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Master Joinery Sets | Through Dovetail Sets | MLCS Dovetail Jig | Half Blind | Box Joint | Through | Fast Joint System


MLCS "Dovetail" Templates

The Master Joinery Set is a complete joinery solution. Make half-blind dovetail, through dovetail and box joints. Includes 6 templates, 3 bushings, and 6 router bits!
MLCS Master Joinery Set
  • Master Joinery Dovetail Set
  • Through Dovetail Templates
  • Video

CLICK to see all SEVEN Master Joinery Samples
The Master Joinery set includes our steel jig, 6 templates, 3 bushings and 6 router bits!
MLCS self spacing edge guides allow precise offset for perfectly aligned joints. Includes our 12" steel jig, six solid aluminum templates, three guide bushings (5/16", 3/8" and 5/8"), six carbide tipped router bits (1/4"-8°, 1/2"-14°, 3/4"-14° dovetail and 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" straight) and detailed instruction manual. The steel beams of our dovetail jig secure both work pieces snugly. Since both sides of the half-blind dovetail joint are cut at the same time, a perfect fit is assured for each joint. Detailed instructions are included for each template and joint.

Master Joinery Set with 1/4" bits
#6401 SAVE $46................$199.95


Master Joinery Set with 1/4" & 1/2" bits
#8701 SAVE $46................$199.95


The Master Joinery Set makes these joints:
  • 1/2" wide half blind dovetails spaced 27"/32" on center for 1/2" to 1" thick drawer sides and 5/8" to 1" fronts up to 12" high
  • 1/4" wide half blind dovetails for 1/4" to 1/2" thick drawer sides and 5/16" to 1/2" fronts up to 12" high
  • 3/4" wide through dovetails spaced
    1-1/8" on center for 1/2" to 3/4" thick stock
  • 1/4" wide box joint with wood stock.
    1/4" to 1/2" thick
  • 1/2" wide box joint with wood stock.
    1/4" to 1" thick
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    Average Customer Rating: (4 reviews)
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    Master Joinery Dovetail Jig and Template System (5/5), Apr 10, 2012

    By Ronald Rivera (Lima PE)

    No comment.

    wood art (5/5), Dec 26, 2011

    By Mostafa-Dilmaghani (Tabriz Kh IR)

    No comment.

    MASTER JOINERY SYSTEMS (1/5), Sep 3, 2010

    By Rex Williams (Cabot AR US)

    Will not work on 1/2" stock without working on this item.

    MLCS NOTE: As noted in the Instruction Manual included with this product, additional spacers can be used when thin stock cannot be clamped due to the positioning and size of knobs. Our technical department also provided the customer other options for resolving this issue with his particular application.

    #1 Master Joinery System (3/5), Feb 10, 2010

    By Bill Eckle (Columbus Oh US)

    The jig and the templates are top notch. The reason I have given this only 3 stars is because the manual is terrible. The photograpic references are so out of focus that you can't see what they are trying to show so following setup instructions is difficult to say the least. The text is somewhat vague so without good illustrations it's difficult to set the jig up.

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    FREE! Floating Night Table project plans made with MLCS Through Dovetail Templates
    Get Two Carbide Tipped Router Bits and a 5/8" Brass Guide Bushing for FREE!
    An easy to use, inexpensive tool for making classic through dovetails, a joint that is the hallmark of fine craftsmanship. Made of sturdy cast aluminum and cuts either 3/4" wide tails, 1-1/8" on center or 1" wide tails, 2" on center. For stock thickness from 1/2" to 7/8" (max).After a one time initial setup, simply clamp the jig in place on each board, and rout the pins and tails. There is no limit to the length of board you can dovetail, and by shifting the jig, you can create variable spaced or extra wide dovetails. The FREE 5/8" Router Guide Bushing works with any router that has a router baseplate with a 1-3/16" center hole. For other size center holes see #9099 Universal Router Plate, or Router Replacement Bases which allows you to use the brass bushing. See Wood Magazine 2002 review. See March 2007 Wood Magazine for most recent review. Free Instructions.

    Pins & Tails Dovetail Instructions (PDF)
    Large & Small Through Templates Set
    Includes two aluminum templates, two FREE carbide tipped router bits a 5/8" Brass Guide Bushing. LIST $399.95
    With two 1/4" shank bits
    #6414............................... $89.95
    With two 1/2" shank bits
    #8714............................... $89.95

    Small Through Dovetail Template Set
    Includes: 15" long template with 3/4" wide tails and 1-1/8" on center, plus 2 FREE router bits and 5/8" guide bushing. LIST $199.95
    #6412 1/4" shank bits...............$49.95
    #8712 1/2" shank bits................$49.95


    Large Through Dovetail Template Set
    Includes: 16" long template with 1" wide tails and 2" on center, plus 2 FREE router bits and 5/8" guide bushing. LIST $199.95
    #6413 1/4" shank bits...............$49.95
    #8713 1/2" shank bits...............$49.95


    MLCS Pins and Tails Through Dovetail Templates

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    Average Customer Rating: (10 reviews)
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    Excellent product (5/5), Nov 9, 2011

    By Joe Loshniowsky (Evans Ge US)

    I would recommend this template set to anyone looking for a quick & easy way to do dovetails.
    Likes:
    -tear out was minimal (compared to my other 2 dovetail jigs).
    -setup was a breeze.
    -very good quality 'feel'.
    -simple to understand
    Dislikes:
    -should have purchased sooner.

