Right as Kreg was making noise with a $500 cordless tenon joiner aimed directly at the Festool Domino, Festool answered with the real thing: the DOMINO DFC 500, the brand’s first cordless Domino joiner, lands at US authorized dealers on June 17, 2026 for $1,279.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | DOMINO DFC 500 |
| Battery platform | Festool 18V |
| Price | $1,279 |
| US availability | June 17, 2026 (authorized dealers) |
| Compatible battery | BP 18 Li 5.0 HP-ASI HighPower (launching same day, $85) |
The corded Domino DF 500 Q has retailed at $950–$1,100 since it set the standard for loose-tenon joinery. Going cordless adds roughly $200–$300 to that — consistent with how other brands price the cord-free upgrade on precision tools. The DFC 500 runs on Festool’s 18V platform, sharing batteries with the brand’s routers, sanders, and track saws.
Kreg Edge vs. DOMINO DFC 500
The Kreg Edge at $500 supports 5, 6, 8, and 10mm tenons in boards from 7/16″ to 2-3/8″ and runs on Kreg’s proprietary 20V Ionic Drive platform. It’s the most accessible entry point into cordless loose-tenon joinery for DIYers and small shops.
The Festool DFC 500 costs more than twice that. What buyers in professional cabinet shops, architectural millwork, and furniture production are paying for: Festool’s precision registration system, a track record going back nearly two decades on the corded model, and compatibility with an existing 18V Festool ecosystem. The two tools serve different buyers, but the timing is unmistakable — Festool is not ceding the premium cordless joinery market.
The Broader June 17 Festool Launch
The DFC 500 isn’t coming alone. Four major cordless tools drop simultaneously on June 17:
- DOMINO DFC 500 cordless joiner — $1,279
- HLC 82 Cordless Planer — $449 (brushless motor, helical cutterhead)
- OFKC 500 Cordless Edge Router — $399
- MFKC 700 Cordless Modular Edge Router — $499
Two new batteries launch the same day: the TBX 4 Tabless Battery and the BP 18 Li 5.0 HP-ASI HighPower Battery (both $85). Festool says the HP-ASI delivers 50% more power than the previous 18V pack — which matters most on the DFC 500’s plunging cut under load in hardwood.
Where to Buy
Festool is dealer-only in the US — not available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Amazon. Use the Festool dealer locator to find a US authorized seller. Availability date: June 17, 2026.
For a look at where premium cordless woodworking is headed beyond joinery, our best track saws guide covers Festool TS series alongside cordless competition, and the Bosch Expert BITURBO 18V cordless track saw is another data point in the move from corded to cordless for precision shop work.
