The CMT 531.544 Rosette Cutter is a 2 1/8" diameter decorative woodworking cutter designed to produce ornamental rosette patterns in softwood. Built on a super strength steel body with 2 carbide-tipped cutting edges, this right-hand rotation cutter mounts on a 3/8" shank and is engineered for use in drill presses and drilling power tools at low RPM - making it a reliable choice for furniture making, cabinet making, and architectural millwork where precision decorative details are required.

Key Features

• 2-1/8" Cutting Diameter - delivers a consistent, full-sized rosette pattern in a single plunge, reducing repositioning and ensuring uniform decorative results across repeated cuts.
• Super Strength Steel Body - provides the rigidity and durability needed to maintain dimensional accuracy during decorative boring operations, extending the working life of the cutter.
• HW (Carbide) Cutting Edges - hard metal carbide tips stay sharper longer than standard high-speed steel, producing cleaner rosette patterns with less tear-out in softwood.
• 3/8" Shank - a compact shank size compatible with a wide range of drill press chucks and drilling power tool collets, making the cutter easy to set up and secure.
• Maximum 1,500 RPM Rating - the low-speed operating requirement protects both the workpiece and the cutter, reducing burning and ensuring clean decorative cuts in natural softwood.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard forward rotation of drill presses and most drilling power tools, so no special setup or reversing is needed.
• 2 Cutting Edges - dual flutes balance the cutting load during each plunge, promoting smooth entry and a well-defined rosette pattern with each pass.
• Workpiece Clamping Requirement - mechanically clamping the workpiece during boring operations is strongly recommended to prevent movement, protecting both operator safety and cut quality.

Why This Product

• Purpose-built for decorative rosette work - rather than adapting a general-purpose bit, this cutter is specifically designed to produce ornamental rosette patterns, giving cabinetmakers and millwork professionals a dedicated tool for repeatable, professional-quality results.
• Carbide tips on a steel body for lasting performance - the combination of super strength steel construction and HW carbide cutting edges means the cutter resists wear across production runs, reducing the frequency of sharpening or replacement.
• Low-RPM design matches drill press capabilities - the 1,500 RPM maximum aligns with the operating range of standard drill presses, so woodworkers can use equipment they already own without needing specialized machinery.
• Compact 3/8" shank for broad compatibility - the 3/8" shank fits a wide variety of drill chucks commonly found in woodworking shops, minimizing the need for adapters or additional tooling to get started.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 531.544
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 2-1/8"
• Total Length: 2-27/32"
• Shank: 3/8"
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Material: HW (Carbide)
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Maximum RPM: 1,500

Approved Applications

• Cutting decorative rosette patterns in natural softwood
• Furniture making
• Cabinet making
• Architectural millwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of machine should I use with this rosette cutter?

This cutter is designed for use on drill presses and drilling power tools. It must be operated at low RPM - do not exceed the maximum rating of 1,500 RPM. For best results and operator safety, a drill press or fixed power tool stand is the preferred setup.

Do I need to clamp my workpiece when using this cutter?

Yes. Mechanical clamping of the workpiece is strongly recommended throughout the boring operation. Because rosette cutters engage a relatively large diameter in a single plunge, an unsecured workpiece can shift or spin, creating a safety hazard and damaging the cut.

What materials can this rosette cutter be used on?

This cutter is intended for use in natural softwood. It is not specified for hardwood, MDF, plywood, or other engineered wood products. Using it within its intended material range helps maintain cut quality and edge life.

What does the 2 cutting edge (2-tooth) configuration provide?

The 2-flute design balances the cutting load evenly during each plunge cut, which promotes a smoother entry into the workpiece and produces a well-defined, clean rosette pattern. The dual carbide-tipped edges also help distribute wear evenly across the tool.