Festool Domino DF 500 Review and Overview

Hello again everyone!!! If you aren't following me in IG, check me out @bentswoodworking.
This week I discuss my Festool Domino DF 500. A follower asked if I could do a overview/review of mine. So, here it is. I don't dive deep into all the different things that you can do with one, but more of what it does and how easy it is to use.
If you have any suggestions for future videos, don't hesitate to shoot me a message.
Hope you enjoy! Thanks!

[@TYB439]

I love your videos. Always well presented, detailed, concise, and great videography. Thank you!

[@bentswoodworking]

TYB439 thank you so much! I really appreciate it!

[@joeatkins4470]

Thanks Jason, this was really useful, I just got my 500 df and I'm eager to get using it. This really helped me to trust my purchase. Really appreciate it

[@bentswoodworking]

Oh man congrats! You are going to love it!!

[@ScubaDaveCCR]

Very nice! I watched a few “get started” of the domino 500, and it was like they assumed we already knew all the buttons and setting. And understood them. You took your time and explained all the important stuff. Now to go burn some holes!!! 🤪

[@bentswoodworking]

Lol. Enjoy! 🤣

[@JGV_IX]

Ordered one! Thanks a million for the thorough review!

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@bnmccarthy]

That's was very helpful. You have convinced me to purchase the Domino verse a biscuit joiner. Thanks for taking the time to assist we amateurs.

[@bentswoodworking]

You will enjoy it.

[@stormbytes]

Outstanding presentation of the DF 500 Domino. Thanks!

[@bentswoodworking]

Daniel Balfour thanks!

[@jordandonovan]

Thanks for the video! I just bought my Domino this afternoon! I watched your video 6 months ago and I've been drooling over getting one this whole time! Just watched again to see more demonstrations as I learn to use this fantastic product! Next up? The track saw!! ;)

[@bentswoodworking]

Got a video on that too 😉

[@mrklean0292]

That is the order that I purchased mine except I bought the Makita track saw and I actually like it.

[@AlesZvolanek]

Alright you convinced me, I'm going to buy this one :) Really cool review btw!!!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@dimitarpulev]

Hi. Many, many thanks for this. We are a wood flooring specialist company in England and we have a specific task of creating a border surround with mitred edges. I understand that the Domino is the best system available to us to take onsite and get a perfect alignment. Your video has been priceless in educating me on how it all works. Great work, keep it going!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you. Glad you found it helpful

[@izzysj81]

Earned a sub! Nice work

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Just bought mine yesterday. Still doing practice joints. But loving it.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thats awesome!!!

[@AD-nk3ik]

This is a GREAT video, thanks for posting. Much more helpful than Festool's own videos. New sub.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lobird23]

Your review convinced me to buy the smaller unit. thanks. BTW, i appreciate your 45 degree ducting, increases the efficiency of the DC system over 90 degree turns.. Smart.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@manuzach]

Great! When I get a domino this will be the first video I’ll watch for reference 👍

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you found it helpful

[@Kenfitzpat]

Another good video. I have the DF500 myself for the past 6 years. It is a great tool. I went from a biscuit joiner and really haven’t used it since I bought the Domino. I’m not a professional with clients. I’m retired and woodwork for my own pleasure. I know there are a lot of people that think Festools are a waste of money. As someone with COPD the dust collection with their tools along with a mask keeps me able to work in my man shop, I don’t have a cave lol, without worrying about the dust aggravating especially in the Festools line of Sanders. Thanks for sharing a great video.

[@bentswoodworking]

Ken Fitzpatrick thank you Sir!

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

Festool is not a waste of money, to me and you:-). Customer service is non plus ultra too. Mafell is even costlier, so THAT is a waste:-).

[@bighands69]

+Ke Fitzpatrick I would suggest building a dust collection shroud that sits next to sanding surface.

[@markbrodrick3774]

Thanks for the great review.

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@kizermergenschroer5096]

Hi! Love your channel and I've learned some nice things from you over the last couple of years. Just picked up a DF 500 and had a question. I am going to be building some cabinets to make up a kitchen island as well as a butcherblock countertop to go on it as well. Having watched a couple of videos of cabibets being made with the Domino (as opposed to using dados) im really interested in trying it out. Any thought on making cabinet carcasses with the Domino? Good idea, not such a good idea, etc. I plan on building the toe kick box separately and setting cabinets on top. Thanks!

