The CMT Tenon Cutting Router Bit - 3 x 1-3/4 in., 1/2 in. Shank is a precision-engineered carbide-tipped router bit designed to produce perfectly fitted tenons on every pass, even when working with boards that vary slightly in thickness. With a 3 in. cutting diameter, 1-3/4 in. cutting height, and a generous tenon range from 3/16 in. to 5/8 in. thick and up to 1-1/16 in. long, this bit brings repeatable accuracy to mortise-and-tenon joinery for furniture makers, cabinetmakers, and woodworking enthusiasts alike. Included spacers allow quick, tool-friendly adjustment between cutters so each tenon fits snugly without guesswork or repeated test cuts.

Key Features

• Tenon Thickness Range: 3/16 in. to 5/8 in. - Adjustable spacers let you dial in the exact tenon thickness you need, accommodating boards that vary slightly in thickness for a consistently tight fit every time.
• Maximum Tenon Length: 1-1/16 in. - Produces deep, structurally sound tenons suitable for furniture frames, door rails, and other demanding woodworking joints.
• HW (Carbide-Tipped) Cutting Material - Industrial-grade carbide tips stay sharp through repeated cuts in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and composite materials, extending the usable life of the bit significantly compared to HSS alternatives.
• 2-Tooth Configuration - A dual-flute design balances cutting speed with a smooth finish, reducing tearout on the tenon face and minimizing the need for hand-fitting or cleanup after routing.
• 1/2 in. Shank - The robust 1/2 in. shank provides superior stability and reduced vibration during heavy tenon cuts, making it compatible with full-size handheld routers and router tables handling demanding stock removal.
• Maximum 12,000 RPM Rating - Optimized speed range keeps the large-diameter cutter running safely and efficiently, delivering clean shoulder lines and consistent tenon profiles.
• Right-Hand Rotation (RH) - Standard right-hand rotation is compatible with the vast majority of routers and router tables, ensuring straightforward setup without special tooling.
• 4 in. Total Length - The overall length provides adequate clearance when routing in a table setup or with a guide fence, keeping the bit stable and the cut true.
• CMT Orange Shield Non-Stick Coating - Prevents the bit from overheating during long production runs, reduces pitch and resin buildup on the cutting edges, protects against corrosion, and extends tool life so the bit stays in service longer.
• SinterHIP Industrial Chrome Carbide - Carbide processed via Hot Isostatic Pressing prevents material failure under the stress of cutting hardwoods and composites, delivering a longer cutting life than standard carbide grades.
• Tri-Metal Brazing - A silver-copper-silver brazing method bonds the carbide tips securely to the body, protecting the joint when cutting harder wood or composites and reducing the risk of tip separation during use.
• Anti-Kickback Design - Controls the depth of cut on each pass and minimizes kickback risk, adding a meaningful layer of safety when routing large tenons in a table or handheld configuration.

Why This Product

• Designed specifically for tenon cutting rather than repurposed from a general-purpose bit, this router bit solves the common problem of ill-fitting mortise-and-tenon joints caused by slight variations in board thickness - the included spacer system compensates automatically.
• The adjustable spacer setup allows tenon thickness to be set anywhere from 3/16 in. to 5/8 in. without swapping bits or reconfiguring a jig, making it practical for production runs where multiple board thicknesses are involved.
• A tenon length capacity of up to 1-1/16 in. gives woodworkers enough depth for structurally reliable joints in furniture, cabinetry doors, and frame-and-panel work - all from a single bit setup.
• The combination of CMT Orange Shield coating, SinterHIP carbide, and Tri-Metal Brazing means this bit is built for repeated heavy use in hardwood and composite materials, not just occasional softwood projects.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 800.628.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 3 in.
• Cutting Depth: 26.98mm
• Cutting Height: 1-3/4 in.
• Total Length: 4 in.
• Shank: 1/2 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Maximum RPM: 12,000
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)

Approved Applications

• Tenon cutting in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic
• Frame-and-panel furniture construction requiring mortise-and-tenon joinery
• Cabinet door rail and stile tenon production
• Woodworking projects where boards vary slightly in thickness and a consistently fitted tenon is required
• Use in handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines

What's Included

• 1x CMT Tenon Cutting Router Bit (3 in. diameter, 1/2 in. shank)
• Spacers for adjusting tenon thickness from 3/16 in. to 5/8 in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What range of tenon thicknesses can this bit produce?

Using the included spacers to set the distance between the cutters, this bit can produce tenons from 3/16 in. to 5/8 in. thick, with a maximum tenon length of 1-1/16 in. This range covers the most common mortise-and-tenon joinery sizes used in furniture and cabinetry.

What is the maximum safe operating speed for this router bit?

The maximum rated speed is 12,000 RPM. Because this is a large-diameter 3 in. bit, always confirm your router's speed setting does not exceed this limit before use, especially when cutting in hardwoods or composites.

Can this bit be used in a handheld router as well as a router table?

Yes. The 1/2 in. shank and right-hand rotation are compatible with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines. The anti-kickback design and 1/2 in. shank work together to provide added stability and control in all of these setups.

How does the CMT Orange Shield coating benefit long-term performance?

The CMT Orange Shield non-stick coating prevents the bit from overheating during extended use, reduces pitch and resin buildup on the cutting edges, and protects against corrosion. These combined effects mean the cutting edges stay cleaner and sharper for longer, reducing maintenance and extending the overall service life of the bit.