The CMT Solid Carbide Dovetail Bit - 5/16 in. Diameter, 18 deg. Angle, 1/4 in. Shank is a precision router bit engineered for clean, tight-fitting dovetail joinery in woodworking applications. Built from solid carbide (HWM grade) with a 2-flute right-hand rotation design, this bit cuts the characteristic angled trapezoidal profile used in drawer construction, box making, and sliding dovetail joints. The 18 deg. cutting angle and 5/16 in. cutting diameter make it an ideal match for Hoffmann key models W1, W2, and W3 - giving craftspeople and production shops a reliable tool for Hoffmann joinery systems. At 1-11/16 in. total length with a 15/64 in. cutting height, this compact bit delivers precise results in hardwood, softwood, sheet goods, and a range of engineered materials.

Key Features

• Solid Carbide Construction (HWM Grade) - the entire cutting body is solid carbide rather than a carbide-tipped steel blank, resulting in greater rigidity, reduced deflection, and longer cutting life when routing dense hardwoods or engineered panels.
• 18 deg. Dovetail Angle - matches the geometry required for Hoffmann key models W1, W2, and W3, ensuring consistent slot profiles and eliminating guesswork when cutting mating joinery pairs.
• 5/16 in. Cutting Diameter with 15/64 in. Cutting Height - delivers a compact, precise cutting profile sized specifically for Hoffmann-style keys and sliding dovetail slots where accuracy is critical to a snug, glueable fit.
• 1/4 in. Shank - fits standard 1/4 in. collets found on handheld routers, router tables, and compact CNC routing machines, making this bit widely accessible without adapters.
• 2-Flute Right-Hand Rotation - dual cutting edges provide balanced chip removal and a cleaner finished surface, reducing the need for sanding or secondary cleanup on joint faces.
• Hoffmann Key Compatibility (W1, W2, W3) - purpose-designed geometry ensures the routed slot accepts Hoffmann butterfly keys for strong, concealed joinery in furniture and casework assembly.

Why This Product

• Woodworkers using Hoffmann joinery systems can rely on this bit's geometry to cut slots that accept W1, W2, and W3 keys precisely - no trial-and-error sizing or shimming required.
• The solid carbide body holds an edge significantly longer than carbide-tipped alternatives, meaning fewer bit changes and more consistent results across production runs in hardwood or composite materials.
• The 1/4 in. shank makes this bit compatible with a wide range of routers and compact CNC machines, so it integrates easily into existing shop setups without additional tooling investment.
• At 1-11/16 in. total length, the compact profile minimizes vibration and runout at speed, contributing to cleaner dovetail slots and tighter-fitting joints straight off the router table.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 818.079.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 5/16 in.
• Angle: 18 deg.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Cutting Height: 15/64 in.
• Total Length: 1-11/16 in.
• Relative Length: 17.5mm
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Material: HWM (Solid Carbide)

Approved Applications

• Hoffmann Key Slots - W1, W2, and W3 key models
• Dovetail Joints
• Sliding Dovetails
• Drawer Construction
• Box Making
• Solid Hardwood
• Softwood
• Plywood
• MDF
• Chipboard
• Laminates
• Melamine
• Plastic