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

dont forget to clear and very lightly grease/oil the guiding rods every now and then. These rods have a brass sleeve inside for gliding purposes.

[@darvaish4552]

Jason thanks for making this video and showing things in detail to help make decision. it helps out a lot of amateurs like myself. probably make a video please, in which you can show; how to choose the right size of domino for a job. There are many like me who dont have a teacher and no resources to get one. thanks in advance.

[@bentswoodworking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@freddy228asac8]

You convinced me to buy the 500 along with the accessories and tenon Systainer box.

[@bentswoodworking]

Nice!!

[@rickymcc9072]

Hi thanks for a very clear explanation, so decided to subscribe. I'm renewing an earlier interest in woodwork, having done occasional DIY woodwork over many years (previously built a desk, bookshelves etc). Now considering this as a serious additional hobby and had been considering a Makita biscuit jointer (probably better value than deWalt in UK). I'm a sucker for quality and appreciate precision engineering and fine workmanship. From other life experiences I long ago learnt that, often as not, buying a quality item up front, was ultimately cheaper than buying budget kit, only to to outgrow it's limitations and feel the need to upgrade later. So in hobby areas of photography and hi-fi I bought premium kit and never regreted it, despite the often uncomfortably high initial capital cost. So with more research, helped by your infomative video, I'm now thinking of resisting the urge for 'biscuits' now (AKA short term gratification), saving my funds, stomaching the initially peceived 'extraordinary' Domino cost to just go buy the Festool machine. Maybe I need to wait for the occasional dealer coupon offer to tip me over the edge? It helps too that I have also grown to love Festool, having been previously swayed into buying one of their tracksaws. I really appreciated how much better it is than my cheap circular saw. Also bought a small Festool dust extractor which just works! I previously lusted after a Kapex but couldn't justify that so bought a smaller DeWalt mitre saw and stand - good but clearly not as precise or capable as a Festool. I'm starting to understand why some tradesfolk go for a broad range of Festool kit as the products seem generally excellent, with many great features, some class leading. That said I can't yet justify upgrading my already pretty good DeWalt battey drills, wrench, mitre saw and angle grinder, nor my cheaper sanders. I liked Festool's MFT, hated the price and had concerns on rigidity, so just built my own MFT style top, use it with a range of dogs to good effect and have adapted to fit rigidly over a pair of lightweight Stanley folding saw horses. Next upgrade will be addition of some engineering Boche extruded aluminium rail sections to enhance the clamping and fence capabilities. I note you are also a devotee of Woodpecker. I'm thinking their large T square (in metric) would be an investment in convenience, precision and quality but, like Festool, isn't exactly an impulse purchase at the premium price so I haven't yet sprung for one. Not least because I feel the incremental gain may be modest since I own and use several (all much cheaper) precise engineering squares in different sizes. Plus here in UK cost is considerably more than USA. Yet the Domino would add incremental capability to my current simple hand dowel jig, speed up hand joinery, bypass any need for a biscuit machine and possibly also obviate the future need to buy into pocket hole jigs/kit capability too. I think I'm pretty much sold - with enough logic to overcome my natural impulse to save money.

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you for taking the time to share that. I am definitely one that would rather spend the money on the tool I really want once and be done. I Became a believer in the Festool system a long time ago and will never look back. To me, it is worth the expense for quality and peace of mind. Plus, it helps with my enjoyment in my shop.

[@lmallard3788]

I bought into the Dowelmax method of joinery because dowels are stronger than biscuits. Dowelmax has data showing their joinery is stronger than dominos but the dowelmax is easier to make mistakes than with the domino. I will be looking to buying the domino method soon. One slot vs multiple dowel holes makes more sense to me, now that I have a festool dust extractor. Thanks for your video

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@bighands69]

If you want a flush finish on a biscuit joint it is best to take it to a saw and cut the ends on all of the jointed wood as one piece. It will create wastage though.

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

Just got one to use the Domino 500 Connector system! Great Video for Domino virgins like me!

[@bentswoodworking]

I still want to try that out

[@henrysiegertsz8204]

@@bentswoodworking I bought the connectors and the drill guide, the drill and the 8mm cutter over a month ago. I got a sweet deal on the machine, that arrived Monday this week. I have done a few experimental mortices to get familiar with the set-up. I have four projects WIP's waiting for Domino connector joints, Two coffee tables and two side tables.

