The CMT 83503 Contractor Rabbeting Bit is a right-hand rotation, carbide-tipped router bit designed for cutting clean, precise rabbets along board edges and panel faces. With a 1 1/2 in. cutting diameter and a 1/2 in. cutting height, this bit handles a wide range of joinery tasks - from fitting inset cabinet doors and drawer fronts to re-grooving window frames for glass panel installation. Fitted with a 1/4 in. shank for compatibility with compact and mid-size routers, this contractor-grade rabbeting bit is built for reliable performance in solid hardwood, softwood, sheet goods, and composite materials alike.

Key Features

• Two carbide-tipped cutting edges - dual HW (tungsten carbide) flutes deliver smooth, consistent rabbet cuts and extend service life between sharpenings, reducing downtime on the job.
• Anti-kickback design - limits the bite per pass and reduces the risk of the bit grabbing the workpiece, making it safer to use in handheld router applications and on the router table.
• Heat-treated shank and body - increases hardness and toughness of the tool body, helping the bit withstand the stress of repetitive contractor use and resist deflection under load.
• Bottom bearing included - the guide bearing rides along the workpiece edge to control rabbet depth consistently without the need for a fence, simplifying setup for door stop rabbets and panel grooves.
• 1/4 in. shank - fits a broad range of handheld routers and router tables, making this bit a practical addition to a contractor or cabinetmaker's existing router collection.
• Right-hand (RH) rotation - standard directional rotation compatible with the vast majority of routers, ensuring proper chip ejection and a clean cut surface on the trailing edge.

Why This Product

• The 1 1/2 in. diameter and 1/2 in. cutting height make this bit well suited for standard rabbet joinery tasks like cabinet back panels, door stop rabbets, and frame-and-panel construction - covering the most common depth requirements in one tool.
• The included bottom bearing eliminates the need for a fence when routing freehand, allowing faster setup on handheld routers and consistent depth control along curved or straight edges.
• The anti-kickback body geometry limits material engagement per pass, which is especially valuable when routing across hardwood grain or working with dense composite sheet goods.
• With a 1/4 in. shank and compact overall length of 2-9/64 in., this bit is compatible with trim routers and smaller plunge routers, giving contractors flexibility to use it on-site as well as in a shop setting.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 83503
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Product Type: Contractor Rabbeting Bit
• Diameter: 1 1/2 in.
• Cutting Depth: 12.7mm
• Cutting Height: 1/2 in.
• Total Length: 2-9/64 in.
• Shank: 1/4 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Blade Material: HW (Carbide-Tipped)
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Creating inset doors and drawer fronts
• Re-grooving old window frames to accept a panel of glass
• Cabinet back panel rabbets
• Door stop rabbet joinery
• Frame and panel work
• Panel edge joinery in solid hardwood and sheet goods

What's Included

• 1x CMT 83503 Contractor Rabbeting Bit with bottom bearing