Festool DOMINO DF 500 RQ-Set Joining Machine

Shop 55, Vaal Plaza, Lewis Ave, Vereeniging, 1939 | info@saddlecreek.co.za

+27 16 422 0720 | WhatsApp | Nationwide Delivery

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Saddle Creek

Festool DOMINO DF 500 RQ-Set Joining Machine

R 37,408.81

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Festool DOMINO DF 500 RQ-Set Joining Machine

At a Glance: Precision 420W DOMINO joining machine with an improved stop system, versatile accessories and repeatable mortising from the very first cut.

The Festool DOMINO DF 500 RQ-Set brings exceptional speed, precision and strength to professional furniture making, cabinetry and joinery. Its unique pendulum routing action simultaneously rotates and moves the cutter from side to side, producing clean, accurately formed elongated mortises for Festool DOMINO dowels. The resulting joint combines the strength of a traditional mortise-and-tenon connection with the speed and flexibility of a modern loose-tenon system.

The updated guide frame, stable column guide and four integrated stop pins make repeat positioning remarkably quick. Mortises can be created from a reference edge or an existing DOMINO mortise, reducing the need for time-consuming marking and measurement. The machine can produce either a close-fitting mortise or a wider mortise with assembly clearance, helping adjoining workpieces align accurately while accommodating minor positioning differences.

This comprehensive RQ-Set includes the DF 500 RQ joining machine, a 5mm DOMINO cutter and a valuable selection of stops for narrow workpieces, repeated hole spacing and accurately joining strips or frame components. With routing angles from 0° to 90°, five preset routing depths and compatibility with DOMINO cutters from 4mm to 10mm, it is equally at home producing delicate drawer components, strong cabinet joints, solid timber frames and stable mitre connections.

The speed of a dowel joint with the strength of a mortise and tenon

The oval DOMINO dowel provides a large gluing surface, expanding glue pockets and excellent resistance to twisting. Once fitted into matching mortises, it creates a strong, accurately aligned joint without requiring a fixed workshop mortising machine or complicated routing template.

Product Highlights

Unique pendulum routing principle: Simultaneous rotation and pendulum movement create precise elongated mortises with smooth cutting performance.
Improved stop system: Four integrated stop pins enable fast and repeatable positioning from an edge or previously routed mortise.
Strong, rotation-resistant joints: The distinctive oval DOMINO shape prevents the joint from twisting from the first fitted dowel.
Close-fit or clearance mortises: Select a precise mortise for alignment and wider mortises for easier assembly of larger components.
Wide application range: Compatible with DOMINO dowels from 4 x 20mm to 10 x 50mm for work ranging from thin drawer sides to substantial frames.
Flexible angle adjustment: The routing fence adjusts continuously from 0° to 90° for square, angled and mitred joints.
Complete RQ-Set: Includes additional, trim and cross stops for greater versatility immediately out of the Systainer.
System-based design: Works with Festool DOMINO cutters, dowels, connectors, stops and extraction equipment.

Features

420W mains-powered motor: Delivers a no-load speed of 25,500 min^-1 for clean, controlled routing.
Pendulum cutting action: Produces an accurately formed elongated mortise while helping to reduce cutter heat build-up.
Four integrated stop pins: Allow fast positioning and repeatable mortise spacing without measuring every joint separately.
Preset routing depths: Select 12, 15, 20, 25 or 28mm to suit different dowels and material configurations.
Adjustable routing height: A 5 to 30mm adjustment range supports accurate placement in workpieces of different thicknesses.
Adjustable mortise width: Create an accurately fitting reference mortise or a wider mortise with assembly clearance.
Continuous mitre adjustment: The fence can be set anywhere between 0° and 90°.
Interchangeable cutters: Supports DOMINO cutter diameters of 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm.
CLEANTEC extraction connection: The integrated 27mm bayonet fitting provides a secure connection to a compatible Festool dust extractor.
Antistatic function: Helps prevent the accumulation of static charge when used with a compatible antistatic extraction system.
Plug it power cable: Removable mains cable with a safety lock allows convenient cable replacement and rapid tool changes.
FastFix system: Provides convenient access when changing cutters or configuring the machine.

Benefits

Fast joint preparation: Produce matching mortises considerably faster than many traditional mortise-and-tenon methods.
Accurate alignment: A close-fitting first mortise establishes the joint position and helps keep adjoining faces flush.
Easier assembly: Wider following mortises provide useful lateral clearance without sacrificing the strength of the finished joint.
Exceptional stability: DOMINO dowels provide a large gluing area and resist rotation within the joint.
Repeatable production: Integrated stops and the supplied cross stop simplify evenly spaced mortises across longer components.
Suitable for delicate work: Thin workpieces from approximately 12mm can be joined using the appropriate 4 x 20mm DOMINO dowels.
Reduced finishing work: Accurate joint alignment helps minimise steps, uneven edges and corrective sanding after assembly.
Portable professional system: The complete machine and accessories are protected and organised in a Systainer³ SYS3 M 187.

