# Split to fit-add dovetails for alignment?
**URL:** https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567
**Category:** Modeling Questions
**Created:** [September 2, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567 "2026-09-02T22:56:54Z")
**Posts on this page:** 9
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@rlfd07](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/rlfd07)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2026, 10:56pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/1 "2026-09-02T22:56:54Z")
I am not well versed in CAD at all. I am trying to split a parametric molle panel so I can fit it on my bed. It has a solid part that runs down the center where I’d like to add a series of dovetail joint so I can joint it after printing. I there an easy way to do this? Or am I going to have to draw each one separately?
[https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new](https://support.shapr3d.com/hc/en-us/requests/new)
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### Author:  [@Xdrakosha](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Xdrakosha)
#### Post date: [September 2, 2026, 11:02pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/2 "2026-09-02T23:02:45Z")
It would be nice to see at least one screenshot to get a better understanding of the issue. But I don’t think there’s any need to draw each connection separately; you can use patterns instead.
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### Author:  [@rlfd07](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/rlfd07)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 2:23am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/3 "2026-09-03T02:23:50Z")
Obviously given that its 20 inches across and 11 inches wide, I’ll need to split it 4 times to fit on my P1P. Its about 6mm thick. Ideally I’d like to do a row of dovetail joints down the middle part, I haven’t figured out how to best cut it along the cell borders. I’m hoping to use this inside the lid of one of my rolling toolboxes to mount items.
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### Author:  [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 2:45am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/4 "2026-09-03T02:45:08Z")
How much weight?
Are you okay with gluing it?
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### Author:  [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 3:10am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/5 "2026-09-03T03:10:30Z")
With the small sketch on the bottom edge of the main body, I extruded the top 2 bodies. I intersected one at a time from the main body (Leave original). 🤷♂️ That would be my approach.
If you flip the left part no overhangs or supports needed. A tiny offset of the faces on one side where they meet the other (0.1 - 0.15 mm) should make them fit snug and be glueable.
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### Author:  [@rlfd07](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/rlfd07)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 3:35am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/6 "2026-09-03T03:35:50Z")
I have no problem gluing it, but would like dovetails so it’s stronger and aligned.
Thank you.
Tammy Brundige
Retired United States Air Force
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### Author:  [@Oregonerd](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/Oregonerd)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 3:52am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/7 "2026-09-03T03:52:50Z")
Similar process can be used for dovetails. Very small dove tails don’t do well in printing because printers do not do sharp corners very well.
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### Author:  [@TigerMike](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TigerMike)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 4:09am UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/8 "2026-09-03T04:09:30Z")
I think @Oregonerd’s approach is simple and suggests minimal tweaking for a nice fit. As far as alignment you can add a rib and notch midpoint. For gluing I recommend using E6000 or Weld-On16.
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### Author:  [@TheBum](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/u/TheBum)
#### Post date: [September 3, 2026, 9:08pm UTC](https://discourse.shapr3d.com/t/split-to-fit-add-dovetails-for-alignment/41567/9 "2026-09-03T21:08:38Z")
If you’re using Orca Slicer, you can cut and add connectors right in the slicer without having to design it into the project.
[ ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZOH6XkUPU)