Product Description
CMT Contractor Straight Bit - 3/8" x 1" with 1/4" Shank is a precision-ground, carbide-tipped routing bit built for cutting slots, dadoes, grooves, and channels in wood and wood composite materials. Engineered with a 2-flute hi-density carbide cutting edge and right-hand rotation, this compact straight bit delivers clean, accurate results in handheld routers and router table setups alike. Whether you are cutting plywood joinery, routing mortises, or template routing solid hardwood, this bit offers the consistent chip clearance and smooth performance that demanding woodworking tasks require.
Key Features
- Hi-Density Carbide-Tipped Cutting Edges (HW Material) - provides smooth performance and a precise cut, reducing tearout and extending the working life of the bit through harder materials and repeat use.
- 2-Flute Design - twin cutting edges balance cutting efficiency with chip clearance, helping evacuate waste material quickly and reducing heat buildup during extended routing passes.
- Engineered for Efficient Chip Clearance - keeps cutting paths clean during operation, which helps maintain cut quality and reduces the chance of burning or clogging in dense wood composites.
- 3/8" Cutting Diameter x 1" Cutting Height - a compact footprint suited for precise slot routing, narrow dadoes, and channel work where control and accuracy matter.
- 1/4" Shank - compatible with a wide range of handheld routers and router tables that accept 1/4" collets, making this bit broadly usable across common shop setups.
- Right-Hand Rotation - standard RH direction matches conventional router collet threading and tool configurations, ensuring secure chuck engagement during operation.
- 2-3/16" Total Length - a short-series profile keeps the bit close to the collet for improved stability and reduced vibration during precise cuts.
Why This Product
- The hi-density carbide cutting edges are designed specifically for making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites - giving woodworkers a dedicated, purpose-built tool rather than a general-purpose compromise.
- The 1/4" shank makes this bit compatible with compact and full-size routers alike, so it works whether you are running a trim router freehand or guiding work through a router table.
- Efficient chip clearance engineering means cleaner cuts with less residue buildup, which is especially valuable when routing dense sheet goods like MDF or melamine-coated panels.
- At 1" of cutting height with a short-series total length of 2-3/16", this bit delivers a stable, controlled cut that is well suited to joinery work, dado cuts, and through-grooves in typical sheet stock thicknesses.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 81115
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 3/8"
- Cutting Height: 1"
- Total Length: 2-3/16"
- Shank: 1/4"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HW (Hi-Density Carbide-Tipped)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Product Type: Contractor Straight Bit
Approved Applications
- Making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites
- Straight cuts - dadoes, grooves, and rabbets
- Mortising
- Template routing
- Plywood joinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can this straight bit be used on?
This bit is designed for making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites. Compatible materials include solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, and melamine panels.
What router collet size does this bit require?
This bit has a 1/4" shank and requires a router with a 1/4" collet. It is compatible with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines that accept 1/4" tooling.
What is the maximum depth of cut this bit can make in a single pass?
The cutting height is 1", which represents the maximum length of the carbide-tipped cutting edges. In practice, it is recommended to make multiple shallow passes rather than routing the full 1" depth in a single pass, particularly in harder materials.
What does the 2-flute design mean for cutting performance?
The 2-flute (2-tooth) configuration balances cutting efficiency with chip clearance. Two flutes provide enough chip evacuation room to keep cuts clean, while the hi-density carbide tips maintain a smooth, precise cut across wood and wood composite materials.
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