At O'SKOOL, we don't just sell tools—we use them. Then we redesign them so they don't break again.
This bowtie/butterfly inlay template is the result of that process—one built by real woodworkers, for real-world use. It's tough, smart, and damn good-looking.
We engineered this O'SKOOL Bowtie / Butterfly Acrylic Inlay Router Template with thick, ultra-clear acrylic, laser-engraved guides, and a trim-free fit—so you can create clean, accurate bowtie inlays without second-guessing anything.
We obsessed over every corner radius, every centerline mark, and every cutout, because we've been there. We've struggled with misaligned templates, cleanup chiseling, and templates that shift mid-job. So we built something better. And once you use it, we think you'll agree: this template doesn't just guide your router—it upgrades your whole workflow.
We believe bowties are one of the few techniques that merge function and aesthetics seamlessly. They're not just pretty shapes—they stop cracks from spreading, reinforce weakened panels, and add signature detail that says, "This was made with care."
Bowtie inlays have been around for centuries, showing up in everything from Japanese cabinetry to American barn repairs. Back then, they were carved by hand—carefully measured, meticulously chiseled, and matched to fit. That tradition inspired us, but we knew modern woodworkers needed a faster, more precise solution. So we brought the old-school concept into a new-school tool.
There are plenty of inlay templates out there—but let's be real, most of them cut corners. Thin plastic, poor fit, unclear markings. That's not how we roll. We built our bowtie template from 5/16" thick acrylic—that's overkill to some, but essential to us. You feel the difference the moment you place it on your workpiece. Solid. Reliable. No flex.
Our mission? Take the guesswork out of inlays. So we added laser-engraved centerlines, etched measurement scales, and radiused corners that match standard router bits. That means no chiseling. No eye-squinting alignment. Just smooth, repeatable results that make your work look like it came out of a high-end shop.
This isn't a one-and-done tool. We designed it for woodworkers who expect their gear to last. Thick acrylic means it can handle repeated clamping, sawdust, router vibrations—you name it. And because it's transparent, you'll always have full visibility of the grain, knots, or live edges below. That's crucial when you're aiming for precision and visual harmony.
We don't just want to make tools. We want to make your workflow faster, smoother, and more enjoyable. And this template? It does exactly that.
We Match the Router Profile, So You Don't Have To Clean Up
You know the drill. You cut a cavity with your router, but the corners come out rounded. So you break out the chisel and start cleaning up, hoping not to overshoot. Not anymore.
At O'SKOOL, we took those headaches out of the equation. We gave every bowtie cutout a carefully matched corner radius that lines up with the natural profile of standard router bits. So when you route your cavity, it's done.
This feature alone puts our template in a league of its own. It's clean. It's fast. It's fit to finish.
A loose bowtie doesn't hold. A sloppy cavity invites failure. That's why our template's trim-free fit is so crucial. The tighter the match, the stronger the hold.
With O'SKOOL, you get cuts that are snug, accurate, and ready to glue—without the hand-tool hassle.
Every mark on our template is laser-etched for permanence. No cheap paint. Just crisp, high-contrast lines that stay readable through years of use.
Those centerlines? We put them on both axes of every cutout. That way, whether you're working vertically, horizontally, or diagonally—you can line up your bowtie with total confidence.
Every shop setup is different, and we respect that. So we built our template with three reliable fixing options to match your style—whether you're clamping to a big slab, screwing into scrap, or sticking down to a delicate panel.
Some projects call for speed. Others demand absolute precision. And let's be honest—no one wants to mess up their work surface with unnecessary holes. That's why we made our template flexible.
Clamp it when you can. Screw it when you must. Tape it when you need to keep things clean.
This kind of versatility doesn't just make your life easier—it protects your work, saves your time, and makes the entire process feel professional.
We don't do flimsy. When we made this template, we chose 5/16" thick transparent acryli. We wanted strength, visibility, and long-term performance.
That extra thickness makes a world of difference:
The beauty of transparent acrylic is you're never guessing. You see the grain, the crack, the design line—all while placing the template. Whether you're reinforcing a natural split or creating decorative symmetry, that clarity gives you the edge.
Different projects, different needs. So we packed our template with three perfectly sized bowtie inlays—2", 3", and 4". No need to buy extra tools. No swapping templates. No clutter on your bench.
We chose these sizes based on years of real-world experience:
Each size is spaced, aligned, and labeled so you can go from one to another in seconds. You're always ready for whatever the job throws your way.
We've seen our users rescue old barnwood, reinforce heirloom pieces, and create structurally sound furniture that lasts decades. You can too.
Bowtie inlays bring serious style to your projects. Whether you're working in contrasting woods, bold colors, or subtle tones, they create a signature look that's hard to miss.
Got a crack? Highlight it. Use bowties to transform imperfections into design statements. Our users have added inlays to everything from coffee tables to custom headboards—and the results always speak for themselves.
We made this template to help you do all of that—with confidence, precision, and repeatability.
Take a tabletop, for example. We've seen cracks become art pieces with a row of bowties adding both strength and character. Got a panel that's splitting? Drop in a 4" or 3" bowtie and you've got reinforcement and visual impact in one move.
Bowtie inlays aren't just for big builds. With our 2" size, you can add detail to jewelry boxes, photo frames, gift pieces, and more.
Whether you're going bold or subtle, big or small, our template gives you the precision to execute any vision you've got in mind.
A1. We recommend using a 1/8" or 1/4" straight bit, paired with an inlay bushing kit for precision cuts. It ensures your cavity and bowtie key match perfectly.
A2.Technically, yes—but it's designed specifically for router use. You could trace the inlay and chisel it out by hand, but you'd lose the trim-free fit and time-saving benefits.
A3.Absolutely. The alignment marks, centerlines, and radiused corners all make this one of the most beginner-friendly inlay tools on the market.
A4. No, the package includes the template only. You'll need your own router bits and inlay bushing kit, which are widely available and easy to find.
A5. Yes, it's ideal for live-edge applications. The radiused design and multiple fixing methods make it perfect for uneven surfaces and natural cracks.
| Brand | O'SKOOL |
|---|---|
| Item model number | RTA011 |
| Item Weight | 9.5 ounces |
| Package Dimensions | 10" x 6" |
| Includes | (1) Bowtie / Butterfly Acrylic Inlay Router Template with 3 Sizes |
