The CMT 818.158.11 Dovetail Bit from CMT is a precision-engineered router bit designed to cut the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile used in fine woodworking joinery. With a 5/8 in. cutting diameter and a 7 deg. angle, this bit produces the snug, interlocking fit that makes dovetail joints both structurally strong and visually striking - a hallmark of quality craftsmanship in drawer construction, box making, and furniture work. Compatible with the Incra system and suitable for use on a router table or handheld router, this bit gives both professionals and hobbyists the control they need to produce clean, repeatable sliding dovetails and traditional hand-routed dovetail joints.

Key Features

• 7 deg. dovetail angle with 5/8 in. diameter - produces the precise trapezoidal profile needed for tight-fitting dovetail joinery in solid wood, plywood, and composite materials
• 7/8 in. cutting height - provides enough depth capacity to cut through standard drawer stock and box sides in a single pass or with a controlled two-pass approach
• 1/4 in. shank - fits a wide range of compact and full-size routers, making this bit accessible for both hobbyist and professional setups
• 2-flute (2-tooth) design - delivers balanced cutting action for smoother surface finish and reduced tearout on the dovetail walls
• Right-hand rotation - standard RH cutting direction works with all conventional router motors for straightforward setup
• HW (carbide) cutting material - hard-wearing carbide construction holds a sharp edge longer than high-speed steel, reducing the number of sharpening intervals between jobs
• Incra system compatible - designed to work with the Incra jig system, enabling highly repeatable, precise dovetail layouts for production runs or matched sets
• 2 3/8 in. total length - compact overall profile keeps the bit stable in the collet and reduces vibration during the cut

Why This Product

• The 7 deg. angle is a widely used dovetail geometry for sliding dovetail joints and drawer construction, making this bit a practical first choice when you need a secure mechanical lock between mating parts.
• Compatibility with the Incra jig system means you can dial in perfectly matched dovetail pairs without relying on freehand technique - ideal for repetitive work where consistency matters.
• Running a straight bit on the first pass before finishing with this dovetail bit reduces load on the carbide edge, extending cutting life and producing a cleaner final profile.
• The 1/4 in. shank makes this bit a versatile addition to a compact trim router or table-mounted router setup, giving smaller shops access to quality dovetail cutting without needing a heavy-duty collet.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 818.158.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Cutting Diameter: 5/8 in.
• Angle: 7 deg.
• Cutting Height: 7/8 in.
• Total Length: 2 3/8 in.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Cutting Material: HW (Carbide)
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Dovetail joints in solid hardwood and softwood
• Sliding dovetail cuts for shelving and furniture joinery
• Drawer construction and box making
• Router table work with a fence for accurate chamfer and angle cuts
• Incra jig system dovetail routing