CMT Mortising Chisel and Bit - 1/2" Diameter, 3/4" Shank, Right-Hand Rotation by CMT is a high-speed steel mortising set designed for cutting clean, square mortise holes in wood. Whether you are working with a standard drill press mortising attachment or a dedicated mortising machine, this 1/2" chisel and bit combination delivers the precision and durability that traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery demands. The mortise-and-tenon joint remains one of the strongest and most accurate connection methods in woodworking, and having a reliable chisel and bit set is essential to achieving consistent, professional results.

Key Features

• HSS (High-Speed Steel) Construction - high-speed steel maintains a sharp cutting edge through repeated use in hardwood and softwood, reducing the need for frequent resharpening and keeping your workflow moving.
• 1/2" Chisel Diameter - produces a precise 1/2" square mortise in a single plunge pass, sized correctly for standard mortise-and-tenon joint proportions used in furniture and door frame construction.
• 3/4" Shank - fits most standard drill press mortising attachments and dedicated mortising machines, so you can get to work without adapter hassles or compatibility concerns.
• Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matches the standard rotation direction of drill presses and mortising machines, ensuring the chisel and bit work in proper coordination for clean, accurate square holes.
• Single-Tooth Bit Design - the bit efficiently clears waste material ahead of the chisel, allowing the surrounding chisel walls to shear clean, flat-sided mortise walls in one operation.

Why This Product

• The 1/2" chisel size is one of the most commonly used dimensions in mortise-and-tenon joinery for furniture making and door and window frame construction, making this a highly practical and versatile addition to any woodworking shop.
• HSS construction means the cutting edges hold up to the demands of repetitive mortising in solid wood, giving you reliable performance across a full project without constant interruption for tool maintenance.
• The 3/4" shank is compatible with any standard drill press mortising attachment or dedicated mortising machine, so this set integrates easily into equipment you likely already own.
• For woodworkers who rely on the proven strength and accuracy of mortise-and-tenon joints, this CMT chisel and bit set provides the right tooling to cut that joint with confidence and consistency.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 543.127.51
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1/2"
• Shank: 3/4"
• Rotation: RH (Right-Hand)
• Material: HSS (High-Speed Steel)
• Number of Teeth: 1

Approved Applications

• Cutting square mortise holes for mortise-and-tenon joinery
• Use on standard drill press mortising attachments
• Use on dedicated mortising machines
• Furniture making and cabinet construction
• Door and window frame construction
• Traditional woodworking joinery in solid hardwood and softwood

Frequently Asked Questions

What machines is this mortising chisel and bit set compatible with?

This set is designed for use on any standard drill press mortising attachment as well as dedicated mortising machines, making it a flexible choice for a wide range of shop setups.

What material is the chisel and bit made from?

Both the chisel and bit are constructed from HSS (High-Speed Steel), which is well suited for the repeated cutting forces involved in mortising solid wood and maintains a sharp edge through extended use.

What size mortise hole does this set cut?

This set cuts a 1/2" square mortise hole, which is one of the most commonly used mortise dimensions for furniture, door frame, and window frame mortise-and-tenon joints.

Does this chisel and bit set require a specific rotation direction?

Yes, this set is designed for right-hand (RH) rotation, which is the standard rotation direction for drill presses and mortising machines, ensuring proper coordination between the chisel and the bit during operation.