Question About Buying a Festool Domino

[Ken Krawford]

I'm thinking about buying a Festool Domino (especially since they are 10% off) but have a couple of questions:

Most of the work I do involves 3/4" stock but occasionally I'll use 4/4. I'm torn between the 500 and 700. Would the extra capacity of the 700 be beneficial given the scope of my projects? Is the extra weight of the 700 much of an issue?

Is the Q package (cross and trim stop) useful?

Anything else I've forgotten to consider? Thanks for your feedback.

[Bryan Lisowski]

Ken

The first thing is buy the set, if you want to add later it will cost you a lot more. I bought the 500 and do most of my work with 3/4". If you do thicker work you can double up or stack dominos. The domino has a learning curve, and I would recommend checking out Halfinchshy for videos. The 700 is heavier, but some people say the ergonomics are better, I have only used it once. There is a company called Seneca Woodworking that makes aftermarket accessories. They have an adapter for the 700 to work with 3/4". If you go with the 500, get the domiplate from Seneca, it is a great product. As a side note CMT makes cutters for the domino as well.

[Mikail Khan]

Get the Q package.

I have both the 500 and 700. The 700 is too big for everyday use on 3/4" material. Get the 500 if you will be working with 3/4" stock most of the time.

MK

[Victor Robinson]

Try to demo both if you can. While some find the 700 to be overkill in terms of heft and capabilities for 3/4" or similar material, others find the 700 to be better balanced and prefer it over the 500, even for small stuff.

[Peter Quinn]

Get the 500, definetly get the stops. 700 is a waste for 4/4 and 5/4 stock, doesn't really make sense until 6/4.

[Mike Henderson]

I agree. Get the 500.

Mike

[Matt Meiser]

Definitely the 500 unless you want to mostly make architectural items like doors.

[Chris Padilla]

Split the difference and get the 600. :p

I have the 500...love it love it love it and great for most work.

If you do a lot of doors, I'd go with the 700 but really, the 500 can handle just about anything.

Actually, I jumped for joy when they offered a 4 mm bit (and Dominos) for the 500! Great for smaller work.

[Albert Lee]

I have a 700 and I make furniture, 2 weeks after buying it I bought myself an adaptor from Seneca so I can use the 500 bits.

I think 500 is enough, 700 is for making larger furniture. its heavier but I think it holds better.

[Ken Krawford]

Thanks for all the feedback - much appreciated. My Domino 500 should be here Friday.

[Wade Lippman]

If you go with the 500, get the domiplate from Seneca, it is a great product.

I watched the video and he says it is intended for cabinet shops doing scores of plywood slots.
That makes sense; since I don't do that, I don't need it. Or so it seems to me.
Why do you recommend it?

[Matt Meiser]

Nah, its great for anything where you want to center in 1/2 or 3/4 material. Because its fixed it can't slip and because its larger and a lot easier to hang onto because you aren't reaching over that adjustment mechanism, you are less likely to tilt the machine or shift it slightly.

[Wade Lippman]

Maybe... It is a bit tricky to keep it flat.