Product Description
CMT Mortising Bit - 5/8" Diameter x 3/4" Cutting Height, 1/4" Shank by CMT is a precision router bit engineered for clean, flat-bottom mortise slots used in hinge mortising, lock pocket routing, and template-guided joinery work. Fitted with thick carbide tips and a negative shear angle design, this bit cuts through solid hardwood, softwood, and wood composites without splintering edges or leaving rough bottoms - delivering professional results on every pass. The integrated top bearing guide makes it equally at home in sign making and template routing applications.
Key Features
- Thick carbide tips (HW grade) - industrial-quality carbide retains a sharp cutting edge longer, reducing the frequency of bit replacement and sharpening on demanding mortising jobs.
- Negative shear angle design - shears wood fibers cleanly downward as the bit cuts, eliminating splintered edges and rough mortise bottoms so hinge seats and lock pockets fit flush on the first try.
- Top bearing guide included - allows the bit to follow a template or pattern precisely, making it the right tool for repeatable hinge mortises, sign making, and template routing without a fence setup.
- 2-flute cutting geometry - two cutting edges provide a balanced cut with efficient chip clearance, keeping the cut smooth in both natural wood and wood composite panel materials.
- Right-hand (RH) rotation - compatible with the standard rotation direction of handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines, so no special setup is required.
- 1/4" shank diameter - fits a wide range of compact routers and standard collets, offering versatility across handheld and table-mounted routing setups.
- 5/8" cutting diameter x 3/4" cutting height - sized precisely for common hinge mortise profiles, producing a flat-bottomed slot that matches standard hinge leaf dimensions without additional cleanup passes.
Why This Product
- The negative shear angle design addresses one of the most common frustrations in hinge mortising - torn grain and fuzzy bottoms - by shearing fibers cleanly, so hinges seat flush without sanding or chiseling.
- The top bearing guide built into the bit means template and sign-making work is straightforward and repeatable, eliminating the need for a separate pilot bearing accessory or fence adjustment.
- Thick HW carbide tips extend cutting life noticeably when routing hardwoods and wood composites, making this bit a practical long-term investment for production or high-volume hinge mortising work.
- At 5/8" diameter with a 3/4" cutting height on a 1/4" shank, this bit covers the most common residential and light commercial hinge mortise size, and the 1/4" shank keeps it compatible with trim routers and compact routing setups.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 801.158.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Mortising Bit
- Diameter: 5/8"
- Cutting Height: 3/4"
- Total Length: 2 1/4"
- Shank: 1/4"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Hinge Mortising
- Lock Pocket Routing
- Slot Mortising
- Template Routing
- Sign Making
- Loose-Tenon Joinery Prep
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can this mortising bit cut?
This CMT mortising bit is designed to cut solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic. The thick HW carbide tips and negative shear angle design handle both natural wood and wood composite materials cleanly without splintered edges or rough bottoms.
Does this bit work with a handheld router, or only on a router table?
This bit is compatible with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines. The 1/4" shank fits standard 1/4" collets found on compact trim routers as well as full-size router table setups.
Is a bearing guide included with this bit?
Yes - this mortising bit comes complete with a top bearing guide. The bearing allows the bit to track along a template or pattern for repeatable hinge seat routing, sign making, and template-guided work.
What is the total usable cutting depth of this bit?
The cutting height is 3/4", which represents the usable depth of cut. The total length of the bit is 2 1/4", giving adequate shank engagement in the collet while keeping the cutting flutes fully accessible for hinge mortise and lock pocket depths.
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