[@reneemachat8771]

Great info! I just bought this tool and am excited to get started with it. I'm hoping this will be a better solution to building table tops than using pocket holes, which don't allow for wood expansion and contraction. Only question I have is how you do the glue up?

[@bentswoodworking]

This is going to be a far better option for you moving forward. I actually have a older video on how to glue up a table top you might find helpful

[@MyGarageWorkshop]

RE: dust collection. Unlike other Festool tools it is NOT optional. You must use dust collection or it will get jammed up with chips.

[@jackwagon4313]

I'm on the fence ... I really want one of these but I better give my wife some time to recover from my track saw purchase!😁

[@bentswoodworking]

LOL! I don't blame you

[@JGV_IX]

Try explaining when you "accidentally bought a Kapex" 😳

[@brianakins83]

I recently took the plunge... building 2x bookcases and it's been amazing

[@mrBDeye]

A real man doesn't need his wife's permission.

[@stormbytes]

Great review. I debated getting a Domino vs. Mafell's DDF40 dual-dowler and ultimately went with the Mafell. I had a really hard time getting on board with the loose joint methodology of drilling oversized mortises to compensate for an obvious lack of accurate referencing in the design of the Domino. The DDF40 easily overcomes this. Dowel holes are dead on every time once you learn to use the tool properly. Also dowels are a LOT cheaper. I just paid around $115 for somewhere in the area of 6000 hardwood dowels in different lengths and diameters. I expect this will last me years! I still feel the Domino has its place for stick framing where drilling multiple dowel holes is less practical. For cabinet and carcass work, the DDF40 is clearly technically superior, in my opinion.

[@bentswoodworking]

I have never had the chance to mess with any Mafell products but then look pretty cool

[@krehbein]

I’ve been debating buying the domino for a year now. I think back to the projects over the last 15 years and how I could have used it. It’s a large chunk of money and I’m sure I’ll use it plenty. But still it’s the price of my ridgid table saw!

[@bentswoodworking]

It’s an investment but I have found it to be invaluable

[@rickherrick1732]

Hi, thank you for the very helpful review. I, like many others, are on the fence for this tool but this video helps a great deal. One question for you. At the end you said you sometimes still use biscuits. Do you have a scenario where that would be the case? Thanks again.

[@bentswoodworking]

Well, it’s rare that I still use them but when I do it’s just for alignment when the precision of layout isn’t really needed. For example tops for shop furniture or something like that. When I run out of the biscuits I still have, I probably won’t be buying any more at this point. I use it even less since this video was published.

[@woodmasterguy]

To make it easier for me, one board I make all the mortises on the tightest cut, adjoining board, I move the mortise width to the second setting. I have a bit more adjustment on glue up and still a flush fit...

[@bentswoodworking]

woodmasterguy yes, I like to do the same just because I feel like it gives you a little more flexibility.

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

just bought on after using it for a year at the wodworking course. It's an amazing machine, seller told me Mafell bisquit joiners are traded in for this one. Bisquits are weaker too.

[@bentswoodworking]

Hans De Haan it’s a great machine

[@bighands69]

+Roosterpix Mafell biscuit joiner is a brilliant tool. Probably one of the most accurate tools on the market place. It cuts a super accurate cut every single time and it also has a stop mechanism that allows you to select material thickness. So if you are selecting 18mm material such as plywood you can get a dead accurate center cut with that setting. Most people do not seem to understand how to use biscuit joints or how strong they really are. There is a misconceptions that they are only used for aligned. While they are great for alignment they offer more than just that. If I am doing cabinets I will always use biscuit joints ahead of any other method and that also includes the Domino.

[@94hockeykid]

I just found out I have to make benches for my wedding... justification to buy a domino! Man the set of dominos in the sustainer is $500 here in Canada. Real steep

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

i bought it here in Ontario. It's handy and gets you going until you know what size dominos you are going to use on a regular basis.

[@jdavis460]

Hi Great video. I have just purchased the Domino DF500 and using it for 90 degree angles has been driving me nuts. I keep getting the sides mixed up but your short sequence made it a little clearer. Still can't quite get my head round which side I should drill into especially when using thick timber and two dominos.

[@bentswoodworking]

I like to lay everything out and then mark it.

[@bighands69]

You have got to mark it up and reference what side you are cutting from.

[@laundrake2931]

Top video 😛

[@ianmoone2359]

I’m in two minds & have been for a while. Same df500 is around $1700 pacific pesos down under & that’s a lot of samolians! I have in my shop a dedicated post drill set up with mortise square drill chisels in various sizes. I can drill mortises with ease & run my own domino material through the jointer & thicknesser square dressed & just cut 1000 domino lengths and throw them in a rub on the shelf & I have a lifetime supply at a fraction of the cost of buying the domino beech joiners, which if your paying 24c, would be closer to 40c each down here. Often the hardwood I run the dominoes out of is the same material I’m using for furniture or joinery, I can make them in multiple species for the common wood species I use & often I can run them out of scrap off cut material so there’s little to no real cost to me other than the time involved. Where the Domino Festool would be hand is making joints on site if your a cabinet maker for example installing units on the job site. So I’m still considering buying one, just trying to convince myself I really NEED one is all.

[@bentswoodworking]

Want and need are very similar in my shop 🤣. But seriously, thanks for sharing that. Seems like you have a good system in place.

[@ianmoone2359]

Bent's Woodworking I want one, for sure but justifying is the hard part, I do also need a drum sander & bobbin sander etc and the funds can go to other machines first is the problem for me. Prioritising, which tool / machine pays its way for me & earns more $ to help fund next tool or machine to expand capability to do more & be more creative. It’s hard to justify when the Mortice drill already works in the workshop. My combination Robland X31 also has a morticing Chuck & morticing table, so really I have 2 machines that make mortices, I mostly use the dedicated drill press by preference, but I still want the Festool Domino - obviously this is a disease! 😂😂

[@heatherduggan8447]

Thankyou for the video. I ended up buying the 500 but a bit worried I should have got the 700. I do interior doors. What's your thoughts?

[@bentswoodworking]

If you are doing solid hardwood interior doors, then a 700 may be nice. I now have both and will still reach for the 500 98% of the time, for what I do.

[@ChristopherClaudioSkierka]

hi there, may I ask you a question please. At 9 min you mention adjusting the width space. If I was to used it say making a wardrobe and the 2 stock pieces were 500mm using say 4 domino, would i just keep it all at the standard tight width or do you thin its better to say have the outer 2 as tight fit and go to the middle setting to make the middle two slightly wider fit ? Thanks in advance

[@bentswoodworking]

I only use the tight setting now. The wider setting just gives you a little play.

[@AidanSkoyles]

Curious why you would use the biscuit joiner for table tops if you have the Domino. Thanks for the video

[@bentswoodworking]

Lots of ways to do things. If I am being honest I almost never use my biscuit joiner. I also very rarely use a domino on a table top glue up now.

[@AidanSkoyles]

Bent's Woodworking so what is your preferred technique for a table glue up? Just glue?

[@jamzach4]

I’m on the fence right now. It may have to wait a little longer since I’m still trying to convince my wife I need the Kapex 😂

[@bentswoodworking]

🤣🤣

[@drs-Rigo-Reus]

you seem to have the latest iteration with the stronger dust port?

[@bentswoodworking]

Hans De Haan it was bought within the last 18 months so I believe so

[@sde12345]

Hey bent I’m close to purchasing this version. Do you think it’s strong enough to use to make bed frames or a desk ?

[@bentswoodworking]

I do. Also, the bed frame would likely have additional hardwood for strength.

[@sde12345]

Bent's Woodworking thanks for the reply!

[@pmacedo6778]

Thxs! Honest review! Great tool!

[@bentswoodworking]

Thank you!

[@patriotnb8799]

could you tell the difference between dimino DF500 and mortiser machine ? thank you

[@livefree6639]

thx！

[@bentswoodworking]

You’re welcome

[@wayned1807]

A friend has one and has one major complaint. The drill bits keep breaking at the carbide tip. Is this user error or design flaw? Do you know what may be causing it?

[@bentswoodworking]

May be plunging too fast.

[@williamn01]

Is he using dust extraction when using it ?

[@wayned1807]

@@williamn01 I think it was determined he was plunging too fast. once he got the hang of it he was happy with it.

