Product Description
CMT Solid Carbide Up/Downcut Mortising Bit, 3/8 in. - DLCS Coated, Right-Hand by CMT is a professional-grade spiral compression router bit engineered for clean, chip-free cuts on both faces of panel materials. With a simultaneous upcut and downcut geometry, this solid carbide mortising bit is a go-to choice for CNC routing professionals working with plywood, MDF, laminates, melamine, and solid hardwood. The advanced DLCS (diamond-like carbon) chrome coating delivers extended tool life and enhanced load-bearing capacity, making this bit well-suited for demanding industrial and production CNC applications.
Key Features
- Solid Carbide Construction - the entire bit is manufactured from premium micrograin carbide (HWM grade), giving it superior wear resistance over carbide-tipped alternatives and allowing for multiple resharpenings without sacrificing cutting performance.
- DLCS Chrome Coating (Diamond-Like Carbon) - a modified diamond-like carbon coating with enhanced load-bearing capacity protects the cutting edges under heavy industrial CNC use, significantly extending tool life compared to uncoated carbide bits.
- Up/Downcut Compression Spiral Geometry (Z2+2) - the 2+2 tooth configuration cuts upward and downward simultaneously, shearing both the top and bottom faces of the workpiece cleanly so through-cuts in plywood, MDF, and laminates come out tear-out free on both sides.
- 3/8 in. Diameter x 7/8 in. Cutting Height - sized for precise mortising slots and narrow routing passes, with a 3/16 in. I1 cutting height for controlled entry into the material surface.
- 3/8 in. Shank, 3 in. Total Length - the standard 3/8 in. shank fits a wide range of CNC router collets and handheld routers, while the 3 in. overall length provides adequate reach for through-cuts in common panel thicknesses.
- Right-Hand Rotation - designed for standard right-hand spindle CNC machines and routers, ensuring correct chip evacuation and optimal cutting action with no special setup required.
Why This Product
- The compression spiral geometry eliminates the need for scoring passes or tape masking on finished panel materials - both faces of the workpiece come out clean in a single through-cut, saving time on plywood, melamine, and laminate projects.
- Full solid carbide construction (HWM) paired with the DLCS diamond-like carbon coating means this bit stays sharper longer under continuous CNC production use, reducing tool change frequency and downtime.
- The 2+2 tooth configuration balances chip clearance with a smooth cut finish, making it effective across a range of materials including solid hardwood, softwood, MDF, chipboard, and plastics.
- At 3/8 in. diameter with a matching 3/8 in. shank, this bit transitions easily between CNC routing machines, router tables, and handheld routers without requiring a separate collet adapter.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 190.513.41
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Solid Carbide Up/Downcut Mortising Bit
- Diameter: 3/8 in.
- Cutting Height: 7/8 in.
- Cutting Height (I1): 3/16 in.
- Total Length: 3 in.
- Shank: 3/8 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2 + 2
- Blade Material: Solid Carbide (HWM)
- Coating: DLCS (Diamond-Like Carbon)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Macro Class: Router Cutter
Approved Applications
- CNC Routing - through-cuts and mortising in production and industrial environments
- Compression cutting in plywood, MDF, and chipboard for chip-free double-face finish
- Routing laminates and melamine panels where surface tear-out is not acceptable
- Mortising slots in solid hardwood and softwood
- Panel cutting in plastic sheet materials
- Router table and handheld router applications requiring a 3/8 in. shank compression bit
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an up/downcut compression bit different from a standard upcut or downcut spiral bit?
A standard upcut spiral pulls chips upward but can cause tear-out on the top face of the workpiece. A standard downcut pushes chips down, protecting the top face but potentially leaving the bottom face rough. An up/downcut compression bit like the CMT 190.513.41 combines both geometries in a single tool - the lower portion cuts upward while the upper portion cuts downward - so both the top and bottom surfaces of the workpiece are sheared cleanly in one pass. This is especially important for through-cuts in plywood, laminate, and melamine where a finished edge is required on both faces.
What is DLCS coating and why does it matter for CNC routing?
DLCS stands for a modified diamond-like carbon coating. According to CMT, it is engineered with enhanced load-bearing capacity compared to standard coatings. In CNC routing applications, this means the cutting edges maintain their sharpness longer under continuous or heavy-duty use, reducing heat buildup and extending the overall service life of the bit. This is particularly valuable in high-production or industrial CNC environments where tool changes represent downtime and cost.
What is the difference between the Cutting Height (7/8 in.) and the I1 Cutting Height (3/16 in.) on this bit?
The total Cutting Height of 7/8 in. refers to the full length of the active cutting flutes on the bit. The I1 Cutting Height of 3/16 in. refers specifically to the length of the lower (upcut) portion of the compression geometry - the initial entry section of the bit that cuts upward to protect the bottom face of the workpiece. Understanding this distinction helps operators align the bit correctly relative to material thickness to ensure both the upcut and downcut zones engage the workpiece simultaneously during a through-cut pass.
Is this bit compatible with both CNC routing machines and handheld routers?
Yes. The 3/8 in. shank is a common collet size found on CNC routing machines, router tables, and handheld routers. The right-hand rotation is the standard direction for most router spindles. Always verify your machine's collet accepts a 3/8 in. shank and confirm your router speed range is appropriate for the bit diameter and the material being cut before use.
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