The CMT Contractor Dovetail Bit - 3/8 in. x 3/8 in., 9 deg. Angle, 1/4 in. Shank is a precision-ground routing bit engineered for creating strong, interlocking dovetail joints in wood and wood composite materials. Designed for use with popular dovetail jigs on the market, this 2-flute carbide bit delivers clean, accurate cuts whether you are working on drawer boxes, cabinet construction, or decorative box joinery. The 9 deg. cutting angle produces the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile that gives dovetail joinery its mechanical strength and distinctive appearance, making this bit a reliable choice for woodworkers who demand consistent results from a handheld router or router table setup.

Key Features

• 9 deg. Dovetail Angle - produces the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile that locks mating pieces together mechanically, creating joints that resist pulling apart without relying solely on glue.
• 3/8 in. Cutting Diameter x 3/8 in. Cutting Height - sized for standard dovetail joinery applications, giving you proportional, well-fitting joints in both thin stock and typical drawer-side material.
• 1/4 in. Shank - fits a wide range of handheld routers and router tables equipped with a 1/4 in. collet, expanding compatibility and making this bit accessible with common workshop routers.
• HW (Hardwood/Carbide) Material Construction - the tungsten carbide cutting edges stay sharp longer when routing hardwood, softwood, and wood composite materials, reducing the frequency of bit changes.
• 2-Flute Design - dual cutting edges improve balance during rotation, contributing to smoother cuts, reduced vibration, and cleaner finished dovetail profiles.
• Right-Hand Rotation - standard RH rotation is compatible with virtually all consumer and professional router platforms, so no special setup is required.
• 1-3/4 in. Total Length - a compact overall length keeps the bit stable and reduces deflection, especially important when routing narrow dovetail slots with precision.
• Compatible with Popular Dovetail Jigs - designed to work alongside widely used dovetail jig systems, so you can integrate this bit directly into your existing jig workflow without adaptation.

Why This Product

• The 9 deg. angle and 3/8 in. cutting height make this bit well suited for routing half-blind dovetails in drawer fronts and through dovetails in box sides - applications where joint strength and fit consistency are critical.
• With a 1/4 in. shank, this bit is compatible with a broad range of routers that woodworkers already own, eliminating the need for a dedicated large-collet machine for dovetail work.
• The 2-flute carbide construction is balanced for good performance, meaning less chatter and cleaner walls inside the dovetail channel - which directly affects how well mating tails and pins fit together.
• Designed specifically for use with popular dovetail jigs on the market, this bit integrates smoothly into guided jig setups, helping hobbyists and contractors alike produce repeatable, professional-quality dovetail joints in wood and wood composite material.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 81809
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 3/8 in.
• Cutting Height: 3/8 in.
• Angle: 9 deg.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Total Length: 1-3/4 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Material: HW

Approved Applications

• Dovetail Joints in Solid Wood and Wood Composite Material
• Drawer Box Construction
• Box and Cabinet Making
• Sliding Dovetail Joints
• Guided Jig-Based Dovetail Routing