Product Description
The CMT 818.691.11 Dovetail Bit from CMT is a precision-ground router bit engineered to produce the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile used in fine woodworking joints, drawer construction, and box making. With a 14 deg. cutting angle, a 3/4 in. cutting diameter, and a 1/2 in. shank, this bit delivers clean, repeatable cuts in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and a wide range of sheet goods. Whether you are routing sliding dovetails on a router table or cutting through-dovetail joints with a dovetail jig, this two-flute carbide bit provides the control and surface quality that both professional cabinetmakers and dedicated woodworking enthusiasts demand.
Key Features
- 14 deg. dovetail angle - produces the precise trapezoidal geometry required for tight-fitting dovetail joints, ensuring strong mechanical locking without relying solely on adhesive.
- 3/4 in. cutting diameter with 3/4 in. cutting height - provides a full-depth dovetail profile in a single pass when cutting material within this range, reducing the number of setups needed.
- 1/2 in. shank - the larger shank diameter reduces vibration and deflection compared to smaller shanks, resulting in smoother cut surfaces and improved dimensional accuracy.
- 2-flute (Z=2) carbide (HW) cutting edges - dual cutting flutes balance chip evacuation with surface quality, keeping the bit running cooler and extending edge life across production runs.
- Right-hand (RH) rotation - matches the standard spindle direction of virtually all routers and router tables, making this bit a straightforward drop-in for handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines.
- 3-1/16 in. total length - provides adequate reach for use with dovetail jigs and fence-guided router table setups without excessive overhang that could introduce chatter.
- Designed for pre-pass technique compatibility - running a straight bit first to hog out the bulk of the waste before finishing with this dovetail bit reduces load on the cutting edges, extending tool life and improving cut quality.
Why This Product
- The 14 deg. angle is a widely recognized standard for dovetail joinery, making this bit compatible with the most common dovetail jigs on the market and suitable for both hand-guided and fence-guided router table work.
- The combination of a 3/4 in. diameter and 3/4 in. cutting height means the bit profiles the full joint geometry in one coordinated setup, which is important when consistency between multiple drawer sides or box panels is critical.
- The 1/2 in. shank provides a more rigid tool connection than a 1/4 in. shank equivalent, reducing bit deflection when routing harder species or thicker stock - a practical advantage for cabinetmakers and furniture builders working with dense hardwoods.
- With a 3-1/16 in. total length, the bit clears typical router collet assemblies while remaining short enough to minimize leverage-induced vibration, making it a reliable choice for both handheld router use with a dovetail jig and router table applications with a fence.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 818.691.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 3/4 in.
- Angle: 14 deg.
- Cutting Height: 3/4 in.
- Total Length: 3-1/16 in.
- Shank: 1/2 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HW
- Rotation: RH
Approved Applications
- Dovetail joints
- Sliding dovetails
- Drawer construction
- Box making
- Chamfer angles using a router table with fence
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dovetail angle on this bit, and why does it matter?
This bit cuts at a 14 deg. angle. The angle determines the geometry of the dovetail profile - specifically how much mechanical interlock the joint provides. A 14 deg. angle is a standard value compatible with most commercially available dovetail jigs and produces a well-proportioned trapezoidal profile suitable for drawer boxes, carcass joints, and sliding dovetail connections in furniture and cabinet work.
Can I use this dovetail bit with a router table and fence?
Yes. This bit is well suited for router table use with a fence. A fence-guided router table setup is particularly effective for cutting sliding dovetails and for achieving consistent chamfer angles across multiple workpieces. The 1/2 in. shank provides the stability needed for table-mounted routing.
Should I make a pre-pass with a straight bit before using this dovetail bit?
For best results and to reduce stress on the cutting edges, it is recommended to run a first pass with a straight bit to remove the bulk of the material. Following up with this dovetail bit then refines the profile cleanly and with less load, which extends bit life and improves surface quality in the finished joint.
What should I check before removing the workpiece after routing a dovetail?
Before removing the workpiece from the jig or router table, verify that the dovetail profile has been cut through completely and smoothly. An incomplete pass can leave material at the base of the joint that will prevent the mating piece from seating correctly, requiring additional cleanup cuts.
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