture. Think heavy entry doors, gates, very heavy beams, etc. The 500 pretty much handles anything smaller. And in the off chance you might once or twice need the capacity of bigger 700, cut the mortices and tenons like they were cut up until 15 years ago. If money is no object and you get the 700 you will likely want to get the 500 in addition as that one is going to be easier to use on furniture and smaller projects. While there are adapters to make the 700 work like a 500 it will be cumbersome for smaller detail work and it is going to be very heavy by comparison. I wil admit that I some times to get tired using the 500, it is not unsusual for me to cut 200 mortises in an afternoon. The 500 isself is not a feather either. I would not wnat to be cutting 200 mortises with the 700 in a single session unless I just had to do that.
100% agree! Love the 500
I love you! 😘
@@bentswoodworking I know