The Bernardo KNF 1 dovetail mortising machine offers a 0.85 kW 230V single-phase motor, 32,000 rpm rotation speed, 6 mm cutter holder diameter, 0-55 mm routing depth, 380×220 mm table dimensions, 185 mm max profile width, 95 mm max clearance, 390 mm guide length. It performs one dovetail cut per stroke with manual control and manual workpiece clamping. Suitable for quick and economical connections on wooden frames for picture frames, segmented arches, windows, and custom structures in small and medium series. Weight 10 kg. Manufactured in Austria, distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
-
Rotation speed: 32,000 rpm
-
Motor: 0.85 kW – 230V single-phase
-
Cutter holder diameter: 6 mm
-
Routing depth: 0 – 55 mm
-
Table dimensions: 380 × 220 mm
-
Max profile width: 185 mm
-
Weight: 10 kg
Who uses the KNF 1 and for what
The Bernardo KNF 1 is a manual routing machine sized for the rapid creation of dovetail joints on wooden frames. The design principle is simple: the workpiece is clamped manually, the router makes one cut per stroke, the operator releases and repeats. The 32,000 rpm and 0.85 kW motor ensure clean routing on standard wood types (oak, fir, beech) without chipping. The 6 mm cutter holder diameter accommodates standard W-2 dovetail cutters in various lengths depending on the material. The adjustable guides allow precise workpiece positioning, with a maximum profile width of 185 mm and a clearance of 95 mm. In Krollit customers' workshops, it is chosen by artisanal carpentry shops that produce frames, segmented arches, windows, custom structures, and by carpenters who perform glue-free dovetail joints for small and medium series. Its 10 kg weight and compact dimensions of 400×620×535 mm make it transportable to construction sites for on-site assembly and repairs.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The KNF 1 is the entry-level model in Bernardo's KNF family for dovetail joints. Above it is the KNF 2 (weight 16 kg, dimensions 400×500×730 mm), which performs two cuts simultaneously in a single operation, sized for joints on wider elements (handrails, corner benches, arches). The practical difference between KNF 1 and KNF 2: the KNF 1 performs one cut per cycle (simpler, more economical), the KNF 2 performs two (faster for repetitive symmetrical work). Same 0.85 kW motor and same 6 mm cutter holder diameter: the difference is in the machine's geometry (single cutter vs. double cutter). For standard production of simple frames and structures, the KNF 1 is correctly sized. For series production of symmetrical joints on large pieces, the KNF 2 halves the time. For general wood routing (not just dovetail joints), the Bernardo range offers vertical spindle moulders Toupie T (T 500 PR, T 600 R, T 650, T 1300, T 1300 E) with different purposes.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days to the South). At 10 kg, it is shipped in a single protective package and can be easily handled by one person, even on a construction site. W-2 dovetail cutters, side guides, and original Bernardo spare parts available from stock with 3-5 working day shipping. Customer support available in Italian.
Who is the KNF 1 for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Woodworking enthusiast hobbyist |
Recommended |
Works on domestic 230V single-phase, 10 kg weight, compact dimensions. For hobby production of frames, structures, small wooden structures, this is the dedicated machine. |
| Artisanal carpentry shop |
Recommended |
For small and medium series of frames, segmented arches, windows, structures. Solid connections without glue thanks to the dovetail joint geometry. |
| Carpenter / installer on site |
Recommended |
The 10 kg weight and dimensions of 400×620×535 mm make it transportable for on-site joints. Simple manual operation without the need for complex setups. |
Not suitable for: high-volume series production with symmetrical joints (the KNF 2 halves the time); general wood routing not for dovetail joints (the Toupie T are universal routers); very hard tropical woods with wide dovetail cutters (check for sufficient routing depth); pieces over 185 mm profile width or over 95 mm clearance.
Routing capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Cutter holder diameter |
6 mm |
| Routing depth |
0 – 55 mm |
| Max profile width |
185 mm |
| Max clearance |
95 mm |
| Guide length |
390 mm |
Table
| Specification |
Value |
| Table dimensions |
380 × 220 mm |
Motor and speed
| Specification |
Value |
| Rotation speed |
32,000 rpm |
| Motor power |
0.85 kW |
| Power supply |
230V – 50Hz – single-phase |
Control
| Specification |
Value |
| Control |
Manual |
| Workpiece clamping |
Manual |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
400 × 620 × 535 mm |
| Weight |
10 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo KNF 1 router
- 1 W-2 type dovetail cutter
- 45° angular guide
- 2 side guides
- Manual clamp
Frequently asked questions
Can I make truly solid glue-free dovetail joints?
Yes. The geometry of the dovetail joint creates a self-locking mechanical interlock: the joint resists tension and bending without the need for adhesives. It is the traditional technique for solid wood frame joints.
The dovetail joint uses the angle (typically 7-12°) between the joint walls: once inserted, the piece cannot slide back due to its geometry. With cutters of adequate length for the material and correct depth, the connection achieves strengths comparable to solid wood. For very hard tropical woods, it is recommended to check the cutter length and adjust the feed speed.
What is the difference with a standard spindle moulder?
Toupie T machines are for general routing (profiling, tenoning, grooving, shaping). The KNF 1 is dedicated exclusively to dovetail joints: machine geometry optimized for that single operation.
Specialization offers advantages: very fast setup (the cutter is already in the correct position), lower cost than general Toupie machines, ergonomics optimized for the specific operation. The disadvantage: a different machine is needed for every other routing operation. For workshops that make many dovetail joints, the KNF 1 is correctly sized; for general routing, the Toupie T machines are more suitable.
Is the included W-2 cutter sufficient or do I need a set?
The included cutter is sufficient to start. For regular production, it is recommended to have different length cutters suitable for various wood types: shorter cutters for hard woods (beech, oak), longer for soft woods (fir, pine).
The dovetail cutter has a useful length that determines the maximum depth of the cut. Cutters that are too long on hard woods can break due to heat generated by friction; cutters that are too short on soft woods do not utilize the available depth of the machine. Original Bernardo replacement cutters are available from stock with 3-5 working day shipping.
Does it work on any domestic 230V outlet?
Yes. The 0.85 kW motor typically draws about 4-5 amps in operation, well below the 16A of a standard outlet. It works on any residential line.
Its low power consumption makes it compatible with use in artisanal workshops, garages converted into workshops, and construction sites with generator outlets or residential lines. For continuous production use, a suitably sized extension cable (at least 1.5 mm²) is recommended to limit voltage drops.
How long does a complete cut take?
For a standard dovetail joint on soft wood, the complete cycle (positioning + routing + release) takes 5-15 seconds. On hard woods, the cycle extends to 15-30 seconds.
The rate depends on the sustainable feed speed of the operator and the wood type. For series production of the same geometry (e.g., standard frames), the rate stabilizes after the first few dozen pieces. The KNF 1 with a 45° angular guide allows for angled cuts for 45° joints (corner frames) without repositioning the cutter.
