Product Description
CMT Pattern Router Bit with Indexable Knives for Laminates - 3/4" Cutting Diameter, 1 1/8" Cutting Height, 1/2" Shank by CMT is a precision straight router bit engineered for flush trimming, pattern routing, and template-guided cuts in laminated chipboard, MDF, and hardwood. The replaceable insert knife design with Torx screw fastening makes this bit a cost-effective solution for woodworkers and cabinet shop professionals who demand clean, chip-free results in laminate and board materials without the downtime of full bit replacement.
Key Features
- Replaceable Insert Knives with Torx Screw Fastening - the knife is secured by a Torx screw for a firm, vibration-resistant hold, allowing quick knife swaps at the machine without special fixtures, keeping production moving with minimal downtime.
- 3 deg. Sharpened Top Knife Angle - the top knife features a 3 deg. sharpened angle geometry purpose-built for plunge cutting and high-precision trimming, reducing tear-out and delivering clean entry cuts in HPL laminates and MDF surfaces.
- Top Bearing Included - the integrated top bearing allows the bit to follow a template or pattern guide precisely, making it ideal for pattern routing and flush-trim work where edge consistency is critical.
- 2-Flute Tungsten Carbide (HW) Insert Knives - hard metal knives provide the cutting hardness needed for abrasive laminated chipboard and MDF materials, extending knife life compared to standard HSS tooling in these applications.
- Right-Hand Rotation - matches the standard direction of hand routers and router tables, ensuring safe, predictable feed direction during finishing, routing, and grooving operations.
- 3-1/8" Total Length with 1 1/8" Cutting Height - the generous cutting height handles the full thickness of most laminated board materials in a single pass, reducing the need for multiple depth-adjustment passes.
Why This Product
- The replaceable indexable knife system means you replace only the knife - not the entire bit body - when the edge dulls, lowering the long-term cost of maintaining sharp tooling in a production or shop environment.
- The 3 deg. top knife angle and top bearing combination makes this bit specifically suited to template and pattern routing in laminates and MDF, where edge quality on finished panels directly affects the final product appearance.
- The 1/2" shank diameter provides a stable, rigid connection in router table or hand router collets, reducing deflection during demanding cuts in dense laminated chipboard and hardwood.
- With a 3-1/8" total length and compatibility with both hand routers and router tables, this bit fits into standard workshop setups without adapters or modifications, making it a versatile choice for finishing and grooving board materials.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 656.691.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Cutting Diameter: 3/4"
- Cutting Height: 1 1/8"
- Total Length: 3 1/8"
- Shank Diameter: 1/2"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HW (Hard Metal / Tungsten Carbide)
- Rotation: Right-Hand
Approved Applications
- Flush trimming laminates and HPL surfaces
- Pattern routing with a template guide
- Template routing in cabinet and furniture production
- Finishing and grooving in laminated chipboard
- Routing and grooving in MDF
- Cutting and trimming hardwood panels
- Plunge cutting in laminated board materials
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the insert knives be replaced individually without replacing the entire bit body?
Yes. This bit uses a replaceable knife design where the knife is fixed to the bit body with a Torx screw. When the cutting edge dulls, you remove the Torx screw, swap in a new knife, and reinstall - the bit body itself is reused. This significantly reduces the ongoing cost of maintaining sharp tooling compared to replacing a solid carbide bit.
Is this bit suitable for use with a template or pattern guide?
Yes. The bit is equipped with a top bearing specifically for template use. The bearing rides along the edge of a template or pattern, allowing the cutter to reproduce the shape precisely in the workpiece. This makes it well suited for pattern routing and flush trimming applications in laminated chipboard, MDF, and hardwood.
What is the purpose of the 3 deg. sharpened angle on the top knife?
The top knife features a 3 deg. sharpened angle that is designed to support plunge cutting and high-precision cuts. This geometry helps the bit enter the material cleanly from above, which is important when starting a cut in the middle of a panel rather than from an edge - a common requirement when trimming laminates and board materials.
What router shank size is required for this bit, and is it compatible with router tables?
This bit has a 1/2" shank diameter. It is compatible with hand routers fitted with a 1/2" collet and with router tables that accept 1/2" shank tooling. The 1/2" shank provides a rigid, stable connection that helps maintain precision during finishing, routing, and grooving operations in laminated materials and hardwood.
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