    Buy it, you won't be disappointed.

    Simple Tool with Great Results (5/5), Sep 30, 2011

    By Tom Orchanian (Blairsville GA US)

    The template came today (very quick shipping) and set-up took only a few minutes. I had previously prepared the mounting block. I planed the block to precisely 2 7/8 which proved to be a critical measurement. Assembly and set-up is much easier than the video makes it appear. I added a clamp down board to the bottom of the jig to make attachment to a bench easier. From the first joint the dovetails were perfect. Tight and perfectly square. On my 3/4" pine test stock I couldn't ask for a better joint. The real test of course will be on thinner stock and hardwoods.

    My only complaint is that the tails are bigger than I would like. They seem about the right size for something like a toy chest, but kind of clunky for a jewelry box or similar.

    I recommend this tool. If everything worked this well my output would be a lot better.

    Great buy (5/5), May 19, 2011

    By Charlie Kraft (SF Bay Area Ca US)

    I purchased the small MLCS fixture. This jig delivers as promised and at a very reasonable price. It is easy to set up and works as advertised. I assembled it per the instructions and, after a minor adjustment, the dovetails come out precise with a nice fit. I would recommend this as an inexpensive way to make professional looking dovetail. I am amazed how easily this one went together and how great the results are.

    Great tool (5/5), Mar 30, 2011

    By Mitch Tucker (Marietta GA US)

    I purchased the small template in 2009. I was making perfect dovetails in about 2 hours! This beats doing it by hand when you have several joints to build. This a valued addition to my tool box. I intend to purchase the large template after this review.

    cabinet maker (5/5), Oct 13, 2009

    By S. Armoogum (Quartier Militaire MU)

    very very interesting, after seeing the dovetail video, i am impressed with the every details shown in making a dovetail joint

    Great job !!!

    S. Armoogum

    Mauritius.

    Works as advertized (5/5), Jun 26, 2009

    By Walt Jones (West Chester PA )

    It takes a little time with the initial setup since a minute shift of the template can make a significant difference in the fit.Follow the instructions and it's hard to miss.

    Price is right on, performance is even better. (5/5), Feb 26, 2009

    By Dave Hostetler (League City Te US)

    I want to put the caveat here that the 5 stars is in regards to WHAT THIS IS. It is NOT an all encompassing adjustable ready to go no user action needed jig. It is a TEMPLATE SET. Meaning you must make your own jig out of it.

    The quality of the components is simply put, unsurpassed. This is first rate stuff. Well machined, good thick sharp carbide, good well machined templates, and guide bushings are top notch. The instructions are likewise clear and easy to follow unlike the poorly translated Chinese instructions of many of our current tool vendors

    The video that MLCS includes on setting up your mount block and all is first rate as well. I HIGHLY recommend using the T track / stop block setup. This makes repeatable cuts much easier.

    im happy (5/5), Feb 18, 2009

    By Chuck adams (levittown pa US)

    Just got my template two days ago and on the 2nd try (literally), i hit an almost perfect joint.

    Definitely a good addition to the shop, good deal for the price.

    OLL (5/5), Dec 13, 2008

    By Anonymous ( EE)

    No comment.

    Pins & Tails Through DT Templates (4/5), Oct 15, 2008

    By Masrol Sumairi (Kuala Lumpur WP MY)

    Bought Large & Small templates in Nov 2006.

    With the aid of clear and easy to understand instructions, making the mounting block was a snap.
    The good thing :
    1.The jig is so easy to build.
    2.The price is right.
    3.No limitation to the width of the workpiece.
    4. Overall - it's a great stuff.

    Managed to cut clean and snug fit DT joint the very first time.
    By making the jig my self, I understand the technique & procedure of cutting dovetail joints using router & template much better.

    Thanks.

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    Set-up and instruction video for Through Dovetail Templates


    MLCS "Dovetail" Jig and Individual Templates

    MLCS Dovetail Jig
    • MLCS Dovetail Jig
    • Individual Templates for the Dovetail Jig
    • Brass Templates Guides

    With self-spacing edge guides!
    Includes the 12" MLCS steel jig, 1/2" half blind aluminum template, a carbide tipped 1/2"-14° dovetail router bit, and detailed instruction manual.

