The CMT Contractor Pattern Bit with a 1/2 in. cutting diameter and 1/4 in. shank is a carbide-tipped straight routing bit engineered for making precise slots, dadoes, grooves, and routed channels in wood and wood composite materials. With a right-hand rotation, 2-flute design, and a 1 in. cutting height, this bit delivers smooth, clean results in solid hardwood, plywood, MDF, and similar sheet goods - making it a dependable choice for both bench-top router table work and handheld router applications.

Key Features

• Hi-Density Carbide-Tipped Cutting Edges - hard-wearing carbide tips maintain sharpness through extended use in wood and wood composites, resulting in consistently smooth cuts and a precise finished profile.
• Designed for Slots and Routed Channels - purpose-built geometry for cutting dadoes, grooves, and channels means the bit tracks straight and true without wandering, even in dense sheet materials.
• Engineered Chip Clearance - efficient evacuation of chips and waste material reduces heat buildup at the cutting edge, helping preserve bit life and surface finish quality on each pass.
• 1/4 in. Shank - the 1/4 in. shank is compatible with a wide range of handheld routers and compact router tables that accept standard collet sizes, expanding versatility across common shop setups.
• 2-Flute Right-Hand Rotation - twin cutting edges working in right-hand rotation balance material removal with surface smoothness, reducing chatter and improving cut consistency on each pass.
• 1 in. Cutting Height with 2-3/16 in. Total Length - the 1 in. depth of cut is well suited for dadoes and grooves in standard-thickness workpieces, and the compact overall length keeps the bit stable at typical router speeds.

Why This Product

• The hi-density carbide-tipped edges hold up through repetitive cuts in wood composites like MDF and plywood - materials known for dulling standard steel bits quickly - reducing the frequency of bit changes on production-oriented jobs.
• The 1/4 in. shank makes this bit immediately usable in compact and mid-size routers without requiring a collet adapter, keeping the setup simple for woodworkers who work primarily with standard handheld or benchtop machines.
• With a 1 in. cutting height, this bit handles the full depth of common dadoes and shelf grooves in a single pass or controlled passes, making it practical for cabinet carcass work, plywood joinery, and shelving projects.
• The engineered chip clearance geometry keeps the cutting zone cleaner during operation, which translates to less burning on the workpiece surface and fewer interrupted passes needed to complete a routed channel.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 81120
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1/2 in.
• Cutting Height: 1 in.
• Total Length: 2-3/16 in.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)
• Product Type: Contractor Pattern Bit

Approved Applications

• Making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites
• Cutting dadoes and grooves for shelving and cabinet joinery
• Plywood joinery and sheet goods routing
• Mortising operations with a handheld router or router table
• Template routing and pattern work