Product Description
The CMT Contractor Straight Bit - 1/4" x 1" with 1/4" Shank is a hardwood carbide-tipped routing bit built for cutting precise slots, dadoes, and grooves in wood and wood composites. With a 2-tooth right-hand rotation design and a 1" cutting height, this straight router bit delivers clean, accurate results whether you are running it in a handheld router, a router table, or a CNC routing machine. Engineered for efficient chip clearance and smooth performance, it handles everything from plywood dadoes to MDF panel joinery with consistent precision.
Key Features
- High-Density Carbide-Tipped Cutting Edges - provide a smooth, precise cut through wood and wood composites, reducing tear-out and minimizing cleanup time on finished work.
- 2-Flute Right-Hand Rotation Design - balances cutting speed and surface quality, making the bit well-suited for both freehand routing and fixed router table setups.
- 1" Cutting Height - allows full-depth slot and groove cuts in a single pass on standard stock, reducing the need for multiple shallow passes.
- 1/4" Shank - fits a wide range of handheld routers and router tables equipped with 1/4" collets, providing broad compatibility across common workshop tools.
- Efficient Chip Clearance Design - evacuates waste material away from the cut zone, keeping the bit cooler and maintaining cut accuracy during extended routing sessions.
- HW (Hardwood Carbide) Material - the carbide grade selected for this bit stands up to the demands of hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, and similar composites without rapid dulling.
Why This Product
- A 1" cutting height in a compact 2 1/2" overall length means this bit reaches full groove depth without excessive overhang, keeping the cut stable and the router balanced during use.
- The high-density carbide-tipped edges are designed specifically for making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites, making this bit a focused tool for dadoes, panel grooves, and template routing rather than a general-purpose compromise.
- The 1/4" shank fits the collets found on the majority of compact and mid-size handheld routers as well as most router tables, so no adapter or specialty collet is required for most setups.
- Engineered chip clearance means debris exits the cut cleanly, which matters when routing MDF or chipboard where dust buildup can cause burning or deflection in the bit path.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 81203
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 1/4"
- Cutting Height: 1"
- Total Length: 2 1/2"
- Shank: 1/4"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HW (Hardwood Carbide-Tipped)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Product Type: Contractor Straight Bit
Approved Applications
- Making slots and routing channels in wood and wood composites
- Dadoes and grooves
- Deep straight cuts
- Template routing
- Panel joinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials can this straight router bit cut?
This bit is designed for use in wood and wood composites. Its high-density carbide-tipped cutting edges handle solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, and similar sheet materials effectively.
What machines is this bit compatible with?
The 1/4" shank fits handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines equipped with a standard 1/4" collet. No adapter is required when using equipment with a matching collet size.
How deep can this bit cut in a single pass?
The cutting height is 1", which represents the maximum cutting depth this bit can achieve. The total length of the bit is 2 1/2", with the 1/4" shank providing secure seating in the collet above the cutting zone.
In which direction does this bit rotate?
This bit is engineered for right-hand (RH) rotation, which is the standard direction used by the overwhelming majority of handheld routers and router tables. Always confirm your machine uses standard right-hand rotation before mounting any router bit.
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FAQs
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