Hoffman Dovetail Joint System
(9 Products)
The Hoffmann Dovetail Joining System is a unique way of efficiently joining wood and wood related materials like MDF, plywood, particle board, etc. Most commonly, the system is used for all types of miter joints, on anything from small, applied moulding to mitered cabinet doors, base frames and furniture components. Other applications include difficult to assemble compound miter joints, as found on crown moulding around the top of cabinets, on custom store fixtures and even casket lids. Square or butt-joints are another field of application, from face-frame assembly to trim carpentry (plinth or corner block-to-casing joint). All in all, the applications are as different and numerous as the customers, from small one-man custom shops to large furniture factories, from shutter manufacturers to architectural millwork shops, from stair builders to yacht outfitters to outdoor furniture manufacturers.
The heart of the system is the Hoffmann Dovetail Key (or "Hoffmann Schwalbe" in German), a fastener in the shape of a double dovetail.
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Hoffmann CB-M is a professional level, bench-top end coping machine for precise end trimming of applied window and door mullions. Manual bench-top routing machine for end coping of applied window and door mullions and designed to produce an exact counter-profile on the ends of glazing bars when manufacturing Georgian style windows, door manufacturing and furniture. Hoffmann have developed a bench-top machine to solve this difficult manufacturing process. The Hoffmann CB-M is an adaptable bench-top model for counter-profile routing the ends of profiled glazing bars. Using opposing direction router motors it produces a counter profile cut without breakout to one side of the profile. The two router motors have variable speed control and counter-rotation (left / right). They can be adjusted for the optimum speed to suit various wood species and profile shape and therefore produce the best possible finish. Plant-on Georgian Glazing Bars Since the introduction of sealed double glazing units to the window industry, the aesthetic appearance of multi paned wooden windows has been compromised. One option was to install numerous individual sealed units into a traditionally constructed multi paned Georgian-style window. But the alternative was to fabricate a window with a full size double glazed unit, then construct a grid to represent the numerous small panes in the Georgian-style and plant this grid on the glass with a dedicated type of adhesive tape. Details Although labour intensive, this alternative method is still cost effective compared with installing individual sealed units. This grid can be created with interlocking half-lap joints but then the ends need to have a counter profile to fit the detail shape on the window frame. Alternatively all joints can be made with counter profiled ends. The machine is supplied without tooling, due to the variation of glazig bars on the market. Fitted with variable speed motors so the design enables the optimum working speed for each wood species and therefore the quality of cut.Lead Time: 8 Days£ Enquire -
The Hoffmann MU3 is the current generation of Hoffmann's well-established dovetail routing machine, replacing the MU2 with a redesigned bridge, refined ergonomics, and an extended routing depth of up to 95mm. The machine cuts the patented Hoffmann double dovetail slot — a geometry that draws both workpieces together simultaneously as the key is inserted, producing a mechanical joint that requires no additional fasteners or adhesive to remain secure. The dovetail system has been in continuous commercial use for over a decade and is recognised across the joinery and furniture industries as a reliable, high-strength method of connecting timber components. The precision of the matching slot and key geometry ensures consistent alignment across production runs. A fence elevation system accommodates high and narrow profiles, whilst the table extension can be specified to suit individual workshop requirements. An optional digital display provides precise readout of routing position and depth, reducing setup time and operator error across repeat jobs. Applications: mitre joints on architrave, door linings, picture frames, window beading, plinths, butt joints for furniture, drawer boxes, kitchen cabinet face frames Key Features: — Replaces the MU2 with redesigned bridge — updated geometry and improved rigidity over the previous generation — Extended routing depth to 95mm — accommodates deeper joints and a broader range of section sizes than the outgoing model — Material thickness capacity of 140mm standard, 170mm optional — handles substantial timber sections without requiring secondary operations — Patented double dovetail key and slot system — draws both workpieces together mechanically as the key is driven, producing a self-aligning, permanent joint — Fine router adjustment as standard — allows incremental depth setting for accurate, repeatable slot positioning — Optional digital display for routing position and depth — reduces setup time and minimises operator error on repeat production runs — Fence elevation system — enables correct positioning when routing high or narrow profiles that would otherwise be difficult to register — Table extension configurable to customer specification — supports longer workpieces and adapts to individual workshop requirements — Cornice fences and accessory range available — extends the machine's application range to complex moulding profiles without additional capital investment — 1kW motor on 230V single-phase supply — straightforward installation in workshops without three-phase infrastructure — Compact footprint — 740 × 650 × 835mm, 32kg — suitable for smaller workshops or bench-mounted use where floor space is limitedLead Time: 8 DaysList £4,450.80£2,850.00Inc Vat £3,420.00 -
