Best Inlay Templates for Router Projects and Woodworking
The best router inlay template depends on the shape you want to cut and how many sizes you need. For bowtie repairs, choose the 13-size bowtie kit for more size options or the eight-size acrylic set for a focused selection. The circle template is designed for round inlays, while the Fuyoooo kit combines bowtie templates with board-making guides. The hummingbird template is a decorative carving option rather than a standard inlay set.
| Template | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 13-in-1 Bowtie Kit | Size variety | 13 bowtie sizes, clear acrylic |
| 8-in-1 Bowtie Template | Common bowtie shapes | Eight sizes and clear scale markings |
| 13-in-1 Circle Kit | Round inlays | 13 circle sizes |
| Fuyoooo 14-Piece Kit | Mixed woodworking tasks | Bowtie and board guides |
| Hummingbird Template | Decorative carving | Single wildlife design |
13-in-1 Bowtie Router Jig Kit
This kit is best for woodworkers who want a broad range of bowtie sizes in one template. Its 13-size selection provides more options than the eight-size sets in this roundup, which can be useful when matching the inlay to a crack, split, or decorative layout.
The template is described as 10 by 7.9 inches and made from hardened clear acrylic with a thickness of 1/4 inch. Its all-in-one design is intended to save storage space while providing working room and tolerance during setup. The listing says it can be used with a router inlay kit or similar kits.
Choose this if size variety is your main priority. Limitation: The listed shapes are bowties, so this is not the pick for circle inlays or a large collection of unrelated template designs.
Eight-Size Bowtie Inlay Template
This template is best for buyers who need a straightforward selection of butterfly or bowtie shapes. It includes eight sizes, from 1 inch to 3 inches, with several intermediate sizes listed. That range supports choosing a shape proportionate to the repair or decorative detail.
The template is made from reinforced, hardened clear acrylic and is listed as 1/4 inch thick. Clear scale markings are intended to improve visibility and help with accuracy while positioning the template.
Better for a focused bowtie project than a kit with many template categories. Limitation: It offers fewer sizes than the 13-in-1 bowtie option and does not include circle templates or handle guides.
13-Size Circle Inlay Router Template
This kit is best for woodworkers planning round inlays rather than butterfly-shaped repairs. It provides 13 circle sizes in an all-in-one template, giving buyers multiple diameters to choose from for decorative work.
The product is listed at 10 by 7.9 inches and 1/4 inch thick, and its hardened clear acrylic construction allows the work surface to remain visible through the template. The listing says it can be used with a router inlay kit or similar kits.
Choose this if your project calls for circles and you want several size choices. Limitation: This is a circle template, not a bowtie set; check that your router inlay setup is suitable before buying.
Fuyoooo 14-Piece Router Template Kit
This kit is best for makers who work on charcuterie boards and trays as well as bowtie inlays. Its listed contents include six handle guides, two tray and board edge templates, a 5-in-1 grab-handle jig, an eight-size bowtie template, woodworking tape, and three marking pens.
The rectangular transparent acrylic templates are approximately 0.2 inches thick. Protective film is included to help prevent scratches during shipping and can be removed before use. The bowtie template includes eight sizes from 1 inch to 3 inches.
Better for mixed board-making tasks than a dedicated inlay-only kit. Limitation: The bowtie template has eight sizes, not 13, and the kit’s many guides may be unnecessary for someone focused only on inlays.
Acrylic Hummingbird Router Template
This template is best for a decorative wildlife design, not for standard bowtie or circle inlays. It is a single hummingbird shape cut from 5 mm acrylic, with smooth, flat edges. The listed dimensions are 5.59 by 6.69 inches, with a note that manual measurements may vary by a few millimeters.
The seller describes it as part of a wildlife design series and says it can be used for carving projects. Its single, detailed motif can suit a project where the decorative shape matters more than a selection of repair-inlay sizes.
Choose this if you want a hummingbird outline for decorative work. Limitation: It supplies one design and does not provide multiple bowtie or circle sizes.
Buying Guide: How To Choose A Router Inlay Template
Which shape does your project need?
Start with the inlay shape. Bowtie templates are suited to butterfly-shaped details, while circle templates provide round outlines. A wildlife template such as the hummingbird option serves a different decorative purpose. Match the template geometry to the project before comparing size counts.
How many sizes should you look for?
More sizes give you more options for matching an inlay to a repair or design, but they are useful only if they include the dimensions you need. The bowtie options here offer eight or 13 sizes; the circle kit offers 13 circle sizes. Check the listed range and individual dimensions rather than relying on the size count alone.
What material and thickness are listed?
Clear acrylic lets you see the work area through the template. The bowtie and circle kits are listed as 1/4 inch thick, while the Fuyoooo kit describes templates approximately 0.2 inches thick. Consider the stated dimensions when planning how to position and secure a template. The listings do not establish compatibility with every router or inlay kit.
Do you need a dedicated template or a multipurpose set?
A dedicated bowtie or circle template keeps the selection focused on one shape. The Fuyoooo kit includes handle, tray-edge, and board guides alongside bowtie sizes, making it more relevant to varied board projects. If you only plan inlay work, compare the included shape and size range before choosing a multipurpose set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a router inlay template used for?
A router inlay template guides a router along a selected outline so the woodworker can create a matching recess or shape for an inlay. The specific outline depends on the template.
Are bowtie and butterfly templates the same type?
The product listings use “bowtie” and “butterfly” for the same general inlay-template category. Check the listed shape and dimensions to confirm the style and size you want.
Does a clear acrylic template guarantee router compatibility?
No. Clear acrylic describes the template material, not compatibility with every router setup. The listings advise use with an inlay kit or similar kits in some cases, so verify your setup before purchase.
Which option is best for round inlays?
The 13-size circle template is the option in this selection specifically described for circle inlays.
Which kit includes board-making guides as well as inlay templates?
The Fuyoooo 14-piece kit includes bowtie templates, charcuterie-board handle guides, tray and board-edge templates, tape, and marking pens.