Product Description
The CMT 81131 Contractor Straight Bit is a 2-flute, carbide-tipped routing bit engineered for precise slot cutting, dado routing, and channel milling in wood and wood composite materials. With a 3/4 in. cutting diameter, a full 1 in. cutting height, and a 1/4 in. shank, this bit handles a wide range of routing tasks - from dadoes and grooves to mortising and plywood joinery - on handheld routers and router tables alike. High-density carbide cutting edges deliver smooth, clean results pass after pass, while the geometry is optimized for efficient chip evacuation to keep cuts accurate and surfaces clean.
Key Features
- High-density carbide-tipped cutting edges - provide smooth performance and a precise cut through wood and wood composites, reducing tearout and minimizing finishing work after routing.
- 2-flute design with right-hand rotation - balances feed rate and cut quality, giving you controlled material removal ideal for dados, grooves, rabbets, and mortise pockets.
- Engineered for efficient chip clearance - the flute geometry evacuates waste material quickly, preventing heat buildup, reducing friction, and keeping your workpiece and cutting edges cooler during extended routing sessions.
- 3/4 in. cutting diameter x 1 in. cutting height - a versatile combination that suits a broad range of slot widths and groove depths in a single pass, saving setup time on common joinery tasks.
- 1/4 in. shank - fits the most widely used router collets, making this bit compatible with compact and mid-size handheld routers as well as benchtop router tables.
- Compact 2-3/16 in. total length - keeps the bit well-supported in the collet, improving stability and reducing vibration for a cleaner, more controlled cut.
Why This Product
- Purpose-built for slot and channel work in wood composites - designed specifically for making slots and routing channels, this bit handles the abrasive surfaces of MDF, chipboard, and laminates where lesser carbide grades wear quickly.
- Full 1 in. cutting height in a 1/4 in. shank platform - achieves deeper grooves and dadoes than shorter contractor bits without requiring an upgrade to a larger, heavier router, keeping your existing tool setup productive.
- High-density carbide for lasting edge retention - the carbide grade selected for this bit is optimized for wear resistance in wood routing applications, meaning fewer bit changes and more consistent results across a project.
- Efficient chip clearance geometry - keeps the cutting zone clear during demanding passes through hardwood, plywood, and engineered panels, helping maintain cut quality and reducing the risk of burning or scorching the workpiece surface.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 81131
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 3/4 in.
- Cutting Height: 1 in.
- Total Length: 2-3/16 in.
- Shank: 1/4 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Rotation: Right-hand (RH)
- Blade Material: Carbide-tipped (HW)
- Product Type: Contractor Straight Bit
Approved Applications
- Making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites
- Dadoes, grooves, and rabbets
- Mortising
- Template routing
- Plywood joinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What routers is this bit compatible with?
The CMT 81131 has a 1/4 in. shank, which fits the standard 1/4 in. collet found on most compact and mid-size handheld routers as well as benchtop router tables. It is suitable for use with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines equipped with a 1/4 in. collet.
What materials can this straight bit cut?
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, melamine, and plastic.
What is the maximum groove depth this bit can achieve in a single pass?
The cutting height of this bit is 1 in., which represents the maximum depth of cut it can achieve. For best results in harder materials, multiple lighter passes are generally recommended rather than attempting the full 1 in. depth in a single pass.
Why does efficient chip clearance matter for routing quality?
When chips and sawdust are not cleared from the cutting zone quickly, they can re-contact the cutting edges and the workpiece, generating heat and friction that lead to burning, scorching, or a rough surface finish. The chip clearance geometry engineered into this bit helps evacuate waste material continuously, supporting cleaner cuts and longer edge life during extended use.
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