Wood Inlays with Router: 6 Best Kits and Templates for 2026

By Claire Whitaker

Updated November 2026

If you want to add decorative accents to furniture, boxes or cutting boards, wood inlays with router work is one of the most rewarding techniques you can learn. The right kit or template makes the difference between tight, clean joints and gaps you have to fill with glue. This guide compares six inlay kits and template sets based on what matters most: the shapes they cut, the bit and bushing quality, how well the template fits common router bases, and how much setup each one requires. Each pick is matched to a specific need so you can choose the one that fits your projects.

Our Top Picks

The six products below were selected using a research-based method: we reviewed manufacturer specifications, the reputation of each brand within woodworking circles, and patterns in owner feedback about fit, bit sharpness and template durability. We have not tested these products ourselves, so treat the specs as manufacturer-stated and check the listing before you buy.

Quick Comparison

71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit for 1/4 Templates

71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit for 1/4 Templates for High RPM Routing, Includes 1/8" Carbide Router Bit/Cutter + 1/4" Shank, Universal Bushing, Retainer Nut, Collar and Alignment Pin

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Best for: General inlay work with standard 1/4-inch template systems.

This kit suits woodworkers who already own or plan to buy a set of 1/4-inch guide templates and want a complete bit and bushing package in one listing. It is a sensible starting point for most inlay projects.

Key specs

• 1/8-inch carbide router bit
• 1/4-inch shank
• Universal bushing, retainer nut, collar and alignment pin included

Pros

• Complete package with the bit and all required hardware
• Universal bushing system works with common template designs
• Alignment pin helps keep repeat cuts consistent

Cons

• Templates are sold separately, so you need a compatible set
• Owners often recommend a slow feed rate on hardwoods

Bottom line: A strong first choice for anyone who wants a full bit-and-bushing setup for standard inlay templates.

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13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit – Bowtie, Butterfly Inlay & Decorative Templates

13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit – Bowtie, Butterfly Inlay & Decorative Templates – 10 x 7.9 inches

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Best for: Decorative shapes and multi-pattern projects.

Woodworkers who make boxes, cabinet accents or decorative panels and want to switch between many shapes without buying separate templates will find this kit useful.

Key specs

• Thirteen template patterns in one kit
• Template size listed at 10 x 7.9 inches
• Bowtie and butterfly inlay designs included

Pros

• Wide variety of shapes in a single purchase
• Useful for decorative accent work on boxes and panels
• Large template body gives room for clamping

Cons

• Some owners find the smaller patterns fiddly to align
• Bit selection is not included, so you need a matching inlay bit

Bottom line: Best for makers who value shape variety and plan to work on decorative projects regularly.

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8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking, Bowtie Router Template Jig Kit

8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking, Router Jig Bowtie Template for Woodworking, Bowtie Router Template Jig Kit, Butterfly Inlay Template Decorative

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Best for: Budget-minded hobbyists exploring shapes.

This set is a practical choice for beginners who want to experiment with bowtie and butterfly inlays before committing to a larger system.

Key specs

• Eight template designs in one kit
• Bowtie and butterfly inlay patterns included

Pros

• Lower-commitment way to try several inlay shapes
• Covers the most common decorative inlay patterns
• Good for learning layout and router control

Cons

• Fewer patterns than larger multi-template kits
• Owners often note the plastic body needs careful handling

Bottom line: A sensible pick for hobbyists who want variety and are still building their inlay skills.

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Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Inlay Kit

Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Inlay Kit: 1/8 Inch Cutting Diameter, RD1600, 1/16 Inch Inside Corner Radius, Standard Inlay Kit

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Best for: Precise, repeatable inlay work.

Woodworkers who care about tight fits and clean inside corners, such as those making marquetry-style accents or fitted bands, will appreciate the specifications on this kit.

Key specs

• 1/8-inch cutting diameter
• 1/16-inch inside corner radius
• Solid brass inlay kit format

Pros

• Small inside corner radius supports detailed layouts
• Whiteside is a long-established name in router bits
• Solid brass construction is durable for repeat use

Cons

• Requires a compatible template and bushing setup
• Less beginner-friendly than kits with included frames

Bottom line: Best for woodworkers who want a professional-leaning kit and already understand template setup.

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71333 Inlay Router Bit Bushing Set for 1/4 Templates High RPM Routing

71333 Inlay Router Bit Bushing Set for 1/4 Templates High RPM Routing, Includes 1/8" Carbide Spiral Bit + 1/4 Shank – Universal Quick Change Bushing, Retainer Nut, Collar, Alignment Pin

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Best for: High-RPM routers and quick bushing changes.

This set is aimed at users who run a variable-speed router at high RPM and want quick-change bushings for switching between templates and cutting depths.

Key specs

• 1/8-inch carbide spiral bit
• 1/4-inch shank
• Quick change bushing and retainer nut

Pros

• Quick-change bushing speeds up template swaps
• Spiral carbide bit is suited to clean cuts in hardwood
• Alignment pin supports repeatable positioning

Cons

• Shares many features with the other 71333 listing, so compare carefully
• Templates are not included

Bottom line: A good match for experienced users who want fast bushing changes on a high-RPM router.

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Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame – Woodworking Templates

Bow Tie Inlay Kit – Decorative Inlay Creation – Inlay Templates – 3-in-1 Kit – Precision Frame Included Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame – Woodworking Templates

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Best for: Beginners who want a guided setup.

