Product Description
CMT Ball End Bit - 3/4" Diameter x 11/16" Cutting Height, 3/8" Radius, 1/2" Shank is a precision-engineered router bit from CMT designed to cut smooth, spherical-bottom channels and decorative cove profiles in a single pass. With a 3/8" radius and a 2-piece carbide cutting configuration, this ball nose bit is the right tool for carving grooves for pipes, cables, or decorative woodworking profiles in hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and similar materials. The right-hand rotation and 1/2" shank make it compatible with standard handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines.
Key Features
- 3/4" Cutting Diameter with 3/8" Radius Ball Profile - produces a true spherical groove bottom for clean, consistent decorative channels and cable or pipe routing cutouts in a single pass, saving setup time and reducing material handling.
- 11/16" Cutting Height - provides adequate depth capacity for routing functional channels and decorative profiles without multiple bit changes or repositioning.
- 2-Tooth (2-Flute) Carbide Cutting Configuration - HW (hardmetal/carbide) construction delivers durable, long-lasting cutting performance across hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, and sheet goods.
- 1/2" Shank Diameter - the larger shank size reduces vibration and deflection compared to smaller shanks, resulting in smoother cuts and improved profile accuracy.
- Right-Hand Rotation - matches the standard rotation direction of most routers and router tables, ensuring safe, predictable operation out of the box.
- Single-Pass Channel Cutting - CMT recommends pre-cutting a groove with a straight bit to reduce stress on the ball end bit, extending its service life and improving cut quality.
- 2-1/2" Total Length - a compact overall length keeps the bit stable and reduces chatter, contributing to clean, accurate profile results.
Why This Product
- Routing channels for pipes or cables demands a bit that can deliver a clean, fully rounded bottom profile in one pass - this ball end bit is specifically designed for exactly that task, eliminating the need for multiple tool changes or profile sanding.
- The 1/2" shank provides a more rigid connection to the router collet than a 1/4" shank alternative, reducing vibration during deep profiling cuts and producing smoother groove walls in dense hardwoods and sheet materials.
- The 2-flute carbide (HW) construction handles a wide range of wood-based materials - from solid hardwood and softwood to plywood and MDF - making this a versatile single-bit solution for both functional and decorative routing applications.
- At 2-1/2" total length with an 11/16" cutting height, this bit offers the right balance of reach and stability for controlled, accurate profiling without excessive bit deflection during the cut.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 868.690.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Ball End Bit
- Diameter: 3/4"
- Cutting Height: 11/16"
- Radius: 3/8"
- Shank: 1/2"
- Total Length: 2-1/2"
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HW (Carbide)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Cutting channels for pipes or cables
- Spherical-bottom groove routing
- Decorative cove and profile routing
- 3D carving and sculpting profiles in wood
- Functional and ornamental woodworking joinery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best technique for using this ball end bit to cut pipe or cable channels?
CMT recommends first cutting a straight groove with a straight router bit to reduce the stress placed on the ball end bit. This pre-cutting step extends the life of the bit and helps produce a cleaner, more accurate spherical-bottom channel in the final pass.
What shank size does this bit require, and which machines does it fit?
This bit has a 1/2" shank diameter and is compatible with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines equipped with a 1/2" collet. Always confirm your router's collet size before mounting the bit.
What materials can this ball end bit cut?
The HW (carbide) cutting edges are suited for use in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and similar wood-based sheet goods. The 2-flute design provides clean cutting across this range of materials.
What does the 3/8" radius mean for the groove this bit produces?
The 3/8" radius corresponds to a 3/4" diameter spherical cutting profile. This means the bit produces a rounded-bottom groove that is 3/4" wide at its widest point, with a perfectly curved bottom - ideal for cradling round pipes or cables, or creating decorative cove-style profiles in wood.
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