Product Description
CMT 310.052.12 Dowel Drill - 13/64" x 1 1/16" x 2 17/64" Left-Hand by CMT is a precision-engineered, carbide-tipped boring tool built for clean, flat-bottom blind holes in panel processing and cabinet production environments. Designed for left-hand rotation, this short-series dowel drill is optimized for use on multi-spindle CNC boring machines and panel processing centers where consistent bore quality and chip evacuation matter. The two-flute, negatively ground spur geometry produces smooth bore walls and accurate hole dimensions in chipboard, MDF, hardwood, plywood, laminates, and coated panels - making it a dependable choice for high-volume furniture and cabinetry applications.
Key Features
- Tungsten Carbide (HW) Cutting Material - the hard metal tip maintains a sharp cutting edge through demanding production runs in abrasive materials like chipboard and MDF, reducing the frequency of tool changes and keeping cycle times down.
- Negatively Ground Spurs - the precision-set spur geometry scores the perimeter of each hole cleanly before the flutes clear material, delivering flat-bottom blind holes with minimal tearout and crisp bore walls on laminates and coated panels.
- Two-Flute Design - dual flutes balance cutting load and chip evacuation efficiently in blind hole applications, maintaining hole geometry without excess heat buildup in the workpiece.
- Left-Hand (LH) Rotation - engineered specifically for left-hand spindle positions on multi-spindle boring heads and CNC boring centers, ensuring the drill cuts and ejects chips in the correct direction for paired boring operations.
- 10 x 27mm Parallel Shank - the standardized shank with driving flat provides a secure, positive drive fit in boring machine collets and adapters, preventing slippage during aggressive feed rates.
- Short-Series Length (57.5mm Total) - the compact overall length reduces overhang and vibration at the spindle, contributing to straighter, more accurately positioned holes in close-tolerance panel drilling layouts.
Why This Product
- For cabinet shops and furniture manufacturers drilling left-hand spindle positions, this drill pairs precisely with right-hand counterparts on opposing spindle heads, enabling accurate simultaneous boring without repositioning the panel.
- The carbide (HW) construction stands up to the abrasive content in chipboard, MDF, and HDF that rapidly dulls high-speed steel alternatives - meaning fewer tool changes and more consistent bore quality across a production shift.
- Negatively ground spurs deliver clean entry and exit on laminated and coated panels, reducing the risk of surface chipping that would require rework or waste finished material.
- The short-series 57.5mm length and 10 x 27mm shank are matched to standard CNC boring center spindle formats, making this a direct-fit replacement or expansion drill for common multi-row boring head configurations.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 310.052.12
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Dowel Drill
- Diameter: 5.2mm (13/64")
- Cutting Height: 27mm (1 1/16")
- Total Length: 57.5mm (2 17/64")
- Shank: 10 x 27mm
- Number of Flutes: 2
- Number of Spurs: 2
- Sharpening: Negatively ground spurs
- Blade Material: HW (Tungsten Carbide)
- Rotation: Left-Hand (LH)
- Series: Short Series
Approved Applications
- Chipboard and particle board panels
- MDF (medium-density fiberboard)
- HDF (high-density fiberboard)
- Hardwood and softwood
- Plywood
- Laminates and coated panels
- Plastics
- Multi-spindle CNC boring machines
- CNC boring centers
- Panel processing centers
- Boring machines with adapter or chuck
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this drill have left-hand rotation, and how do I know if I need it?
Left-hand (LH) rotation drills are used in the left-hand spindle positions on multi-spindle boring heads. On most opposing-spindle boring machines and CNC boring centers, spindles on one side of the head turn left-hand while those on the other turn right-hand. Using an LH drill in an LH spindle position ensures correct cutting direction, proper chip evacuation, and accurate hole geometry. Check your machine's spindle rotation specification or consult your boring head layout before ordering.
What does "negatively ground spurs" mean and why does it matter for panel work?
Negatively ground spurs are precision-set scoring edges at the outer perimeter of the drill tip. They pre-score the hole circumference before the main cutting flutes remove material. This is especially important when drilling into laminates, coated panels, and veneered surfaces, where a standard drill tip can chip or tear the surface finish. The negatively ground spur geometry produces a clean, defined hole perimeter with flat-bottom blind holes and smooth bore walls.
What is the shank size and is this drill compatible with standard boring machine spindles?
This dowel drill features a 10 x 27mm parallel shank with a driving flat. This shank format is a widely used standard in multi-spindle CNC boring centers and panel processing machines. The driving flat provides a positive, non-slip connection to the spindle collet or chuck, maintaining accurate positioning even at higher feed rates. Confirm your machine's spindle accepts a 10mm shank before installation.
What material is the cutting tip made from, and how does that affect tool performance?
The cutting tip is made from HW - tungsten carbide (also referred to as hard metal or TCT). Tungsten carbide is significantly harder and more wear-resistant than high-speed steel, making it well suited for abrasive engineered wood products like chipboard, MDF, and HDF that quickly degrade softer tool materials. This means the cutting edge holds its geometry longer between sharpenings, supporting consistent hole quality over extended production use.
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