The Hoffmann MU3P is a pneumatically controlled dovetail routing and jointing machine designed for professional workshop use. Each machining cycle produces a single dovetail keyway with consistent precision, supported by a heavy cast iron construction, precision linear bearings, and a galvanised steel motor carriage with integrated fine adjustment. The large, ergonomically shaped table surface provides a stable working platform for repeated production runs. Tooling is manufactured in Germany from industrial tungsten carbide to exacting specifications, with each bit subject to rigorous inspection during production. Average tool life is 6,000–10,000 cuts, varying with material type, slot length, and router feed rate. Applications: dovetail routing, panel jointing, keyway machining Key Features: — Pneumatic cycle control — consistent, repeatable dovetail keyways with each machining cycle, reducing operator variability — Heavy cast construction — structural rigidity that minimises vibration and maintains accuracy under continuous production loads — Precision linear bearings — smooth, accurate carriage travel that ensures slot geometry remains consistent across repeated cycles — Galvanised steel motor carriage — corrosion resistance and structural integrity in demanding workshop environments — Integrated motor fine adjustment — precise depth and position setting without separate tooling or time-consuming recalibration — Large ergonomically shaped table surface — stable material support and comfortable operator positioning during extended use — German-manufactured tungsten carbide tooling — clean cuts and long service life backed by rigorous inspection at point of manufacture — Guaranteed dovetail slot sizing — slots produced to the exact dimensions required for corresponding Hoffmann Dovetail Keys, eliminating fit issues — Tool life of 6,000–10,000 cuts — predictable tooling costs and reduced downtime for bit changes in production environmentsLead Time: 8 Days£4,820.00£5,784.00 -
The Hoffmann PP2 dovetail routing machine is a free standing production unit. This model is equipped with two high-speed router motors, to process two parts simultaneously. The supplied 45 degree fence plate, which is guided in a keyway in the machine table, is used to accurately position the material on the table. The locations of the dovetail slots for the Hoffmann Keys are adjusted by simply moving this fence plate. The use of the Hoffmann Key W1 can be found in the following applications Frames (picture, mirror, cassettes) Plinths (set-on) cornices Georgean window bars Drawers Per 1000 pcs Available in the following lengths: 6,0 | 10,0 | 14,0 | 18,0 | 22,0 | 30,0 | 40,0 | 50,0 | 60,0Lead Time: 8 Days£ Enquire -
The Hoffmann PU2 is a free-standing, pneumatically operated dovetail routing machine designed for production environments. A 45-degree fence plate, guided within a precision keyway in the machine table, ensures accurate and repeatable positioning of the workpiece. Slot location is adjusted by repositioning the fence plate — a straightforward mechanical adjustment that requires no additional tooling. Applications: Dovetail key jointing, frame and panel assembly, production woodworking Key Features: — Free-standing production unit — No bench space consumed; suits dedicated production line layouts — Pneumatic operation — Consistent cutting force and faster cycle times than manual operation — 45-degree fence plate — Ensures precise angular positioning of the workpiece for accurate dovetail slot location — Keyway-guided fence plate — Eliminates lateral play and maintains repeatable positioning across a production run — Adjustable fence plate positioning — Slot location is altered quickly without additional tooling, reducing changeover time — Machine table with integrated keyway — Provides a stable, referenced surface for consistent workpiece registrationLead Time: 8 Days£ Enquire -
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The Hoffmann MS35SF combines a pneumatic double mitre saw with integrated dovetail routing in a single production cycle, eliminating the separate handling steps that characterise conventional two-stage jointing processes. Two saw-motor units and two router-motor units operate simultaneously, producing exact 45° mitre cuts and routing one or two dovetail slots in each cut face in a single clamped operation. Cycle times of 4 seconds for mitre-only, 10 seconds with one dovetail, and 14 seconds with two dovetails reflect the machine's throughput potential in production environments. The machine offers three operating modes — double mitre saw only, mitre saw with single dovetail routing at position one, or mitre saw with single dovetail routing at position two — all selected via switch positions on the Siemens SPS control panel. Changes to the dovetail slot position within the mitre cut are made manually, with digital counters at each adjustment position ensuring repeatable, accurate set-up without reliance on operator judgement. Work-piece clamping is handled by eight vertical pneumatic cylinders, actuated by foot-pedal or control panel, with