Make an inlay#

An inlay is two cuts on two boards: a socket (female) and a plug (male) that fits it.

You need: an end mill and a V-bit. A taper also works, but leaves a visible hairline gap. An end mill as the finishing tool gives flat walls instead of sloped ones.

Cut the socket#

1. Select your design.
2. Under CAM Operations, click Inlay.
3. Set Roughing Tool (End Mill) and Finishing Tool (your V-bit).
4. Set Inlay Depth and Glue Gap.
5. Under Generate, pick Female.
6. If Invert appears, read the line under it. Make sure it names the right part as the plug.
7. Click Generate Female Toolpath.

Cut the plug#

1. Open Inlay again with the same design selected.
2. Keep the same Finishing Tool.
3. Under Generate, pick Male.
4. Tick Mirror if the design has text or isn't symmetrical.
5. Click Generate Male Toolpath.

Cut it on the second board.

Glue up#

1. Flip the plug and press it into the socket with glue.
2. Let it cure.
3. Plane or sand down to the socket board's face.

The export review warns you if the plug doesn't match the socket.

Related: Why inlays fit · All Inlay settings