Product Description
The CMT Straight Bit Short Series - 1/2 in. Diameter, 1/2 in. Shank is a precision-engineered router bit built for demanding production environments and everyday woodworking alike. Crafted from micrograin carbide and special fatigue-proof steel, this 2-flute straight bit delivers clean, accurate cuts in plywood, composites, solid hardwood, and a wide range of natural wood species. Whether you are routing dadoes, grooves, or mortises on a handheld router, router table, or CNC machine, this short-series bit provides the rigidity and cutting performance needed for consistent, repeatable results.
Key Features
- Micrograin Carbide Cutting Edges - the dense, fine-grain carbide composition resists chipping and dulling under heavy workloads, extending the usable life of the bit across high-volume production runs.
- Fatigue-Proof Steel Body - the specially formulated steel shank and body withstand vibration and stress during continuous routing operations, reducing the risk of bit failure or deflection.
- CMT Orange Non-Stick PTFE Coating - the trademark orange protective surface keeps resin, pitch, and wood residue from adhering to the bit, which reduces heat buildup, simplifies cleaning, and helps the cutter stay sharper longer.
- 2-Flute Straight Geometry - the double-edged design balances cutting speed with chip clearance, making it well-suited for dadoes, grooves, rabbets, mortising, and template routing in both hardwood and softwood.
- Short Series Profile - the compact 3 in. overall length paired with a 1 1/4 in. cutting height reduces flex and deflection, resulting in tighter tolerances and cleaner sidewalls compared to longer bit profiles.
- Strict Quality Testing - every bit undergoes precision inspection for cutting tolerance, balance, and concentricity, so you can expect smooth, vibration-free performance right out of the packaging.
- Right-Hand Rotation - compatible with standard router spindle direction, making this bit a direct drop-in fit for most handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines without special setup.
Why This Product
- The short series body length keeps the bit rigid during cuts, which is especially valuable when routing grooves and dadoes in plywood or composites where clean, square sidewalls matter most.
- The non-stick PTFE coating actively resists the resin and pitch buildup common when cutting laminates, melamine, and manufactured panels - helping maintain cut quality over more uses between cleanings.
- Micrograin carbide construction and fatigue-proof steel make this bit a practical choice for industrial-scale production where consistent performance across large quantities of parts is essential.
- The 1/2 in. shank provides maximum grip and minimal runout in compatible router collets, making this bit suitable for both precision template routing and heavier material removal in solid hardwood and plywood joinery applications.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 811.628.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Straight Bit Short Series
- Diameter: 1/2 in.
- Cutting Height: 1 1/4 in.
- Total Length: 3 in.
- Shank: 1/2 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HW (Micrograin Carbide)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Straight Cuts - Dadoes, Grooves, and Rabbets
- Mortising
- Template Routing
- Plywood Joinery
- Composite Panel Routing
- Natural Wood Milling
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can this straight bit cut?
This bit is designed for use in a variety of materials including plywood, composites, and natural woods such as solid hardwood and softwood. The micrograin carbide cutting edges and fatigue-proof steel body are built to handle even heavy production workloads across these material types.
What is the purpose of the orange PTFE coating on this bit?
The trademark orange non-stick PTFE coating helps prevent resin, pitch, and other residue from collecting on the bit surface during cutting. This reduces heat buildup, makes the bit easier to clean, and helps preserve cutting performance over time - particularly when working with resinous woods, laminates, or melamine panels.
Is this bit compatible with CNC routing machines?
Yes. The 1/2 in. shank and right-hand rotation of this bit make it compatible with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines that accept a 1/2 in. collet with standard right-hand spindle rotation.
Why choose a short series bit instead of a standard length bit?
Short series bits have a more compact overall length - in this case 3 in. total - which reduces the amount of bit flex and deflection during cuts. This added rigidity results in tighter cutting tolerances, better concentricity, and cleaner sidewalls, especially important when routing dadoes, grooves, or mortises where precision fit is required.
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