each cylinder independently isolated. A 45° fence stop with digital reader and magnetic tape provides precise part positioning. Dust extraction is via two 100mm diameter channels at the rear of the machine. The machine accepts Hoffmann keys in sizes W-1, W-2, and W-3, with standard tooling comprising W-2 tungsten carbide routers and TC-tipped saw blades of 350mm diameter. Router cutting depth is set by visual scale stop; router positions are set by digital counter. The aluminium-profile table and solid aluminium casting stand on an RHS steel frame with sheet steel covers provide a robust, stable working platform. Applications: picture frame and profile jointing, mitre cutting, Hoffmann dovetail slot routing, aluminium and timber profile fabrication Key Features: — Simultaneous mitre sawing and dovetail routing — eliminates secondary handling between cutting and routing, reducing cycle time and improving joint consistency — Two saw-motor units (2 × 1.8 kW, 3-phase) and two router-motor units (2 × 500 W) — both sides of the mitre are cut and routed in a single clamped cycle — Three selectable operating modes via Siemens SPS control panel — machine functions as mitre saw only, or mitre saw with dovetail routing at one of two slot positions, without mechanical reconfiguration — Cycle time from 4 to 14 seconds depending on mode — quantifiable throughput benchmark for production planning — 4 sec mitre-only, 10 sec with one dovetail, 14 sec with two dovetails — Eight-position vertical pneumatic clamping with individual cylinder isolation — consistent clamping force across the work-piece, with the ability to isolate individual cylinders for different profile sizes — Foot-pedal or control-panel clamping actuation — operator can select the most practical input method without interrupting material flow — Digital counters at all router adjustment positions — repeatable set-up without manual measurement, reducing changeover time between profile sizes — 45° fence stop with digital reader and magnetic tape — accurate, repeatable part positioning for consistent mitre length across a production run — Router cutting depth set by visual scale stop; router positions by digital counter — two independent adjustment methods matched to the precision required at each setting stage — Accepts Hoffmann W-1, W-2, and W-3 keys; standard tooling in W-2 — compatibility across the Hoffmann key range without tooling changeover for the majority of applications — 350mm diameter TC-tipped saw blades, 30mm flange; 6mm router shank — standard tooling dimensions simplify replacement sourcing and reduce spares inventory — Maximum work-piece height 100mm, width 80mm, router stroke depth 55mm — defines the capacity envelope for profile selection and machine suitability assessment — Aluminium-profile table, solid aluminium casting stand, RHS steel frame — rigid, vibration-resistant construction supporting dimensional accuracy at production volumes — Dual 100mm dust extraction channels at the rear of the machine — effective swarf and dust removal without obstructing the working area or operator access — Noise emission 85 dB in the working area — known acoustic output for workplace risk assessment and PPE specificationLead Time: 8 Days£ Enquire -
The Hoffmann MU 3-D is a manually operated dovetail routing machine designed for precise, single-cycle keyway routing using Hoffmann W-series dovetail keys. Its heavy cast construction and precision linear bearings ensure repeatable accuracy across production runs. Dual digital displays provide direct readout of both routing height and keyway location, removing the guesswork from setup and reducing the risk of misplaced joints. A galvanised steel motor carriage with integrated fine adjustment allows controlled depth setting without disturbing the workpiece. Supplied ready for operation with a W-2 solid carbide router bit fitted, the machine accepts W-0 through W-3 key sizes as standard, with W-4 capacity available via an optional larger motor. Applications: dovetail key jointing, frame assembly, furniture manufacture, cabinet making, joinery Key Features: — Heavy cast construction with precision linear bearings — maintains positional accuracy and rigidity throughout the routing cycle — Dual digital displays for routing height and keyway location — eliminates manual measurement errors and accelerates repeatable setup — Galvanised steel motor carriage with integrated fine adjustment — allows precise depth control without disturbing workpiece alignment — 885 W motor with double front bearing — provides consistent cutting power and extended spindle service life — 35,000 rpm motor speed at idle — suited to clean, precise routing in hardwoods and engineered timber — W-0 to W-3 key compatibility as standard (W-4 optional) — covers the full range of common Hoffmann dovetail key sizes from a single machine — W-2 solid carbide router bit supplied and fitted — machine is ready for immediate operation without additional tooling outlay — Standard 45-degree centre fence plate with centreline locator and square stop — ensures accurate key positioning relative to workpiece edge and corner — 1/4 inch collet — accepts standard shank router bits for straightforward tooling changes — Covered parts storage, toolkit, and manual included — all ancillary items supplied as part of the standard packageLead Time: 8 Days£3,190.00£3,828.00 -
- Key sizes W-1 / 2 / 3
- Routing depth 0-80 mm
- Dust extraction outlet 60 mm
Lead Time: 8 DaysList £2,991.60£2,350.00Inc Vat £2,820.00
