Hi Everyone,

I know that this question has been posed repeatedly, but I still wanted to put it out there hoping that experienced users can speak to my context.  I'm the PM for Precision Innovations NYC in Brooklyn/Manhattan and 90% of our projects are designing/building out restaurants, bars, tap-houses, and commercial kitchens (with the occasional retail store or food cart).  We design and fabricate as much as possible in-house and generally oversee all aspects of each project.  In terms of fabrication we have to build tables, benches, bar tops, wine racks, etc (most stock here is between 1/2-5/4).  On a smaller scale we fabricate windows, doors, and pilasters, but a bar/restaurants requires far few windows/doors (most stock is 3/4-2-1/2).  In terms of volume we build far more table-tops, benches, etc.  The 700 seems like it's not nearly as versatile, but it could prove indispensable for the larger projects we build.  Given what we do if you had to buy one which would it be?  I've watched all of Paul-Marcel's videos on the Domino Joiners and while they're excellent (like all his videos) it didn't really help me figure out which one to buy.  I'm leaning towards the 500 with the idea that I can always double up the smaller dominos for beefier joints, but obviously can't shrink larger dominos.  As a side note I'm planning to use whichever machine we buy with a CT 26.

In your situation, I agree with Colonel Panic. The 700 with the after-market bits almost gives you the versatility of both machines. I own both the 500 and 700 machines ( I'm just a one-man shop) and often have them both set up, with two different bits for the same build, in order to expedite the process.  With the extent of tasks that your shop is undertaking, I think that you will eventually profit from owning both the 500 and 700.

FWIW, I was put off by the size, at first...but, when I found the balance, it became quite comfortable and preferable to use. I wouldn't build a large door, or anything heavy, with a 500.

It was mentioned  with the  adapter you could go to a 5mm bit but I believe With the rts adapter from Seneca woodworking it will actually let you use all the bits including the 4 mm.

I'm another 500 and 700 (plus the XL Seneca accessories) owner and find the 700 has the slight advantage. It is more ergonomic and despite the initial concerns of weight for most people I would say this is a positive as the weight directly equates to more stability.

My own advice would be to get a 700 XL, the RTS adapter & Domi-shims from Seneca, a selection of Domino Systainer assortments and most definitely get the CT - good DC is crucial to the Domino.

With the current 10% deals you guys have in the states, now is the time to buy. Am I right in thinking you will also get 5% of a DC at time of purchase?

3/4-1-1/2 is the range that i'd call the sweet spot for us, but we work with plenty of larger sizes.  I just built a frame for a mobile food stand out of 4x8's.

I have said it repeatedly...  The 700 is in a class of its own. Just this weekend I used it to start building a doll bed for my daughter with 4 and 5mm dominoes. Then I took it outside to repair some stuff on their playground using 8 and 12 mm ones.

I agree that with the plates and adapter, there isn't much it can't do. It is the most gentle beast you will ever use.

I also will say that just holding it isn't a selling point. I use it all the time and the heft is what makes it so much better. That and the fence, the added depth stops, the pins, the power, the fence and the fence.

Cheers. Bryan.