A double dovetail—also called an inlaid dovetail—is a decorative joint made with two dovetail operations and a contrasting wood insert. The WOOD magazine method builds the first half-blind dovetail, flushes the inlay to the tail board, then routes and assembles a second dovetail. The sequence is precise, but the process is manageable when you follow the selected pattern’s setup diagram and verify the fit on scrap before cutting your box parts.
What makes a double dovetail different?
This is not an ordinary dovetail cut twice in the same way. The first dovetail joins the box side and introduces a contrasting inlay; after that inlay is glued in and made flush, a second dovetail operation creates the finished layered effect. The joint’s appearance depends on the pattern you select and on keeping the setup consistent through both operations.
WOOD magazine’s tutorial, updated February 10, 2025, describes a system offering 38 joint patterns, including seven double-dovetail patterns. Those counts refer to the tutorial’s system and are distinct from the 29 dovetail patterns listed on INCRA’s LS Standard System product page.
Tools and materials for the featured method
The tutorial uses an INCRA router-table system with a router and dovetail bits. That is the equipment path for this particular workflow, not a requirement for every way of making an inlaid dovetail.
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- CREATE FLAWLESS DOVETAIL JOINTS: This 12-inch dovetail jig with a half-blind dovetail and through dovetail template makes it easier than ever to craft those elegant dovetail joints that elevate your woodworking projects. Create stunning drawers, boxes, and small furniture pieces with precision and speed
- COMPLETE KIT: This comprehensive kit includes everything you need to get started: (1) template for half-blind, rabbeted half-blind, and sliding dovetails; (1) template for through dovetails and box joints; (1) 13/32" straight bit; (1) 17/32" dovetail bit; (2) dedicated bushing guides; (1) allen wrench
- EASY SETUP & ADJUSTMENT: The templates are engraved with alignment lines for easy setup, and the built-in router bit depth adjustment knob allows for quick and accurate depth setting
- VERSATILE & SECURE: Accommodates stock from 1/4" to 1-1/8" thick and up to 12" wide. The quick-clamp system ensures secure clamping of both pin and tail boards
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- Four box sides.
- Contrasting inlay stock at least 8 inches long.
- Three scrap test pieces.
- A router, dovetail bit or bits specified for the chosen pattern, and a router-table positioning system compatible with the method.
Rip the box sides, inlay stock and test pieces to the same width. The selected pattern’s owner’s-manual diagram—not a generic bit or stock measurement—determines the appropriate bit, stock thickness and setup.
Equipment and reference options
INCRA describes its LS Standard System as a router-table fence system with lead-screw positioning, scales, a stop, a right-angle fixture and a template library. Its product page lists 29 dovetail patterns that can be cut as half-blind, through, sliding or corner-post joints. These are manufacturer specifications, not a claim that all 29 are double-dovetail patterns. See INCRA’s LS Standard System details.
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- ADJUSTABLE DOVETAIL JIG: The 1-piece aluminum layout ensures both ends of the dovetail joint match up evenly, and the integrated clamping design accommodates any board width. Our machine is ideal for indoor and outdoor projects and household repairs.
- JOINT BOX: Our set includes 1 dovetail joiner tool and a single 14-degree, 1/2" dovetail router bit for use with a hand table or table router. The user's manual gives beginners and professionals a guide for easy operation when using the parts.
- WOOD MARKER: Professionals and novices can make half-blind or through dovetail joints, including box joints. It has various applications like repairing, making it a handy and necessary tool to own among your other hand and power accessories.
- DOVETAIL JIGS FOR WOODWORKING: Complete a professional carpentry fixture with our professional-quality saw. You can easily adjust the micro jig interface to create loose or tight joints, and the control knobs promise comfortable and accurate use.
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INCRA’s Master Reference Guide with Templates is a supplementary reference; the manufacturer says it includes step-by-step instructions for double and double-double joints. Availability and pricing are not established here.
Set up and test before routing the box
- Choose a pattern. Select a double-dovetail pattern in the system owner’s manual and use its diagram for the bit, stock thickness and setup information.
- Prepare the stock. Bring the box sides, inlay piece and three scrap test pieces to the same width.
- Set the bit height and test the fit. Make test cuts in scrap, adjusting the setup until the joint fits as intended.
- Center the bit on the workpiece. Confirm the bit is positioned for the chosen pattern before routing the project parts.
- Lock in the setup. Once the fit is right, do not change the bit height during the sequence.
Test cuts are central to this method: they let you confirm how the selected pattern fits your actual stock before the box sides are at risk.
