The CMT Contractor Dovetail Bit is a precision-ground, 2-flute routing bit designed to cut the classic trapezoidal profile used in dovetail joinery. With a 9/16 in. cutting diameter, 1 in. cutting height, and a 7.5 deg. angle, this bit is built for use with popular dovetail jigs to produce clean, tight-fitting dovetail joints in wood and wood composite materials. Whether you are building drawers, boxes, or decorative furniture with sliding dovetail connections, this bit delivers consistent, repeatable cuts with a balanced body construction that promotes smooth router performance.

Key Features

• 7.5 deg. dovetail angle - cuts the precise trapezoidal profile needed for strong, interlocking dovetail joints used in drawer construction, box making, and furniture assembly.
• 9/16 in. cutting diameter x 1 in. cutting height - provides a substantial cutting envelope suited for both through dovetails and sliding dovetail grooves in solid hardwood and wood composites.
• 1/4 in. shank - fits standard 1/4 in. router collets on handheld routers and router tables, making this bit accessible for a wide range of tool setups without requiring a collet adapter.
• 2-flute (2 tooth) carbide-tipped (HW) design - hardmetal carbide cutting edges hold sharpness longer than high-speed steel, reducing the frequency of resharpening and replacement.
• Right-hand rotation - compatible with the standard right-hand rotation direction of conventional routers, requiring no special setup or spindle adjustment.
• Balanced construction - the bit body is balanced for good performance, meaning less vibration during cuts and a smoother surface finish on the dovetail profile.
• Compatible with popular dovetail jigs - designed to work with widely used dovetail jig systems, so woodworkers can integrate this bit into an existing jig workflow without modification.
• 2-5/8 in. total length - compact enough for use in tightly configured jig setups while still providing adequate reach for the 1 in. cutting height.

Why This Product

• The 7.5 deg. angle and 9/16 in. diameter are specifically suited for dovetail jig-guided work, giving woodworkers a reliable go-to bit for drawer boxes, furniture joinery, and decorative box construction without having to guess at geometry.
• The 1/4 in. shank broadens compatibility across handheld routers and router tables, making this a practical choice for hobbyist and contractor setups alike without requiring a dedicated large-shank machine.
• The hardmetal carbide cutting edges combined with a balanced body mean fewer interruptions mid-project - less chatter, cleaner walls, and longer time between replacements when routing solid hardwood or wood composite panels.
• Designed for use with some of the most popular dovetail jigs on the market, this bit reduces setup complexity and lets woodworkers focus on producing consistent, well-fitted joints rather than troubleshooting compatibility issues.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 81821
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Cutting Diameter: 9/16 in.
• Cutting Height: 1 in.
• Total Length: 2-5/8 in.
• Angle: 7.5 deg.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Material: HW (Hardmetal Carbide-Tipped)
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Dovetail joints in solid hardwood and softwood
• Sliding dovetail grooves and dadoes
• Drawer box construction
• Box and case making
• Wood composite and panel material joinery
• Decorative furniture joinery routed with a dovetail jig