Product Description
CMT Solid Carbide Upcut Spiral Router Bit - 5/16" x 1" x 3", 1/2" Shank, Right-Hand Rotation by CMT is a precision-ground spiral routing tool engineered for clean, efficient material removal in deep pockets, through-cuts, and CNC routing applications. Built entirely from a special super-micrograin carbide formulation, this 2-flute upcut spiral bit is designed to shear wood fibers cleanly while ejecting chips upward and away from the cut - keeping the work surface clear and the tool running cooler during demanding routing operations.
Key Features
- Super-Micrograin Solid Carbide Construction - A special super-micrograin carbide formulation produces and holds a keen cutting edge longer than standard carbide, meaning fewer interruptions for tool changes and more consistent results over the life of the bit.
- Low-Angle Upcut Spiral Geometry - The new low-angle spiral is designed specifically to shear wood cleanly and provide efficient chip ejection, pulling chips up and out of the cut so heat and debris do not accumulate in deep slots or pockets.
- Runs Cooler, Lasts Longer - The combination of super-micrograin carbide and the low-angle spiral design allows the tools to run cooler and the edges to last longer, reducing wear on both the bit and the workpiece surface.
- 2-Flute Design - Dual cutting flutes deliver a balance of chip clearance and surface quality, making this bit well-suited for hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic routing tasks.
- 1/2" Shank for Rigid Tool Holding - The 1/2" shank diameter provides a secure, low-vibration connection in compatible routers and CNC spindles, supporting accurate cuts and reduced chatter even at aggressive feed rates.
- Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - Standard right-hand rotation is compatible with the vast majority of handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines, making this bit a direct fit for most professional setups.
Why This Product
- The super-micrograin carbide formulation is purpose-built to hold a sharp edge through demanding routing cycles - making it a strong choice for production CNC routing environments where tool life directly affects output quality and cost per part.
- The upcut spiral geometry continuously clears chips upward out of the cut, which is especially valuable in deep pocket routing and through-cut operations where chip buildup would otherwise cause burning, deflection, or surface damage.
- With a 1" cutting height and a 3" total length on a 1/2" shank, this bit handles deeper cuts with greater reach than shorter bits while maintaining the rigidity needed for accurate routing in hardwoods and dense sheet goods.
- The low-angle spiral shears wood fibers rather than tearing them, resulting in cleaner bottom-face finishes - an advantage when routing visible surfaces in solid hardwood, plywood, or melamine where surface quality matters.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 191.501.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Solid Carbide Upcut Spiral Bit
- Diameter: 5/16"
- Cutting Height: 1"
- Total Length: 3"
- Shank: 1/2"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: Solid Carbide (Super-Micrograin)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- CNC Routing
- Through-Cuts
- Deep Pocket Routing
- Chip Evacuation Routing in Deep Slots
- Solid Hardwood Routing
- Softwood Routing
- Plywood and Sheet Good Routing
- MDF and Chipboard Routing
- Laminate and Melamine Routing
- Plastic Routing
Compatible Machines
- CNC Routing Machine
- Router Table
- Handheld Router
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes an upcut spiral bit different from a downcut spiral bit?
An upcut spiral bit pulls chips upward and out of the cut as it rotates, which promotes efficient chip evacuation in deep slots and pockets and helps keep the cutting zone cool and clear. This geometry produces the cleanest finish on the bottom face of the workpiece. A downcut spiral, by contrast, pushes chips downward and is better suited for a clean top-face finish. This CMT upcut spiral is best chosen when chip clearance and bottom-face quality are the priority.
What is super-micrograin carbide and why does it matter for router bits?
Super-micrograin carbide is a specially formulated grade of carbide with an exceptionally fine grain structure. According to CMT, this formulation produces and holds a keen cutting edge more effectively than standard carbide grades, which means the cutting edges remain sharp through more routing cycles. The result is longer tool life and more consistent cut quality before resharpening is needed.
Is this bit compatible with a standard router table or handheld router?
Yes. This bit has a 1/2" shank and right-hand (RH) rotation, which is the standard configuration for most handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines equipped with a 1/2" collet. Always verify that your specific router or spindle accepts a 1/2" shank before mounting any bit.
What materials can this upcut spiral bit cut?
This solid carbide upcut spiral bit is suited for routing solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic. The low-angle spiral design shears rather than tears material, which is particularly beneficial when routing denser or more brittle materials such as melamine or laminate-faced panels.
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