Festool has announced a bunch of new tools that will be launching soon, including their first-ever 18V cordless Domino joinery machine.
All of the new Festool cordless tools are compatible with their 18V Li-ion cordless power tool battery system.
Here’s the full list of new Festool cordless power tools that are coming soon:
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- Domino Joinery Machine (DFC 500)
- Planer (HLC82)
- Routers (OFKC 500, MFKC 700, MFKC 700 KA)
- Circular Saw (HKC 55K)
Festool 18V Cordless Domino DFC 500
Features include an ergonomic handle, improvements in stability and precision (they don’t specify how this was achieved), and 2 end stop pins. Festool recommends the cordless Domino machine be powered with their 18V 4.0Ah battery.
A corded version will also be available, DF 500 R.
Festool 18V Cordless Planer HLC82
The new Festool cordless planer has a cutting width of 82mm (~3.23″), and was developed to deliver the same power and performance as a corded machine. Festool says this is achieved with their 18V 5Ah and 8Ah batteries.
They also say that the HLC82 was designed to leave a smooth cut without noticeable marks. This was accomplished by going with a “spiral blade set.”
Festool 18V Cordless Router OFKC 500
The Festool OFKC 500 is “the specialist for simple rounding and chamfering.” It features specialty cutters that are directly mounted to the spindle.
Festool 18V Cordless Routers MFKC 700, MFKC 700 KA
The new Festool MFKC 700 allows for the attachment of various accessories and guide systems, via a “universal interface.”
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One of the standout features is the extended length router base for improved cutting stability.
The MFKC 700 KA is similar but designed to work in conjunction with Festool’s Conturo edge banding machine.
Festool 18V Cordless Circular Saw HKC 55K
The updated tool is said to deliver more power. Festool says this will be the successor to their current model, and that the “K” in the model number stands for “Kickback stop.”
The anti-kickback mechanism shuts down the motor and saw blade when sudden movements are detected such as when the blade binds or jams.
Thin kerf blades allow for extended battery life.
Pricing and Availability
Festool announced a September 2025 launch for the 18V and AC Domino machines and 18V cordless planer, and a Fall ETA for the others.
USA pricing has not yet been announced.
Tom
Festool seems like a company that could really benefit from moving to a different battery platform such as Bosch’s Ampshare or Metabo’s Cordless Alliance System. Some of their tools are truly best-in-class, but I don’t see them being able to keep up with the advances in battery tech as the arms race continues to heat up. Their tools are a huge investment, so for the few I own I’ve opted for corded solutions. Will their batteries still be available in 15 years? Will other brands that invest more R&D into batteries that run cooler be able to better support high-draw tools like dust extractors in the future? I love my Festool sander, and I wouldn’t consider going back to other big box brands after having used it, but there are way too many question marks long term for me to even consider big ticket purchases for some of their core competencies like cordless dust extractors, track saws, etc.
fred
One reason I was OK with purchasing Mafell cordless track saws – was their battery platform which is compatible with Metabo.
MM
I’ve been checking out the Mafell PS2-18 jigsaw. There’s no way I would consider it if it used proprietary batteries, but since it’s on CAS, I’m willing to.
John J Baska Sr
You bring up excellent points. I’ve been considering some Festool products. Mainly the track saw. Are there any tools you could recommend or advise against ?
Goodie
I would like to see that as well, but there are some things that would need to be adjusted. Festool has bluetooth batteries to start dust extractors. I would like to see Festool join the CAS alliance, while bringing their bluetooth technology to the CAS platform.
Matt_T
Will any of the 18v batteries still be supported in 15 years? Hard to say but at least one has been around for over 15 years. And one major has already sidelined 18v in favor of 36V. At least two more with multi voltage packs.
If you need anywhere close to 15 years to get ROI best to stick with corded….
Mark
Mate, I find there battles really good I have some of the old 18v 5 ah and they shit all over the makita 6ah battery’s and festool have 8ah ones now, which will be even better.
Jeremy
Festool has been around for 100 years, I dont think they’re going anywhere. It would be just as likely that any of the larger companies go bankrupt (Bosch, milwaukee, makita, mafell, etc.) Id also bet that if any of those companies went out of business, including fez, that a non-proprietary battery would be on the market pretty swiftly
Stuart
That doesn’t mean that their 18V battery system won’t change over time.
Consider their mini Systainers. They recently launched new products that require you to buy the new updated model, and the older ones won’t fit.
Consider their hybrid-powered cordless sanders that don’t work with the regular 18V batteries. Now they have new sanders that don’t work with the hybrid batteries.
Makita changed their 12V system from stem-style batteries to slide-style.
Kobalt changed from 18V to 20V Max to 24V Max.
Hilti released an all-new Nuron 22V system.
Brand longevity means nothing. Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless power tool system first launched 14 years ago. When did Festool’s 18V system come out?
Nobody knows where any modern battery-powered tool system will be 15 years from now. Frankly, there’s a slightly higher risk about Festool making changes given their smaller selection and user base, but that doesn’t mean it’s likely.
I have massive hesitations about buying into Festool’s cordless power tool system, but it didn’t even cross my mind to doubt whether they’ll be replacing it in any reasonable span of time. You never know, but in my opinion there’s no basis for that type of concern.
Jronman
The older mini Systainers do for the sys rack just not officially supported
Stuart
From what Festool told me, they won’t work well – users are much better off buying the new boxes for the carrying case.
English bloke
There current 18v battery interface has been around for a long time as is, even between nicad and all that other stuff so I would not be concerned about none backwards compatibility.
One thing they are very good at doing is setting an internal standard and sticking too it.
Michael F
I have Festool cordless tools and their batteries are great. They’ve released modern batteries with 21700 cells and if you check the pricing the batteries are actually much cheaper than contractor grade brands like Milwaukee or Makita. Invest in the tool and extra batteries are cheap.
