Product Description
CMT 690.050 Profile Knives for Insert Shaper System are a matched pair of alloyed steel shaper knives sized 1-37/64 in. x 5/32 in. (40x4mm), engineered for use with CMT universal cutter heads in the Insert Shaper System. These profile knives deliver long-lasting performance in molding, profiling, and edge-shaping operations on a wide range of wood-based materials. Whether you are producing cabinet doors, decorative frames, or shaped edges on hardwood and softwood panels, this knife pair is designed to hold its profile through extended production runs without sacrificing finish quality.
Key Features
- Alloyed Steel Construction - made of alloyed steel for durability and resistance to wear during repeated shaping passes, reducing the frequency of knife replacement and lowering long-term tooling costs.
- 1-37/64 in. Cutting Height - the full 1-37/64 in. (40mm) cutting height allows you to shape substantial profile depths in a single pass, which increases productivity on molding and profiling tasks.
- 5/32 in. Maximum Thickness - the 5/32 in. (4mm) knife thickness is matched precisely to CMT universal cutter head slots, ensuring a secure, vibration-free fit that supports accurate, repeatable profiles.
- Sold as a Pair - includes 2 matched knives per pack so both sides of the cutter head are outfitted identically, maintaining balanced cutting and a consistent, smooth surface finish.
- Compatible with CMT Universal Cutter Heads - designed specifically for the CMT Insert Shaper System, these knives interchange with a variety of profile knives across the same platform, giving you flexibility to expand your molding capabilities without investing in new tooling systems.
- Long-Lasting Performance - the knife geometry and material selection are optimized for extended service life across hardwood, softwood, MDF, and chipboard, meaning fewer production interruptions and more consistent output.
Why This Product
- If you already own CMT 692 series cutter heads or a compatible universal insert shaper system, these 40x4mm knives drop straight in - no adapter or modification needed, saving setup time between profile changes.
- Alloyed steel construction holds a sharp edge longer than standard tool steel, which is especially valuable in high-volume cabinet door, frame, and panel production where dull knives cause tearout and slow throughput.
- Buying a matched pair ensures both knives in the cutter head wear at the same rate and cut the same profile simultaneously, which is critical for achieving a balanced, chatter-free cut and a clean surface that requires minimal sanding.
- Because these knives are part of a broad family of profile knives for the CMT Insert Shaper System, swapping to a different profile number requires only a knife change - not a new cutter head - making this system a cost-effective foundation for a multi-profile molding operation.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 690.050
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Cutting Height: 1-37/64 in.
- Maximum Thickness: 5/32 in.
- Knife Size (metric): 40x4mm
- Material: Alloyed Steel (SP)
- Quantity: 2 knives (sold as a pair)
- System: CMT Insert Shaper System - compatible with CMT 692 series universal cutter heads
Approved Applications
- Molding and profiling on spindle moulders and shapers
- Cabinet door making and decorative edge profiling
- Frame and panel work
- Edge shaping on hardwood, softwood, MDF, and chipboard
What's Included
- 2x CMT 690.050 profile knives (1-37/64 in. x 5/32 in. / 40x4mm) - one matched pair
Frequently Asked Questions
What cutter heads are these knives compatible with?
These 40x4mm profile knives are designed for use with CMT universal cutter heads, including the CMT 692 series. They are also compatible with other insert shaper systems that accept 40mm knives of 4mm thickness. Always verify your cutter head slot dimensions before installing a new knife pair.
Why is it important to install both knives in the pair at the same time?
A cutter head with two knives requires both positions to be filled with matched knives of equal size and profile to maintain rotational balance. Running an unbalanced head can cause vibration, reduce surface finish quality, and create a safety hazard. The CMT 690.050 is sold as a matched pair specifically to ensure both knives are replaced together and are identical in profile and dimension.
What materials can these profile knives cut?
The alloyed steel construction of these knives makes them suitable for shaping hardwood, softwood, MDF, and chipboard. Their long-lasting performance is optimized for repeated passes through these common wood-based materials used in cabinetry, furniture, and millwork production.
Can I use these knives with a 50mm cutter head slot?
These knives are sized at 40x4mm (1-37/64 in. x 5/32 in.) and are specified for cutter head systems that accept 40mm knives. Compatibility with 50mm slot cutter heads depends on the specific design of that head. Refer to your cutter head manufacturer specifications to confirm the correct knife size before installation.
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