The included precision frame and three-in-one template make this kit approachable for first-time inlay makers who want a clear, repeatable process.

Key specs

• 3-in-1 template design
• Precision frame included
• Bow tie inlay format

Pros

• Frame helps position the workpiece accurately
• Three-in-one template reduces the number of parts to manage
• Rockler is a well-known woodworking supplier

Cons

• Narrower shape selection than multi-pattern kits
• Owners sometimes need extra clamps for larger panels

Bottom line: The most approachable choice here for beginners who want a guided, frame-based workflow.

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Buying Guide

Bit size and shank

Most inlay work uses a 1/8-inch cutting diameter bit, and many kits pair it with a 1/4-inch shank for stability. Check that the shank fits your router collet. A 1/4-inch shank is widely used in hobby and small-shop routers. Smaller shanks can flex more at high speed, which leads to chatter and rough walls.

Good picks for this: 71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit for 1/4 Templates, Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Inlay Kit

Template system compatibility

Inlay templates usually work with a guide bushing that rides along the template edge. Confirm that the bushing diameter and template thickness match. Many systems use a 1/4-inch template standard, but always verify before buying. Mismatched bushings are one of the most common causes of misfit inlays.

Good picks for this: 71333 Inlay Router Bit Bushing Set, 71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit

Number of shapes and patterns

If you plan to make a wide range of decorative accents, a kit with many template designs saves money over time compared with buying individual templates. If you only need one shape, a focused kit is simpler to learn and store.

Good picks for this: 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit, 8 in 1 Router Templates for Woodworking

Corner radius and detail

Router bits cannot cut sharp inside corners. The bit radius sets the smallest inside corner your template can produce. A smaller radius allows finer detail but may require more careful feed control. Check the corner radius specification when comparing kits for intricate work.

Good picks for this: Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Inlay Kit, 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit

Router compatibility and speed

Inlay bits are often used at high RPM. Check the maximum speed rating of your router and the bit. Running a small-diameter bit too slowly can burn wood, while running it too fast on a small router can strain the motor. Follow the speed guidance printed on the bit packaging and your router manual.

Good picks for this: 71333 Inlay Router Bit Bushing Set, 71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit

Frames, clamps and workholding

A frame or jig that locks the workpiece in place makes repeat cuts far more consistent. If you are new to inlay work, a kit with an included frame reduces the number of decisions you need to make. Experienced users may prefer to build or adapt their own holding system.

Good picks for this: Rockler 3-in-1 Bow Tie Inlay Kit w/Frame

Durability and care

Solid brass template bodies generally hold up better than thin plastic under repeated use. Carbide bits stay sharp longer than high-speed steel in most hardwoods. Clean pitch and resin off bits after each session, and store templates flat to prevent warping.

Good picks for this: 71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit for 1/4 Templates, Whiteside 9500 Solid Brass Inlay Kit

FAQ

What wood works best for wood inlays with router?

Contrasting hardwoods are the most common choice. Maple, walnut, cherry and padauk give strong visual contrast. Keep both the inlay and the base wood at similar moisture content and thickness to reduce movement after glue-up.

Do I need a router table for inlay work?

Most inlay work is done with a handheld router and a template that rides on the workpiece. A router table can help with some layouts, but a handheld setup with clamps is common for bowtie and butterfly inlays.

How deep should an inlay be cut?

Set the bit depth to match the thickness of your inlay material, usually in shallow passes. Making several passes of increasing depth reduces burning and tear-out and gives a cleaner wall.

Why do my inlay pieces fit loosely or too tightly?

Loose fits often come from bushing and bit diameter mismatches or a template that shifted during routing. Tight fits can result from wood swelling or cutting the inlay slightly oversize. Test-fit on scrap before cutting your final pieces.

Can I use these kits with a plunge router?

Yes, a plunge router is well suited to inlay work because you can set depth precisely and plunge in at the start of each cut. Make sure the template bushing fits the base plate of your router.

Is professional training required to do inlays safely?

Inlay work is accessible to hobbyists, but routers spin fast and can kick back if controlled poorly. Wear eye and hearing protection, secure workpieces firmly and read your router manual. For complex or production work, consider guidance from a qualified woodworking instructor.

Conclusion

For most woodworkers starting with wood inlays with router, the 71333 Router Bits Solid Brass Inlay Kit offers a complete bit and bushing package that suits standard templates. If you want shape variety, the 13-in-1 Woodworking Router Jig Kit covers more decorative patterns. Budget-minded makers can start with the 8 in 1 Router Templates, while those seeking precision may prefer the Whiteside 9500 kit. The Rockler 3-in-1 kit with frame is the most guided option for beginners, and the 71333 bushing set suits high-RPM routers that need fast swaps. Match the kit to your router, your shape needs and your experience level.

For more on setup and safe use, see Wood Router Power Tool Guide: Choose, Set Up and Use One Safely (2026) and 7 Best Wood Router Inlay Templates for Decorative Work (2026). If you want to explore related jig and flattening techniques, How to Flatten a Wood Slab with a Router: A Step-by-Step Guide and Wood Router Table Combo: How to Choose and Build One Step by Step (2026) are useful next reads.

Sources

• Workplace guidance on power tool guarding, eye protection and safe operating practices (osha.gov)
• Consumer safety information on power tool use and injury prevention (cpsc.gov)
• Wood species properties and working characteristics for hardwoods

Related reading

• Wood by Wright Router Plane Compared: 7 Best Picks for 2026

About Claire Whitaker

Claire Whitaker is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.