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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
  • Mastery Joinery Dovetail Set

  • Reviews
CLICK to see all SEVEN Master Joinery Samples

Includes the MLCS steel Dovetail jig, six templates, three bushings and six router bits!

SAVE up to $119! 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

SAVE $119. List price $339.45.

#6401........ SALE $219.95

Master Joinery Set with
1/4" and 1/2" bits

SAVE $111 List price $340.95.

#8701.........SALE $229.95


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: (7 reviews)
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    instructions (3/5), Feb 7, 2016

    By Michael McGuire (Vicksburg Mi US)

    Instructions are horrible at best.should have spacers for 1/2" stock
    I like the unit though engineering could have been much better


    Master Joinery System (5/5), Apr 23, 2013

    By GERMAN SANCHEZ (LAREDO TX US)

    THIS IS ONE EXCELLENT PRODUCT AND VERY GOOD QUALITY.

    REGARD.
    GERMAN SANCHEZ
    WOODWORKER HOBBY


    Good value (3/5), Feb 13, 2013

    By Peter Butzin (Tallahassee FL US)

    The biggest plus for this system is that it is reasonably priced. With practice and patience it will produce the desired joinery.

    Based on several years of using the system. However, a few words of caution are in order.

    First the written directions are really bad. I actually had to download the instructions for the Porter Cable dovetail machine and templates to figure out how to use the MLCS System. Although the products are quite different those instructions supplemented those that came with the system. I notice that videos are now available, which likely area big improvement.

    Second, the bars don't hold the stock vary well. I improved the machine by adding some steel reinforcing bars at my local hardware store. The fix was easy, and reaulted in stiffening the bars, but I would have preferred to have avoided the need for modification in the first place.

    Third, the knobs that are used to tighten those flimsy bars have failed several times. If you over-tighten, the metric nuts within the plastic knobs strip. But, it's easy to over-tighten, because it's almost impossible to adequately hold the stock in place. Because the knobs are metric, the only source I was able to find was by calling MLCS, which, thankfully, is able to provide replacements at a reasonable cost. (Incidentally, if the stock slips even slightly, the process will fail miserably.

    The bottom line is that if MLCS provided a beefed up system for holding the stock in place, even if those improvements cost a few extra dollars, I would have given this item 5 stars. There are better jigs out there, but they are much more expensive. I'm satisfied that I have made lots of drawers and several pieces of fine furniture using the MLCS System


    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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    MLCS "Dovetail" Jig and Individual Templates

    MLCS Dovetail Jig
    • MLCS Dovetail Jig

    • Video
    • Reviews

    Includes 12" Steel Jig plus:

  • 1/2" half blind aluminum template
  • 1/2"-14° dovetail CT router bit
  • 5/8" router guide bushing
  • Detailed instruction manual
  • NEW VIDEO! Includes 5/8" router guide bushing and self-spacing edge guides. Sets up fast! This easy to use solid aluminum template and steel jig is precisely machined 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" thick drawer sides and 5/8" to 1" thick drawer fronts (up to 12" high).

    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 perfect offset for precise joint alignment. The detailed instruction manual guides you from initial setup through final assembly.

    Half Blind Templates Manual (PDF)

    MLCS Dovetail Jig

    SAVE $28! Dovetail Jig with 1/4" shank bit. List price $107.90.

    #6411 .....................$79.95

    SAVE $28! Dovetail Jig with 1/2" shank bit. List price $108.40.

    #8711.......................$79.95

    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

    Additional templates for the MLCS Jig:

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    Born 20 minutes ago (5/5), Feb 12, 2019

    By Mikaol Daley (AMES IA US)

    Unless you were born 20 minutes ago or can't remember the adage, "When all else fails, read the instructions," you don't know what a find this jig is! It makes life easy even for someone who's all thumbs like me. It's cliche but it's true that it'd be cheap at twice the price.


    Retired mechanic and garage owner (5/5), Feb 16, 2017

    By Charlie Blanton (Greenville Te US)

    I looked at a lot of jigs and decided on this one from MLCS. Glad I did. This one is easy to set up and operate. If you cannot set up and run this jig you have no business wood working. Just read and follow the instructions and you will be amazed at what a fine piece of equipment you have purchased. My only regret is I cannot give it 6 stars!


    MLCS "Dovetail" Jig (5/5), Jun 16, 2016

    By Charlie McIntire (Thompsons Station TX US)

    Once you set it up and tune it in, it works great..


    Worth the work (4/5), Jun 13, 2016

    By Michael Raugh (Laurel MD US)

    Received this as a gift a year or so ago. I had a very hard time with it at first because the instructions weren't clear and I had a heck of a time trying to tighten the front clamp knobs because the plastic knobs for the clamp bar kept hitting the ends of the threaded rods for the template when I clamped 1/2 inch stock. Gave up, set it aside for a while until I had a project where I wanted a lot of dovetailed drawers.

