Lovetails

Instructions

> Cut end piece(s) first with a pocket cut in 1/8" depth increments, then finish with an inside cut around the heart-shaped pins. When probing to establish the location of the end pieces, the origin is at the lower left corner. > When probing to establish the location of the side pieces, the origin is at the upper left corner. After probing, make sure to install a backer board to avoid tear-out around the points of the hearts. The first cut on the side piece(s) is a pocket cut in 1/8" depth increments. On the final pass, go about 0.020" deeper to make sure the cut goes through the stock. Finish with an inside cut around the heart-shaped sockets. Before removing the side piece, check the joint clearance by fitting the end piece into the side piece sockets and trim as required. > I find trimming 0.003" leaves a very snug fit; you may want to trim a little more for gluing. The heart-shaped pins in this joint are 3/4" apart. The template file contains SVG elements - left, center and right. With an appropriate drawing program, you can snap the pieces together to create any size joint - in 3/4" increments.