Rank #3
- For Half-Blind Dovetail Joints: This dovetail jig comes with a 1/2" half-blind template, making it ideal for crafting small furniture items like drawers. Create beautiful, precise half-blind dovetail joints quickly and efficiently. With all the accessories included, you can jump straight into your project right out of the box.
- 1/2" Dovetail Router Bits: Looking to create strong and stylish dovetail joints? These two 1/2" router bits of dovetail jig are just what you need. Dovetail joints made with these bits are built to last, thanks to their unique shape that keeps your pieces tightly connected. No more worrying about your joints coming apart—these bits help you get the job done right every time.
- Easy Operation: No fuss, no muss—just push the handle of the dove tail jig, and the eccentric wheel design does the rest, clamping your wood securely in place. Say goodbye to shifting and hello to precision! Plus, this dovetail router jig handles thick wood—up to 1.57 inches on top and 1.42 inches on the side.
- 12" Processing Width: Whether you're crafting a large piece or something smaller, the dovetail jig with wide processing width (5.5"-12" on top and 5.9"-11" on the side) has you covered, greatly increasing the dove tailing jig's versatility. More width means more possibilities for your woodworking projects.
- Sturdy and Durable: Made from quality aluminum alloy with an electrostatic spray finish, this dove tailing jig is corrosion and rust-resistant and not easily deformed or damaged, making it ideal for various woodcraft production and processing. The precise tooth spacing ensures that every cut is clean and accurate—because details matter!
Route and assemble the double dovetail
Follow the selected pattern’s manual diagram and the tutorial’s order of operations. The dimensions and settings belong to that pattern and system; they should not be transferred blindly to another bit, stock thickness or positioning setup.
- Route the first set of tails.
- Route grooves in the inlay pin board.
- Crosscut the inlay pieces.
- Glue the first pins and tails together.
- Sand or plane the inlay flush with the tail board.
- Trim the tails.
- Rout a rabbet on the inside face.
- Route the second set of tails.
- Route the final pins.
- Cut a groove for the bottom panel before assembling the box.
Keep the setup consistent as you work through both dovetail operations. The inlay must be flush before the later routing steps, and the bottom-panel groove belongs before box assembly.
Rank #4
- For All Your Dovetail Joint Needs: Get flawless joints with our versatile dove tail jig for half-blind, through, sliding, and dovetail joint processing! Use the 1/2" through template for large projects like wardrobes and coffee tables, or the 1/2" half-blind template for smaller items like drawers. Need precision for compact furniture? The 1" through template is your go-to for drawers and small cabinets.
- 5 Handy Router Bits Included: Why limit yourself? This dovetail jig for woodworking comes with 5 different sizes of straight and dovetail router bits, that allows you can tackle everything from milling shallow grooves, straight edges, flat surfaces, bevel joints, and wedge joints for various woodworking tasks.
- Easy Operation: No fuss, no muss—just push the handle of the dove tail jig, and the eccentric wheel design does the rest, clamping your wood securely in place. Say goodbye to shifting and hello to precision! Plus, this dovetail router jig handles thick wood—up to 1.57 inches on top and 1.42 inches on the side.
- 12" Processing Width: Whether you're crafting a large piece or something smaller, the dovetail jig with wide processing width (5.5"-12" on top and 5.9"-11" on the side) has you covered, greatly increasing the dove tailing jig's versatility. More width means more possibilities for your woodworking projects.
- Sturdy and Durable: Made from quality aluminum alloy with an electrostatic spray finish, this dove tailing jig is corrosion and rust-resistant and not easily deformed or damaged, making it ideal for various woodcraft production and processing. The precise tooth spacing ensures that every cut is clean and accurate—because details matter!
What the published prices do—and do not—tell you
WOOD magazine’s February 10, 2025 update gave historical equipment figures for its featured setup. They are not current quotes, and the fully equipped system figure excluded the router and bits.
| Item | Figure reported | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Fully equipped INCRA system | $1,245 | WOOD magazine article-era figure; router and bits were additional. |
| LS Positioner fence and extended tabletop | About $515 | WOOD magazine article-era figure, updated February 10, 2025. |
Current prices and availability are not established by those article-era figures.
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- 【Aluminum Alloy Right Angle Spline Fixture】The right-angle spline jig is made of aluminum alloy, NC processing, anodized, with a solid structure, reliable, durable and wear-resistant, not easy to deform or break, and long service life.
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Why careful setup matters
The tutorial’s practical emphasis is repeatability: choose a documented pattern, test the fit using matching scrap, center the bit, and preserve the successful height setting. The contrasting insert and second routing stage make the sequence less forgiving of casual setup changes, so use the manual and scrap tests as the reference for your specific stock and pattern.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