    After attaching a piece of 5/16" scrap stock to the back side of the front clamp bar and a pair of nylon washers under the knobs, I can now tighten the front bar without scraping the template position studs. Very careful re-reading of the manual and a couple hours of fiddling, testing, and adjusting got me to where I could reliably, accurately produce a drawer box with half-blind 1/2 inch dovetails at each corner in about 10 minutes. Once I got it dialed in it stayed that way and proved very quick and easy to use.

    Any time you change the setup for a different joint type you should expect to have to spend time tweaking and adjusting and making test joints until the fit is right. That's true of ANY dovetail jig. Follow the manual's advice, and once you have it set up just right grab a block of wood and trace the outline of the template on it so you can return to that setting easily later.

    I knocked off one star for the annoying front clamp problem and for leaving it up to me to figure out how to adjust the spacer to get a clean half pin at the start of the joint. Otherwise, though, now that I've had a chance to get to know the jig and use it for real, I'm quite happy with it.


    Gary Bell (5/5), Mar 5, 2015

    By Gary Bell (Newtojn ks US)

    Seriously impressed with the value! Just received it. IT works great!


    Basic Dovetail Jig (4/5), Jan 3, 2013

    By Daniel Penn (Ava MO US)

    This dovetail jig works well but it took a long time to set up, but once I got it set up it worked well for the price.
    I used it for making six oak drawers for an entertainment center. I would recommend this jig if you were not going to use it very much because it is fairly time consuming to use. it is a very basic jig with no bells and whistles, the clamping system is less than ideal but seems to work ok. the adjustments are fairly straight forward but not super easy to adjust.


    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 MLCS Dovetail Jig

    • Reviews

    Solid Aluminum accessory template.

    SAVE $8 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

    SAVE $8 1/4" diameter carbide tipped 8° Dovetail Router Bit included (1/4" shank). 5/16" OD guide bushing required (not included- item #9048). Ind. price $43.95.

    #6407.......................$35.95

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    half blind 1/4" dovetail template


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    • Through Dovetail Template Set for the MLCS Dovetail Jig

    • Reviews

    Solid Aluminum accessory templates.

    SAVE up to $19 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)

    Through Dovetail Template Sets

    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

    Ind. price $77.90 SAVE $18

    #6403..........................$59.95

    With two 1/2" shank router bits

    Ind. price $78.90 SAVE $19

    #8703..........................$59.95

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    Dovetail template (5/5), Apr 22, 2018

    By Kenneth Cole (Staten Island NY US)

    I couldn't make a good dovetail(by hand) to save my life. I bought the template and on the first try did a great job. I'm very pleased with this.
    I screwed the template to a block of wood just like John Nixon said to do in the video.


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    • Box Joint Templates for the MLCS Dovetail Jig

    • Reviews

    Solid Aluminum accessory templates.

    SAVE up to $10 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)

    1/4" Box Joint Template

    SAVE $7 With 1/4" shank, 1/4" dia. straight router bit. 3/8" OD guide template required (not included- Item #9047).
    Individual price $42.90

    #6408............................$35.95

    1/2" Box Joint Template

    SAVE $10 With 1/4" shank, 1/2" dia. straight router bit. 5/8" OD guide template required (not included- Item #9049).
    Individual price $45.90.

    #6409............................$35.95

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    MLCS Pins & Tails 1/2 blind Dovetail Jig (2/5), Jan 14, 2009

    By Robert Schick Sr (Telford Pa US)

    Why don,t you supply the 5/8" bushing with the kit? I can,t make any jigs without the 5/8" bushing.

    MLCS NOTE: The product description does note that the required 5/8" Guide Bushing is not included. This is to save cost for customers who may already have this bushing.


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    • Brass Template Guides

    • Reviews
    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 7/16" OD. $9.95
    #9046 For 5/8" OD $9.95

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     MLCS Brass Template Guide

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    • Dovetail Marker

    • Reviews

    You'll need this marker if you're cutting dovetails by hand.

    MLCS Dovetail Marker is a very handy tool that can mark dovetails up to 1" long and has two ratios: 1:5 for softwood and 1:8 for hardwood. Cutting dovetails by hand can be a daunting task. This dovetail marking gauge makes laying out the angles simple and precise.

    Dovetail Marker
    #9307....................................$10.95
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     MLCS Dovetail Marker

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    new requirement (5/5), Mar 7, 2016

    By ashish pokar (hyderabad te IN)

    Want this product for 2" wood


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