Festool 500 vs 700 owners

I have the 500. I’ve had it for several years now. it suits me well. I do a lot of tabletops, it makes life a lot easier. I don’t use it for smaller work. I mainly use the 6 mm.

-- Gritty Roots i can build anything as long as i have 2 things the internet and my father-in-law

Have you posted this question on the Festool forum? Or read the reviews, tips etc over there yet?

Also note there are several aftermarket products for both machines that can speed up production and aid in accuracy.
(PS – don’t let the Green haters talk you out of it!)

I don’t own either. I use mortisers.

I totally admit that if you just want one tool to pick up
and do all that the Domino can do, it’s pretty slick. I
suspect it would be tiresome to plunge a lot for a big
project. I have a 32mm handheld doweler by Hoffman
and it’s tiresome to plunge into hardwoods for joinery.

While I like the Domino, for the money I’d rather have a
Lamello Zeta. I’m enthralled by the flawless case miters
it can do.

Another aspect of the Domino is it doesn’t answer the
question of through tenons persuasively. Neither does
a slot mortiser generally though. Cutting real tenons
just comes up as a thing that’s needed in some types
of furniture making.

I have the 500 and use 5mm and 6mm cutters.

I am considering the 700 for some larger projects

-- “When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” ― Thomas Sowell

Thanks for the replies, I was leaning toward the 500, I have read a lot on the Festool users site. I also realize that there is no one tool that can do it all. Still on the fence, the older I get the less impulsive of a buyer I am. But I have also been watching e-bay and craigslist, looks like these tools keep there value very well. Thanks

-- Bob in Montana. Kindness is the Language the blind can see and deaf can hear. - Mark Twain

Judging by your fine projects the 500 would suit you well.

Keep doing the good work!

I just went through the same decision making. After reading a lot and getting the feel of both at the local store, I went with the 700 along with the domino plates and cutter adapter from Senica. My reasoning is that now I can do anything the 500 can do and still have the ability to do larger projects (tables, ext projects, beds etc.) I just finished a desk for my grandson using all 6 mm dominos. Work out great.

-- George, Parker Colorado

Thanks for the replies, looks like the aftermarket for the domino have caught up, thanks George. This adapter for the 500 cutters is a great addition, and the plates for the different thicknesses of ply. Our nearest dealer for festool is 100 miles, so I don’t get to see things first hand very often.

-- Bob in Montana. Kindness is the Language the blind can see and deaf can hear. - Mark Twain

I’d love to have the funds to get a Domino joiner, maybe later on.

Anyway, here’s the link to a very helpful article by the Wood Whisperer on DF500 vs DF700 that would be worth a look.

-- Ben from IL

Oops, glad I checked back since I obviously forget to actually POST the link haha

Here it is

http://www.thewoodwhisperer.com/articles/domino-df500-vs-domino-xl-df700-which-is-right-for-me/

-- Ben from IL

With either machine, dust collection hook up is a must!