Product Description
CMT Ball End Bit - 1/2 in. Diameter x 7/16 in. Cutting Height, 1/4 in. Radius, 1/2 in. Shank by CMT is a professional-grade router bit engineered for cutting clean, rounded-bottom channels, curved grooves, and decorative profiles in a single pass. With its spherical 1/4 in. radius tip and robust 1/2 in. shank, this bit excels at routing channels for pipes, cables, and conduit - making it a go-to tool for woodworkers, cabinetmakers, and CNC operators who need consistent, high-quality results in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and composite sheet materials.
Key Features
- Ball End Profile (1/4 in. Radius): produces a perfectly curved, spherical groove bottom - ideal for channels, cable routing, decorative fluting, and 3D carving where a flat-bottom bit would fall short.
- 1/2 in. Shank: the larger shank diameter minimizes vibration and flex during operation, delivering smoother cuts and improved accuracy compared to smaller shank alternatives.
- Hardened Metal (HW) Carbide Cutting Material: industrial-grade carbide construction holds a sharp edge longer, reduces heat buildup, and maintains clean cut quality through demanding production runs.
- 2-Flute Design: dual cutting edges balance chip evacuation and surface finish quality, so routed channels come out cleaner with less tearout on the groove walls.
- 7/16 in. Cutting Height: provides adequate depth capacity for most groove and channel routing tasks, allowing efficient material removal without excessive passes.
- Right-Hand Rotation: compatible with standard handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines using conventional right-hand spindle rotation.
- 2 1/4 in. Total Length: a compact overall length keeps the bit stable in the collet, reducing runout and improving cut consistency across long routing paths.
- Single-Pass Channel Cutting: CMT's design allows routing complete rounded channels for pipes or cables in one pass - saving setup time and reducing wear on the bit compared to multi-pass approaches.
Why This Product
- Designed specifically to cut channels for pipes and cables in a single pass, this bit reduces production time and the number of tool changes needed on the job.
- The 1/2 in. shank is the preferred choice for router table and CNC setups where rigidity matters - a larger shank means less deflection and tighter dimensional control in routed grooves.
- Pre-routing a pilot groove with a straight bit before using this ball end bit reduces cutting stress on the tool, extending its working life - a technique supported directly by CMT's own product guidance.
- With a 2-flute hardened metal carbide construction and right-hand rotation, this bit is compatible with a wide range of router platforms and suited for both production woodworking and custom fabrication work.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 868.627.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 1/2 in.
- Cutting Height: 7/16 in.
- Radius: 1/4 in.
- Shank: 1/2 in.
- Total Length: 2 1/4 in.
- Number of Flutes: 2
- Cutting Material: HW (Hardened Metal Carbide)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Cutting channels for pipes and cables
- Rounded-bottom groove routing
- Decorative fluting and profile routing
- 3D carving and sculpting
- CNC routing operations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a ball end bit and a straight bit?
A ball end bit has a spherical rounded tip that produces a curved, semi-circular groove bottom - unlike a straight bit, which cuts a flat-bottomed channel. The 1/4 in. radius on this bit makes it well suited for routing rounded channels for pipes, cables, or decorative profiles where a flat bottom would not conform to the material being housed.
Can I use this bit on a CNC routing machine?
Yes. With its 1/2 in. shank and right-hand rotation, this ball end bit is compatible with CNC routing machines, handheld routers, and router tables that use standard right-hand spindle rotation and accept a 1/2 in. collet.
How can I reduce stress on the bit when cutting deep channels?
CMT recommends cutting a first groove with a straight bit before using the ball end bit. This pre-routing technique removes the bulk of the material first, reducing the load on the ball end bit and helping to extend its cutting life.
What materials can this bit cut?
The HW (hardened metal carbide) construction makes this bit appropriate for use in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, and similar wood-based panel products commonly used in woodworking and cabinetmaking applications.
Reviews
FAQs
Standard Shipping is free on most orders over $50 within the contiguous US. If the order is under $50.00, the shipping is $9.99 set fee for shipping within the contiguous US.
Most of our products will ship within 1 to 3 Business Days. Some Special order products will ship within 2 to 5 Business Days. Preorders will be shipped to you on a first come first serve basis as soon as available from the manufacturer. Items that are "Made-to-Order" (Custom order products) will be shipped when fabrication is completed, shipping and delivery times will vary and depend on manufacturing.
Products that are shipped directly from the manufacturer will have processing and fulfilment times subject to manufacturer availability.
Preorders are shipped on a first come first serve basis as soon as available from the manufacturer, the sooner you place your Preorder the sooner your order will ship.
Freight shipping Policy:
Orders/Items too large or heavy may require special handling/Shipping and may require to be sent by truck. Someone must be present to accept truck deliveries. Standard truck delivery is to a dock facility designed to receive freight. You will be notified within 24 hours of ordering to confirm delivery. Lift gates for deliveries are available for an additional fee.
We offer Financing options through Clicklease
Please email your Return request to info@FactoryDirectSupplyOnline.com
Include the order number and the reason for your return.
All returns, regardless of their categorization, must include all original parts, be in their original packaging, and in the condition in which they were received. You may not qualify to receive a refund If the returned item is used, damaged, missing any parts, or is damaged during return shipping.
Checkout our complete Return policy
You can contact us through our contact page! We will be happy to assist you.