CMT Straight Bit Short Series - 5/8" Diameter, 1/2" Shank is a precision-ground, two-flute carbide routing bit engineered for clean, accurate straight cuts in a wide range of wood-based and composite materials. Designed for both handheld routers and router tables, this compact short-series bit delivers the rigidity needed for dadoes, grooves, rabbets, and mortising applications where deflection and vibration must be minimized. Built from micrograin carbide bonded to a fatigue-proof steel body, the CMT 811.660.11 is a reliable choice for cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and production shops running high-volume routing tasks in plywood, MDF, solid hardwood, and laminates.

Key Features

• Micrograin Carbide Cutting Edges - harder and denser than standard carbide grades, these edges stay sharp longer under heavy workloads, reducing downtime between sharpening cycles in production environments.
• Fatigue-Proof Steel Body - the bit body is manufactured from special fatigue-proof steel that resists stress fractures and deformation even under sustained, high-load routing conditions.
• Orange Non-Stick P.T.F.E. Coating - CMT's trademark surface treatment prevents resin, pitch, and residue from adhering to the bit body, keeping the tool running cooler and cleaner throughout the cut and extending overall tool life.
• 2-Flute Right-Hand Rotation - the twin-flute geometry provides balanced chip evacuation on each pass, resulting in smoother cut surfaces in natural woods, composites, and sheet goods.
• Short Series Design - the reduced overall length of 2-1/2" increases bit stiffness and minimizes lateral deflection, making it ideal for precision work where cut accuracy and repeatability matter most.
• Strict Quality Testing - every bit undergoes testing for cutting tolerance, balance, and concentricity before leaving the factory, ensuring consistent, repeatable performance across the full production run.

Why This Product

• The short-series body length adds rigidity compared to standard-length straight bits, making this an ideal routing bit for applications where bit flex would compromise groove width accuracy or joint fitment - especially useful in dado and mortise work on hardwoods and plywood.
• The P.T.F.E. non-stick coating directly reduces heat buildup and resin accumulation during cuts through pitchy softwoods, melamine, and laminate-faced sheet goods, meaning fewer interruptions for cleaning and longer intervals between bit replacements.
• With a 1/2" shank diameter paired with a 5/8" cutting diameter, this bit provides a stable, secure grip in 1/2" collet routers while removing only the material needed - well-suited for tight dado and groove work in cabinet and furniture production.
• The combination of micrograin carbide edges and fatigue-proof steel construction makes this bit capable of handling demanding, repetitive cuts through composites and natural wood at industrial production volumes without premature edge failure.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 811.660.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 5/8"
• Shank: 1/2"
• Cutting Height: 1"
• Total Length: 2-1/2"
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Material: Micrograin Carbide (HW)
• Series: Straight Bit Short Series

Approved Applications

• Straight cuts including dadoes, grooves, and rabbets
• Mortising
• Template routing
• Plywood joinery
• Production routing in natural wood, composites, and sheet goods