Application

Frames and frame joints manufactured from solid timber
Cabinet, carcass, shelving and furniture construction
Panel joints in solid wood, plywood, MDF and other suitable board materials
Stable edge-to-edge, corner and T-joints
Accurately aligned and reinforced mitre joints
Rotation-resistant joints in narrow timber sections
Drawer sides and other thin workpieces from approximately 12mm
Repeat mortise spacing in rails, stiles and longer components
Demountable furniture and frame construction using compatible DOMINO connectors
Joining round profiles when used with a compatible handrail fence

Specifications

Description	Spec
Brand	Festool
Cat No.	FES578541
Festool Order No.	578541
Model	DF 500 RQ-Set
Product Type	DOMINO joining machine set
Drive Type	Mains powered
Power Consumption	420W
No-Load Speed	25,500 min^-1
Routing Depth Settings	12, 15, 20, 25 and 28mm
Maximum Routing Depth	28mm
Compatible DOMINO Cutter Diameters	4, 5, 6, 8 and 10mm
Supplied Cutter	D 5-NL 20 HW-DF 500, 5mm
Compatible DOMINO Dowel Sizes	4 x 20mm to 10 x 50mm
Routing Height Adjustment	5-30mm
Mitre Routing Range	0-90°
Dust Extraction Connection	27mm
Power Cable Length	4m
Product Weight Without Accessories	3.60kg
Sound Pressure Level, LpA	85dB(A)
Sound Power Level, LWA	96dB(A)
Noise Measurement Uncertainty, K	1.5dB
Total Vibration Average, Ah	2.5m/s²
Vibration Measurement Uncertainty, K	1.5m/s²
Applicable Standard	EN 60745-2-19
Performance Features	Antistatic function, CLEANTEC, Plug it and FastFix
Storage System	Systainer³ SYS3 M 187

Scope of Delivery:

Festool DF 500 RQ DOMINO joining machine
D 5-NL 20 HW-DF 500 DOMINO cutter, 5mm
ZA-DF 500/700 additional stop
LA-DF 500/700 trim stop
QA-DF 500/700 cross stop
Open-ended spanner, WAF 8
H05 RN-F-4 Plug it power cable
Systainer³ SYS3 M 187

Video

Extra Info

Extra Information

The supplied D 5-NL 20 HW-DF 500 cutter is intended for producing 5mm DOMINO mortises.
Additional 4, 6, 8 and 10mm DOMINO cutters are available separately for other dowel sizes.
Festool DOMINO dowels are available in sizes from 4 x 20mm to 10 x 50mm for the DF 500 system.
Beech DOMINO dowels are suitable for interior applications, while weather-resistant Sipo DOMINO dowels are available for suitable exterior work.
The first mortise can be routed at the close-fitting setting to establish alignment. Following mortises may be routed wider to provide assembly clearance.
The included QA-DF 500/700 cross stop assists with producing consistently spaced mortises along an edge.
The included LA-DF 500/700 trim stop helps position narrow strips and frame components securely.
The included ZA-DF 500/700 additional stop expands the range of positioning and support options.
A compatible mobile dust extractor should be connected during routing to clear chips from the mortise and support consistently accurate results.
DOMINO dowels, connectors and optional specialist stops are sold separately unless specifically stated otherwise.

Pro Tips

Mark the reference face and reference edge on every component, then register the machine from those same surfaces throughout the project.
Make the first mortise close-fitting and use the wider setting for subsequent mortises. This maintains alignment while making larger assemblies easier to bring together.
Perform a test cut in an offcut of the same thickness before routing finished components.
Dry-assemble the complete joint before applying adhesive to verify orientation, fit and alignment.
Maintain firm, even pressure against the workpiece and advance the cutter smoothly rather than forcing it into the material.
Connect a suitable dust extractor. Efficient chip removal is important for clean mortises, reliable depth and extended cutter life.
When producing matching components, complete each setup across the entire batch before changing the height, depth or angle setting.
Distribute adhesive inside the mortise and around the DOMINO dowel without overfilling the joint.

How to Use

Select the appropriate DOMINO dowel and cutter diameter for the workpiece thickness, joint type and required strength.
Disconnect the machine from the power supply before installing or changing the cutter. Confirm that the cutter is correctly seated and secured.
Set the required routing depth, routing height and fence angle. Make a test mortise in scrap material and verify the result.
Secure the workpiece firmly and identify a consistent reference face and edge for both mating components.
Connect a compatible dust extractor to the 27mm CLEANTEC extraction port and check that the hose cannot interfere with the cut.
Position the machine against the marked reference or use the integrated stop pins and supplied stops for repeat placement.
Switch on the machine, allow it to reach operating speed and advance the cutter smoothly into the workpiece until the selected routing depth is reached.
Route the first mortise at the close-fitting width. Where suitable, use the wider mortise setting for subsequent DOMINOs to provide assembly clearance.
Repeat the process on the mating component using the same reference surfaces and settings.
Remove dust and chips, dry-fit the joint and confirm that all faces and edges align correctly.
Apply a suitable adhesive to the mortises and DOMINO dowels, assemble the components and clamp them according to the adhesive manufacturer's instructions.

Safety

Wear suitable eye, hearing and respiratory protection while operating the joining machine.
Connect a compatible dust extractor and avoid breathing wood dust generated during routing.
Inspect the machine, cutter, power cable and accessories before use. Do not use damaged or excessively worn components.
Disconnect the Plug it cable before changing cutters, clearing an obstruction, servicing the machine or making adjustments near the cutter.
Secure the workpiece firmly and never hold a small or unstable component close to the routing area by hand.
Keep hands clear of the cutter opening and maintain control of the machine with both hands during operation.
Check the workpiece for nails, screws, staples and other foreign objects before routing.
Use only cutters and accessories approved for the DF 500 and ensure the cutter is correctly installed before starting.
Allow the motor to reach operating speed before entering the material and never force the cutter through the workpiece.
Wait for all moving parts to stop completely before placing the machine down or carrying out an inspection.
Follow the operating instructions and all workplace safety requirements before first use.