Product Description
The CMT Plug Cutter 5/8" with 1/2" Shank is a precision boring tool designed for drilling clean, cylindrical wood plugs from natural soft or medium-density woods. With a 4-flute cutting geometry, this plug cutter produces grain-matched plugs that seamlessly conceal screw heads and fill counterbored holes - delivering professional results in cabinet making, furniture construction, and finish carpentry. The right-hand rotation and 1/2" shank make it compatible with standard drill press setups, giving woodworkers consistent, repeatable plug cutting performance across a wide range of projects.
Key Features
- SP Steel Construction - high-strength steel body resists wear and heat during repeated cuts, translating to long-lasting cutter performance and a lower cost-per-use over the life of the tool.
- 4 Cutting Edges - four flutes engage the wood simultaneously, producing clean-sided, cylindrical plugs with smooth walls that seat flush and blend naturally into the surrounding grain.
- 5/8" Plug Diameter with 1 7/64" Outer Diameter - sized to produce standard 5/8" plugs while the larger outer diameter clears a precise entry path, reducing tear-out around the plug opening.
- 5-1/2" Total Length - extended reach allows plug cutting in deeper stock or recessed areas without sacrificing stability on the drill press.
- 1/2" Shank - fits standard 1/2" drill press chucks securely, minimizing runout and keeping the cutter centered for accurate, repeatable plug cuts.
- Right-Hand Rotation - designed for conventional drill press operation, ensuring compatibility with standard tooling setups without any configuration changes.
Why This Product
- Plug cutters are the only reliable way to produce grain-matched wood plugs from the actual workpiece material - this tool makes it straightforward to cut those plugs in natural softwood and medium-density wood for a finished, furniture-grade result.
- The SP steel body is built for repeated use in production or shop environments where plug cutting is a frequent task, not just an occasional one - long-lasting cutter performance means fewer tool changes and consistent cut quality over time.
- The 4-flute design delivers cleaner plug sidewalls compared to fewer-edge cutters, which means less sanding or trimming before the plug seats flush in a counterbored hole.
- At 5-1/2" total length, this plug cutter handles deeper stock and awkward setups that shorter plug cutters cannot reach, expanding the range of joinery and finishing applications it can support.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 529.158.31
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Plug Diameter: 5/8"
- Outer Diameter: 1 7/64"
- Small Diameter: 15.87mm
- Total Length: 5-1/2"
- Shank: 1/2"
- Number of Cutting Edges: 4
- Material: SP Steel
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Cutting wood plugs to conceal screw heads in natural softwood and medium-density wood
- Filling counterbored holes with grain-matched plugs
- Cabinet making and face frame assembly
- Furniture construction and finish joinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of wood is this plug cutter designed for?
This plug cutter is designed for use in natural soft or medium-density woods. It is not intended for dense hardwoods or engineered wood products.
Can I use this plug cutter in a handheld drill?
No. Plug cutters must be used in a drill press only. A drill press provides the controlled speed, downward pressure, and perpendicular alignment required for safe and accurate plug cutting. Use in a handheld drill is not appropriate for this tool type.
What size plugs does this cutter produce?
This cutter produces 5/8" diameter cylindrical wood plugs. The outer diameter of the cutter body itself is 1 7/64", which clears the entry path during cutting while the plug emerges at the nominal 5/8" diameter.
How many cutting edges does this plug cutter have, and why does it matter?
This plug cutter has 4 cutting edges. More cutting edges distribute the cutting load evenly around the circumference of the plug, resulting in cleaner sidewalls, reduced splintering, and plugs that seat more precisely in counterbored holes with minimal finishing work required.
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FAQs
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