CMT Dovetail Bit with Bearing - 1/2 in. Diameter, 14 deg. Angle, 1/4 in. Shank by CMT is a precision router bit engineered for cutting the iconic trapezoidal profile used in dovetail joinery. With a 14 deg. cutting angle and a 1/2 in. diameter, this bit produces tight-fitting, interlocking dovetail joints that are prized in cabinet construction, drawer assembly, and fine woodworking. The integrated bearing guide assists with hand-routed dovetail work and compatible dovetail jig setups, making it an accessible and reliable tool for both professional woodworkers and dedicated hobbyists seeking clean, repeatable results.

Key Features

• HWM (Hard Metal) carbide construction - delivers exceptional edge retention and long cutting life when working with hardwoods, softwoods, sheet goods, and composite materials, reducing the need for frequent bit replacement.
• 14 deg. dovetail angle - produces the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile with precise geometry, ensuring snug-fitting joints that lock together without relying solely on glue or fasteners.
• 1/2 in. cutting diameter with 1/2 in. cutting height - sized for versatile dovetail work including through-dovetails, sliding dovetails, and decorative joints in standard lumber and panel thicknesses.
• Integrated bearing guide - provides consistent registration against a fence or jig, helping woodworkers achieve uniform, repeatable cuts without drift or wandering for cleaner joints.
• 1/4 in. shank - compatible with a wide range of handheld routers and compact router tables that accept 1/4 in. collets, offering broad machine compatibility.
• 2-flute (2-tooth) right-hand rotation design - balances cutting speed with surface finish quality, producing smooth dovetail profiles with reduced tearout on wood grain.
• 2 1/16 in. total length - compact overall profile fits standard router collets securely and allows confident depth setting for controlled, accurate passes.

Why This Product

• The 14 deg. angle is a widely used standard for dovetail joinery in drawer construction and box making, meaning this bit covers the most common application scenarios without requiring a specialty angle bit.
• The bearing guide takes the guesswork out of freehand routing - woodworkers can follow a straightedge, template, or dovetail jig with confidence that the cut stays consistent from piece to piece.
• HWM carbide material holds a sharp edge longer than standard steel bits, which translates directly into cleaner cuts over more passes before resharpening is needed - an important factor for production or repeat-use environments.
• The 1/4 in. shank makes this bit accessible to compact and trim routers as well as full-size routers with a 1/4 in. collet, broadening the range of machines it can be used with in shop or on-site settings.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 818.128.11B
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 1/2 in.
• Angle: 14 deg.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Cutting Height: 1/2 in.
• Total Length: 2 1/16 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)
• Material: HWM
• Bearing: Included

Approved Applications

• Dovetail joints in solid hardwood and softwood
• Sliding dovetails for shelving and carcass construction
• Drawer box construction
• Box and case making
• Decorative and structural joinery in plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic
• Use with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines