Product Description
The CMT Contractor Straight Bit with a 5/16 in. cutting diameter and 1 in. cutting height is a precision-ground, carbide-tipped routing bit engineered for clean slot cutting, dado routing, and channel work in wood and wood composite materials. With a compact 1/4 in. shank and a right-hand rotation, this two-flute straight bit delivers efficient chip evacuation and smooth, accurate cuts in solid hardwood, plywood, MDF, and similar sheet goods. Whether you are working at a router table, guiding a handheld router, or running a CNC routing machine, this contractor-grade bit is built to perform consistently across a wide range of groove-cutting and joinery tasks.
Key Features
- Hi-Density Carbide-Tipped Cutting Edges - hard-wearing carbide tips maintain a sharp, precise edge through extended use in wood and wood composites, reducing the need for frequent bit changes and delivering consistently clean cut surfaces.
- Designed for Slots and Routing Channels - purpose-built geometry optimized for straight cuts including dadoes, grooves, and mortises, meaning the bit tracks true and produces flat-bottomed, square-sided channels without tearout.
- Engineered for Efficient Chip Clearance - the two-flute configuration promotes rapid removal of waste material from the cut zone, keeping the bit running cooler and reducing the risk of burning or resin buildup on the workpiece.
- 5/16 in. Cutting Diameter x 1 in. Cutting Height - a narrow diameter paired with a full 1 in. depth of cut gives you reach for deep grooves and mortises in a single pass without sacrificing control or bit rigidity.
- 1/4 in. Shank - compatible with a wide range of handheld routers and compact router tables that accept 1/4 in. collets, making this bit a versatile addition to any woodworking setup.
- Right-Hand Rotation - standard RH rotation works with conventional router collets and ensures predictable, safe cutting behavior when feeding the workpiece in the correct direction.
Why This Product
- When precision grooves and narrow dadoes are required in solid wood or sheet goods, the 5/16 in. diameter provides a tight, controlled kerf that is ideal for fitting dividers, splines, and small shelf dados without oversizing the slot.
- The hi-density carbide-tipped edges are specifically noted for smooth performance and a precise cut, making this bit a reliable choice for joinery work where fit and finish matter - such as plywood box construction or frame-and-panel routing.
- Efficient chip clearance keeps the cutting zone clear during deep passes in dense materials like MDF and hardwood, helping you maintain feed rate consistency and produce cleaner results with less sanding or cleanup.
- At 2 1/4 in. total length with a 1/4 in. shank, this bit fits compact trim routers and standard routers alike, giving woodworkers flexibility to use the same bit across multiple machines for slotting, mortising, and template-guided routing tasks.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 81112
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Cutting Diameter: 5/16 in.
- Cutting Height: 1 in.
- Total Length: 2 1/4 in.
- Shank: 1/4 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Slot Cutting
- Dado and Groove Routing
- Channel Routing in Wood and Wood Composites
- Mortising
- Template Routing
- Plywood Joinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can this straight bit cut?
This bit is designed for making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites. Suitable materials include solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, and similar engineered sheet goods.
Is this bit compatible with a trim router or compact router?
Yes. The 1/4 in. shank is the standard collet size for trim routers and many compact handheld routers, as well as full-size router tables and CNC routing machines that accept 1/4 in. tooling.
How deep can this bit cut in a single pass?
The cutting height is 1 in., which represents the maximum depth of cut available with this bit. For best results in dense or hard materials, consider taking multiple passes at progressively deeper settings rather than cutting the full 1 in. in a single pass.
What is the total length of this bit, and does it affect how it fits in a collet?
The total length is 2 1/4 in. The 1/4 in. shank portion seats into the router collet, and the remaining length provides the cutting reach. Always ensure the shank is fully seated in the collet with adequate engagement depth before operating the router.
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