I just upgraded my Domino from the DF500 to the DF700. This post takes nothing away from the DF500. I loved it and it worked wonderfully on small as well as larger items that required tenons up to about 3/8" thick.
There are a lot of debates here about which machine is more appropriate and the consensus is that unless you are doing doors and tables, the DF500 is a more appropriate choice. I disagree with this assessment.
- The DF700 is not significantly heavier than the DF500. That is, it's comfortable and stable to use even on skinny stock. I was surprised to find this.
- The D style handle is easier for me to use on the 700 than the 500. Gripping the barrel of the 500 near the plug worked fine, but when I felt the D handle of the 700, I realize how great it is. Anyone who has used a Domino knows that keeping it plunging straight and true takes a little concentration and control on end grain cuts. The 700 makes it easier than the 500, IMHO.
- The 700 has a height offset up to 50mm. This was probably the biggest sticking point with me on the 500. The 500 can go higher if you remove the dovetailed plugs, but the 700 enables this greater offset out of the box.
- The plunge depth adjuster is better designed and more intuitive IMHO on the bigger unit. On more than one occasion I over plunged my df500 because of that switch.
- Instead of 2 pins on the fence, there are 6, and they lock out of the way in any pattern you wish. This makes repeated offsets extremely customizable. In fact, this enables the machine to be used to make longer stopped slots for splines. I know there are other ways to skin this cat, but this eliminates having to set up another machine.
- Here's the big kicker. I purchased a small bit adapter from Seneca (the guys who make the Domiplate). This allows you to use the 500 cutters. So, cutting mortises at 5mm or 6mm width is still entirely doable.