[@olivepressdesign]

@9:15 When using 4x20 Dominos, how do you set the depth if the minimum depth setting is 12mm?

[@bentswoodworking]

I still set it to 12

[@olivepressdesign]

@@bentswoodworking Thanks so much for taking time to respond. I found something super interesting regarding the 4mm Dominos and bit. The 4mm bit came much later to the game. It was originally only the 5mm-10mm dominos/bits. But when they introduced the 4mm dominos/bit, they made the 4mm domino cutter shorter than the rest of the domino cutters in order to limit the bit plunging depth, to prevent either breakage when going into thicker stock or so that the 4mm tip should only go in so far and to not let it’s thicker bit base go in to the wood. Therefore, when using a 4x20mm Domino, one needs to set the depth of cut at 20 on the domino depth setting. This is from the DF 500 owners manual pg 11. "A special cutter is available for the DOMINO dowel 4x20 mm (due to risk of breakage). Note the following when using this cutter (D 4-NL 11 HW-DF 500): Set the routing depth to 20 mm using the stop lever (1.7). The actual routing depth is 10 mm. The dowel can only be positioned centrally (see Fig. above)." Hopefully this helps someone with the same question in the future.

[@fabianonogueira2276]

Como faço para comprar uma dessa no Brasil e quanto custa. Obrigado.

[@alancroft6928]

The conflict is with those that do not have any festool’s and have never used them.

[@ramonresende5639]

Qual valor desta ferramenta?

[@johnh8952]

Hi Jason, based on your experience, would you recommend getting the 500 or the 700? I understand this depends on what I would use it for but just curious to hear your thoughts.

[@bentswoodworking]

The 500. I will eventually get a 700 but the 500 is fine for most applications.

[@bentswoodworking]

The 500. I will eventually get a 700 but the 500 is fine for most applications.

[@johnh8952]

Thank you for your response!

[@viegasvitor]

you can also do your own dominos instead of buying, we do it from beech wood

[@krehbein]

Do you round over the edges or leave square?

[@TheAlogoc]

Maffel ddf 40

[@11211lcb]

Wrong technique starting at about 12 minutes. The base of the Domino should never touch or come close to touching the work surface. If there is any debris on the work surface the Domino/fence will not register correctly to the work. While this will not always produce unsatisfactory results, cutting multiple thousands of mortises there is going to be multiple issues at some point. Plus material thickness, in particular plywood sheet goods, can differ in thickness enough that the mortises will not register to the top surface properly. You always want the Domino to rest on the fence, not it's base. Extend the work past the edge of the work surface to insure that the base of the Domino does not come in contact with the work surface when working with material that does not allow you to rest the fence only on the wood surface. I agree with most everything else in this video, In particular using tight fit and loose fit mating mortises. Like you said, if you are not dead centered on the reference line the same size mortises can be off. Other things factor in on this also. If the clear plastic reference on the fence is not in the center of the oscillating travel of the bit the mating mortises will not align. Also over time the the oscillating bit can chance to swing more right or left of center. There are adjustments for this if you are using the indexing pins but it is just easier to allow for some wiggle room to begin with. You don't want to find out, after cutting several hundred mortises, that your indexing pins are no longer centering the mortises between from left to right. I would also suggest using the Domino for table top glue ups too. The 5mm tenons are better suited than any biscuit and about the same price when buying in boxes of 1800. I have had my Domino for almost 12 years and cannot remember the last time I used my plate joiner. FWIW I am close to buying my 4th box of 1800 5mm Dominoes. For those that wonder how long those Domino bits last, I'm still using the original 5mm bit after 10,000+ mortises, and it has not been resharpened. Good Job!

[@bentswoodworking]

Leon Bridges great info and insight. Thanks for pointing that out 👍

[@i12flytoday]

I couldn't finish the video. The jump-cuts were too distracting.

[@apostoloskoritas9149]

Sorry my friend but you didn’t have a lot of information ( didn’t talk about the side stops for the front fence, you didn’t saw any of the different bits or dominos). It was a nice video though but with some touches it will be great. Thanks for sharing

[@ednaturnbull8564]

I'm appalled at your safety practices, the Domino oscillates not rotates vocabulary isn't a strong point. Brings to question whether you have formal qualifications in cabinet and joinery to give instruction to the ignorant masses?