    Sets up fast! This easy to use solid aluminum template and steel jig are machined precisely for creating strong, secure and accurate half blind dovetail joints or half-blind rabbeted dovetail joints. This is the perfect solution for sturdy boxes and drawers with the classic dovetail joint design.The solid aluminum template is CNC machined. The steel beams secure both work pieces snugly. Works for 1/2" to 1" drawer sides and 5/8" to 1" drawer fronts (up to 12" in width).

    Since you cut both sides of the half-blind dovetail joint at the same time, a perfect fit is assured for this joint. Self-spacing edge guides allow proper offset for precise joint alignment. Detailed instruction manual guides you from initial setup through final assembly. 5/8" router guide bushing (not included) is required (see #9049 bushing nut/kit).

    Half Blind Templates Manual (PDF)

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    The MLCS Dovetail Jig makes these joints with the included half blind template:
  • 1/2" wide half blind dovetails (regular or rabbeted) spaced 27"/32" on center for 1/2" to 1" thick drawer sides and 5/8" to 1" front, up to 12" high
    • Half Blind 1/2" Dovetail Template and Steel Jig
    MLCS Dovetail Jig
    Includes: Half-Blind Template, Steel Jig and a FREE 14° dovetail carbide tipped router bit. LIST $149.95
    #6406 1/4" shank bits................$59.95
    #8706 1/2" shank bits................$59.95

    all customer reviews and ratings

    Average Customer Rating: (4 reviews)
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    Director (5/5), Mar 31, 2012

    By Igor Naumenko (Kyiv UA)

    No comment.

    Half Blind Jig (5/5), Mar 24, 2010

    By DRAGAN KNEZEVIC (BOVEC 5230 SL SI)

    the best machine in my workshop

    Great product! (5/5), Jan 5, 2010

    By zach nelson (Duluth mn US)

    I have nothing bad to say about this jig. For the money it could not be easier and more straight forward. Thanks MLCS!!

    Correction (4/5), Jan 28, 2009

    By William Jenner (Lexington Park MD US)

    I have clarified instruction issues and I should have been a little more specific in my review. cant beat quality and price. overall product works well.

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    Half Blind 1/4" Dovetail Template for the
    MLCS Dovetail Jig
    Solid Aluminum accessory template. Create decorative and secure half-blind or Rabbeted half-blind dovetail joints on small drawers or boxes. Self-spacing edge guides are included to provide the proper offset for precision joint alignment. Works for 1/4" to 1/2" drawer sides and 5/16" to 1/2" thick drawer fronts (up to 12" in height).

    Manual for Half Blind 1/4" template (PDF)

    1/4" Half Blind Dovetail Template
    1/4" diameter carbide tipped 8° Dovetail Router Bit included (1/4" shank). 5/16" OD guide bushing required (not included- item #9048).
    #6407........................................$35.95



    half blind 1/4" dovetail template
    Through Dovetail Template Set for the
    MLCS Dovetail Jig
    Solid Aluminum accessory templates. Make a classic through dovetail joint, a joint that is the hallmark of fine craftsmanship, with our 2 pc accessory templates. These templates produce a 3/4" tail that is spaced 1-1/8" on center. Perfect for making decorative secure joints on drawers and jewelry boxes. Requires a 5/8" router template guide bushing (not included- Item #9049 ). For stock thickness from 1/2" to 7/8" (max).

    Manual for Through Dovetail Set (PDF)

    Throuugh Dovetail Template Set
    FREE carbide tipped 3/8" straight and 3/4" 14° dovetail bits included. 5/8" OD guide bushing required (not included- Item #9049 ).
    With two 1/4" shank router bits
    #6403........................................$59.95
    With two 1/2" shank router bits
    #8703........................................$59.95



    half blind 1/4" dovetail template
    Box Joint Templates for the
    MLCS Dovetail Jig
    Solid Aluminum accessory templates. The box joint or finger joint is one of the best general purpose joints. Make small wooden boxes, tool boxes and utility drawers with decorative exposed corners. Box joints are quick and easy to make and are very strong. Free 1/4" shank straight bit is included with each box joint template. 1/4" template can be used with stock thickness of 1/4" to 1/2". 1/2" template can be used with stock thickness of 1/4" to 1". Complete instructions included.

    Manual for Box Joint Templates (PDF)

    Box Joint Templates
    With 1/4" shank, 1/4" dia. Straight router bit
    3/8" OD guide template required
    (not included- Item #9047).
    #6408........................................$29.95
    With 1/4" shank, 1/2" dia. Straight router bit
    5/8" OD guide template required
    (not included- Item #9049).
    #6409........................................$29.95



    half blind 1/4" dovetail template
    Brass Template Guides
    Kit #Type Price  
    #9049 For 1/2" dovetails and 1/2" box joints. 5/8" OD $9.95
    #9048 For 1/4" dovetails. 5/16" OD $9.95
    #9047 For 1/4" box joints. 3/8" OD $9.95
    #9045 For letter templates. 7/16" OD. $9.95
    #9046 For letter templates. 5/8" OD $9.95

    MLCS Brass Template Guides