Product Description
The CMT Contractor Straight Bit - 1/2" Diameter x 1" Cutting Height with 1/4" Shank is a two-flute, carbide-tipped routing bit engineered for clean, precise slot cutting, dado work, and channel routing in wood and wood composites. With its hi-density carbide cutting edges and right-hand rotation, this compact straight bit delivers smooth, efficient material removal whether you are working with solid hardwood, plywood, MDF, or similar sheet goods. Designed for use in handheld routers and router tables alike, this bit is a reliable choice for woodworkers and contractors who need consistent, repeatable results on everyday joinery tasks.
Key Features
- Hi-Density Carbide-Tipped Cutting Edges (HW Material) - provide smooth performance and a precise cut, reducing tearout and delivering cleaner edges on demanding wood composites.
- 2-Flute Design - allows efficient chip clearance during the cut, helping to prevent heat buildup and keeping the bit running cooler for longer tool life.
- 1/2" Cutting Diameter x 1" Cutting Height - sized for routing standard dadoes, grooves, and channels in one pass, saving time on common joinery work.
- 1/4" Shank - compatible with a wide range of handheld routers and router tables that accept 1/4" collets, making this bit broadly versatile across common workshop setups.
- Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - matched to standard router tooling, ensuring proper chip ejection and stable cutting performance without the need for special toolholders.
- Engineered for Efficient Chip Clearance - the flute geometry actively evacuates chips from the cut zone, reducing clogging and improving surface quality during routing passes.
- Designed for Slots and Channel Routing in Wood and Wood Composites - purpose-built geometry means the bit performs predictably on the material types it is most commonly used with, from solid lumber to melamine-faced panels.
Why This Product
- If you need a straight bit that can handle both solid wood joinery and composite panel work, the hi-density carbide tips and two-flute chip clearance design make this bit a practical single-tool solution for dadoes, grooves, rabbets, and mortises.
- The 1/4" shank makes this bit accessible to a broad range of routers - from compact trim routers to full-size router tables - without requiring a separate collet adapter for most standard machines.
- The 1" cutting height provides enough depth capacity to rout full dadoes and shelf-pin grooves in most common panel thicknesses in a single pass, reducing setup time and repositioning.
- With a compact 2-3/16" total length, this bit sits closer to the router base, which improves stability and reduces vibration during plunge cuts and template routing operations.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 81119
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 1/2"
- Cutting Height: 1"
- Total Length: 2-3/16"
- Shank: 1/4"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Product Type: Contractor Straight Bit
Approved Applications
- Slot cutting and channel routing in wood and wood composites
- Dado and groove routing
- Rabbet cutting
- Mortising
- Template routing
- Plywood and sheet good 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. It is suitable for solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, and similar panel products where a clean, precise channel or dado is needed.
Is this bit compatible with a standard handheld router?
Yes. The 1/4" shank is one of the most common collet sizes found on handheld routers and router tables, making this bit compatible with a wide variety of standard routing machines that accept a 1/4" collet.
What is the maximum depth of cut this bit can make in a single pass?
The cutting height is 1", which represents the maximum flute length available for material engagement. For best results, deep cuts in hard materials may be made in multiple progressive passes rather than the full 1" depth in a single plunge.
How does the 2-flute design benefit routing performance?
The two-flute geometry is engineered for efficient chip clearance, which means chips are evacuated from the cut zone more effectively. This reduces heat buildup at the cutting edge and helps maintain a cleaner cut surface throughout the routing pass.
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