MM
Basic 21700s are multiple year old tech at this point. Festool lacks the tabless or pouch packs that many competitors have.
I compared prices and Festool seems more expensive for similar batteries.
Currently the Festool 5ah 21700 pack seems to be $135. Milwaukee’s comparable 5.0 XC 21700 pack is currently $99 at Home Depot. The best price I could find on the 8ah Festool battery was $199. Home Depot has the Milwaukee 8.0 starter kit that includes a charger for $149.
Stuart
Milwaukee doesn’t have a 5Ah 21700, its 18650.
MM
I stand corrected, it seems Google has lied to me again. That said, I found 6.0 HO’s for the same price. I don’t believe that Festool has a price advantage on batteries given how often they are on sale from the big brands.
Plain+grainy
The battery Domino was a long time in coming! Maybe we’ll see the larger 700 model in cordless( perhaps a duel battery).
fred
My 700 sure produces a boatload of chips – especially when hogging out 14mm mortises. You need a decent vacuum to unload the mortise as you plunge in. For me that translates into a corded Fein dust extractor – but I guess a cordless Domino machine and cordless vacuum may make sense for some users.
Morg
My Festool 15v batteries are fresh as daisies and they’re approaching 20 years old. That t15 impact has been thoroughly abused, including a couple of falls off roofs and ladders.
People need to realize Festool doesn’t make crap, including their batteries.
Also, I just refurbished a 20 year old mft 3 angle guide, by just ordering parts from their website.
Robert
When I read router near the top, I was not thinking of Festool first updating their small trim type routers. I thought it would be the OF2200 or OF1400. Is the small end of the market where Festool can really differentiate themselves?
I second Tom that it would make sense for Festool to get with CAS for batteries.
Julian Tracy
I recently purchased the Dewalt 20v full sized router and I have to say, it’s probably the best designed router I’ve ever used. Of course, it’s based on the Dewalt 621 router which is one of the best mid sized routers available. I’m a 20 year span Festool user and I’ve owned nearly the full lineup , but also have sold off a lot of them as well as the cost /value proposition isn’t that great with some items. Their routers in particular, not a great choice for the $$$ they cost. In most cases the “excellent Festool dust collection” is the same style plastic clip on/hard to see thru attach every other brand uses. The OF1010 is amazing, but limited to the small bits, so might as well use a trim router.
Timothy
The 1010 is a bit less expensive than the 700. I think it does better in locations where 8mm shank bits are more widely available
John
I do have plenty of corded Festool tools, but I have zero plan ever to buy into their battery system. Too many battery systems; companies need to figure out a better way with consolidation similar to CAS. Cordless domino has no improvement for me. That improved rear handle though is 10-15 years late. Someone does need to come up with an aftermarket improved handle for the corded DF500.
fred
When I finally decided (13 years ago) that I wanted a Domino machine – the better ergonomics of the DF 700 was one of its appeals. My first project was a set of big doors – so the larger domino capability of the 700 also pushed my decision. I have since used the machine with aftermarket (Seneca) cutters for almost all sizes of dominos – and do not miss having the smaller 500 machine. I also sometimes find that a stabilizing front handgrip is handy – and they be even more useful with the smaller machine. There are at least 2 sources:
https://tsoproducts.com/jigs-fixtures-guides/dbf-45-bigfoot-v2-0-base-system-for-festool-domino/
https://benchdogs.co.uk/products/domino-base-system
John
I own both Dominos. Each has their strengths. I have no desire to use a the DF700 for smaller work.
fred
If I had both machines, I’d probably feel the same way – but I’ve had a hard time convincing myself (at my age) that spending almost $1300 on adding the DF 500 is worth it. Now, retired and working with tools only as a hobbyist, productivity has perhaps taken a bit of a back seat for me.
My making reproduction furniture – mostly for gifts – has also slowed a bit – but I continue to use both domino and more traditional joinery techniques in that pursuit.
I did buy a Lamello Zeta P2 machine some years ago just to be able to use their Clamex connectors in making several sets of knockdown furniture.
Steve
I’ve searched briefly and found nothing. But it would be nice if someone had a 3d file to print a rear handle that could slip on or attach to the Domino 500, similar to the new cordless. Im assuming the new corded version will be similar in layout to the cordless.
But so far ive avoided getting any of Festool’s cordless tools. But I do have plenty of their corded
eddiesky
Spiral blade set for the planer…I was thinking Ooooh, maybe a helical? Nope.
Seriously, if someone came out with a cordless, helical handheld planer… sign me up!
(making things flush and fit… I get handheld plane but time is money and you can shave down a jamb in no time with a cordless planer!
Now, should be time soon for Dewalt planer deal!
MM
I have seen ads for aftermarket helical carbide-insert cutter heads for Makita, Bosch, and Dewalt handheld power planes. They probably exist for other brands.
Brian
You are required to use a vacuum with the Domino (at least currently – and there is a hose in that photo). Failure to use a vacuum will cause clogs and broken bits. So what is the advantage of a battery? Added weight? My cord and hose are one unit, so the cordless will just add a flopping cord and a pound of weight.
On the other tools, one of the advantages of Festool is the better dust collection, which is gone in the battery versions.
The trim router is different, I’m never using the vacuumed with that.
Jronman
The issue with Festool switching to CAS or AmpShare is neither system uses Bluetooth batteries. The biggest advantage of cordless Festool is wireless vac activation happens with the battery and not the tool. Every other company either is not smart enough or simply refuses to do this. Why have the feature in the battery when you can force the user to buy all new tools. Buying all new tools makes the company more money than buying a few new batteries. At the end of the day the user realistically isn’t going to bother upgrading their tools just to get wireless vac activation.