Thread: Festool Domino 500

Can I buy it if you don't? I'd let you use it. Promise.

Maybe you can use the domino for structural joints, frames, etc., but keep up the hand skills for joints that are decorative, visible, aesthetic, etc.

- Andrew

OK guys, thanks a lot for all of the constructive comments. I've decided to buy it. Hopefully I will have a chance to get it next week. Right after I find a new place to live, because my boss is not happy lol.

The intent is to use the Domino for those lighter structural joints that aren't seen and on projects I just need to get through. I will still need to use traditional joinery on larger projects (eg. a large Blackbutt outdoor table I'm currently starting to build) as well as on those items that I want to stretch myself. Hopefully I won't get too lazy and will still practice traditional joinery even on non-important pieces so that I can do a nicer job of the more important ones when it matters.

Also, for those of you with the Domino 500, do you find the cross-stop useful? Worth getting?

Originally Posted by Lappa

The other conundrum for me would be 500 or 700 model? So, has anyone who bought one feel they should have bought the other?
Which one would be more useful for general work including mid size tables?

I am seriously considering one although the other half isn't too keen given the price.
I would only consider the 700 due to it's increased capacity as it can do everything the 500 can do plus much bigger work and the price difference isn't massive.

Originally Posted by DomAU

Also, for those of you with the Domino 500, do you find the cross-stop useful? Worth getting?

I have them but have never used them I still prefer a pencil to mark my positions,but am going to play devils advocate here & post a link for you .

VERY VERY unhappy with festool after domino cross stop

Cheers

Just do it.

I had buyers remorse right up till the second I used it, then i fell in love.

At that price I would have fallen in love at first site!

I just bought one 2 days ago. Jointed up two small pieces of pine then tried to put them together with the domino, clearly I have some learning to do yet! I can see the potential though, probably best not to try it whilst siting on an esky whilst holding the small piece of pine in your hand! I just wanted to see how it worked!

Originally Posted by John Saxton

I have them but have never used them I still prefer a pencil to mark my positions,but am going to play devils advocate here & post a link for you .

VERY VERY unhappy with festool after domino cross stop

Cheers

GAwd, isn't that a case of 'I bought a brand name tool, dont talk bad about it'... Never knew there was a cult festool group, learn something new every day.

Originally Posted by Pearo

GAwd, isn't that a case of 'I bought a brand name tool, dont talk bad about it'... Never knew there was a cult festool group, learn something new every day.

Its like Snap On tools - never say a bad thing about them, especially to someone who's just paid $60 for a 13mm combination spanner

Originally Posted by Pearo

GAwd, isn't that a case of 'I bought a brand name tool, dont talk bad about it'... Never knew there was a cult festool group, learn something new every day.

Can't personally fault the OF500 Domino,well not to date anyway.The Festool owners group in the US is a handy reference feedback forum.

Cheers

Used mine today for the first real job. Making some benchtops for the shed out of 90x45 pine studs. Decided it would be a good way to practice using the domino machine. Certainly a lot easier than dowels, about the same ease as a biscuit join. First attempt at using it and I reckon its better than 0.5mm accuracy. Cant complain given how easy it is. I should probably watch the youtube vids on how to use it properly.

DomAU, go for it. I missed out on one on Gumtree recently that was going for a good price because I procrastinated, take it whilst its going cheap.

Looks like I am late to the party. Better late than never. I am a hobbyist. I started out learning mortise and tenon joints. Good to know. I bought a domino joiner back in 2007. Used it to resurrect the kitchen prior to putting the house on the market. That work alone got us 20K up above the expected sale price. The way I see it, Domi paid for himself back in 2011. Everything else is cream from then on. Great machine to have in the shed.

Mine has been idle for 5 years. Just getting back into it now. I managed to set up the MFT a couple of months ago (the one I bought from Anthony back in 2013 ).

I finally persuaded the other half what a good machine the domino is.
I will be picking up my Domzilla 700 at the Perth Dream big expo this weekend.
Even managed to scrounge a couple of free tickets off a guy at Beyond Tools,Malaga.

Originally Posted by mark david

I finally persuaded the other half what a good machine the domino is.
I will be picking up my Domzilla 700 at the Perth Dream big expo this weekend.
Even managed to scrounge a couple of free tickets off a guy at Beyond Tools,Malaga.

Dont forget to order your Domzilla adaptor from Seneca woodworking... I use the small domino as often as the 8x50, which I use most often.

We just got one at the local Men's Shed - bluudy brilliant bit of kit