Product Description
CMT 368.050.12 Dowel Drill for Through Holes by CMT is a precision-engineered, left-hand rotation boring bit designed for drilling clean through holes in wood panels and composite materials. With a 5mm (13/64") diameter, a 43mm (1 11/16") cutting height, and a 70mm (2 3/4") overall length, this long-series through-hole dowel drill is built for demanding production environments where accurate, splinter-free bores are required in chipboard, MDF, hardwood, plywood, and laminates. The 8x20mm parallel shank with driving flat ensures positive engagement in multi-spindle CNC boring machines and panel processing centers, making it a go-to choice for cabinet shops and industrial woodworking operations alike.
Key Features
- Tungsten Carbide (HW) Cutting Material - carbide-tipped construction delivers exceptional edge retention and long tool life even in abrasive materials like MDF, chipboard, and coated panels, reducing downtime and regrinding frequency.
- Left-Hand (LH) Rotation - engineered specifically for left-hand spindle positions on multi-spindle boring machines, ensuring the correct cutting geometry is engaged for clean entry and exit without fiber tearing.
- Long-Series Design (70mm Overall Length) - the extended 2 3/4" body reaches through thick panel stock where standard-length bits fall short, making it well suited for through-hole boring on thick substrates in a single pass.
- 43mm (1 11/16") Cutting Height - generous cutting length accommodates deep through-hole drilling, allowing the bit to pass completely through typical cabinet panels without repositioning or stepping down.
- 2-Flute Geometry - dual flutes balance chip evacuation and cutting pressure, producing smooth bore walls and consistent hole quality at production boring speeds.
- 8x20mm Parallel Shank with Driving Flat - the standardized shank format is compatible with a wide range of multi-spindle CNC boring heads and adapter chucks, providing secure torque transfer and minimal runout.
- 60 deg. Through-Hole Sharpening Geometry - the precision-ground point angle is optimized for through-hole applications, promoting flat-sided entry and a clean exit cut with minimal panel blowout.
Why This Product
- Designed explicitly for through-hole boring - not blind-hole work - this bit's long-series length and 60 deg. sharpening geometry solve the common problem of tearout on the exit face of a panel, delivering production-quality results on both faces of the workpiece.
- The left-hand rotation specification makes this bit a direct, drop-in solution for LH spindle positions on multi-spindle CNC boring machines and panel processing centers, eliminating the guesswork of adapting a right-hand bit to the wrong spindle orientation.
- Carbide (HW) construction means this bit holds its edge significantly longer than high-speed steel alternatives when cutting abrasive engineered panels like MDF, chipboard, and laminates - critical for high-volume cabinet and furniture production runs.
- The standardized 8x20mm shank with driving flat integrates directly with industry-standard boring machine chucks and adapters, making installation fast and secure in production settings where changeover time matters.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 368.050.12
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 5mm (13/64")
- Cutting Height: 43mm (1 11/16")
- Total Length: 70mm (2 3/4")
- Shank: 8x20mm
- Number of Flutes: 2
- Rotation: Left-Hand (LH)
- Blade Material: Tungsten Carbide (HW)
- Sharpening: Through holes 60
- Product Type: Through-Hole Dowel Drill - Long Series
Approved Applications
- Chipboard and particleboard panels
- MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and HDF
- Hardwood and softwood solid panels
- Plywood and engineered wood products
- Laminates and coated panels
- Through-hole boring on multi-spindle CNC boring machines
- Through-hole drilling on panel processing centers and CNC boring centers
- Boring machines equipped with an adapter or chuck accepting an 8x20mm shank
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a through-hole dowel drill and a blind-hole dowel drill?
A through-hole dowel drill - like this CMT 368.050.12 - is ground with a geometry optimized to enter and exit completely through a panel, producing a clean bore on both faces. The 60 deg. sharpening angle on this bit is specifically configured for that purpose. A blind-hole bit is designed to stop at a precise depth inside the panel without breaking through the back face.
Why does this bit have a left-hand (LH) rotation, and how do I know if my machine needs it?
Multi-spindle boring machines and CNC boring centers typically have both right-hand and left-hand spindles arranged in a fixed pattern to bore multiple holes simultaneously. Left-hand spindle positions require a left-hand rotation bit to cut correctly - using a right-hand bit in a left-hand spindle would cause the cutting edges to rub rather than cut, producing poor hole quality and rapid tool wear. Refer to your machine's spindle layout diagram to confirm which positions require LH tooling before ordering.
What does the 8x20mm shank specification mean, and will this bit fit my boring machine?
The 8x20mm shank indicates an 8mm diameter parallel shank with a 20mm engagement length and a driving flat machined into the shank. This is a widely used standard on multi-spindle CNC boring machines and panel processing centers. The driving flat prevents the bit from spinning in the chuck under load. Confirm that your machine's spindle or chuck is sized for an 8mm shank diameter before installation.
Can this bit be resharpened, and what sharpening specification should be used?
Yes - as a carbide-tipped (HW) boring bit, the CMT 368.050.12 can be resharpened by a qualified tooling service. The specified sharpening geometry for this bit is "Through holes 60," which refers to the 60 deg. point angle optimized for through-hole boring applications. Always provide this specification to your sharpening service to ensure the correct geometry is maintained after regrinding.
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