CMT Raised Panel Bit with Back Cutter - 2 1/2" Diameter, 1/2" Shank (Profile A1) is a professional-grade router bit engineered for milling the beveled, decorative edge of cabinet door panels in a single, efficient pass. The integrated back cutter sets this bit apart from standard raised panel bits by allowing simultaneous milling of both the front face and the back face of the panel without repositioning - a genuine time-saver for high-volume cabinetry work. Designed for right-hand rotation and compatible with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines, this 2-tooth carbide-tipped bit handles a wide range of materials including solid hardwood, softwood, MDF, and laminates. Profile A1 delivers a classic raised panel look suited to traditional frame-and-panel door construction.

Key Features

• Raised panel bit with back cutter - mills both the front and back of the panel in the same cut, eliminating the need for a second pass and reducing setup time significantly.
• 2 1/2" cutting diameter - provides a wide, sweeping profile suitable for full-sized cabinet door panels and decorative frame-and-panel assemblies.
• 1/2" radius (Profile A1) - produces a smooth, classic raised panel contour that complements traditional cabinetry and furniture styles.
• Material capacity of 7/16" to 11/16" thickness - accommodates a practical range of panel stock, from thinner sheet goods to standard solid wood panels, without requiring bit changes.
• 1/2" shank diameter - provides a secure, low-vibration fit in standard router collets, contributing to cleaner cuts and improved edge quality.
• 2-tooth carbide-tipped (HW) cutting head - hard, heat-resistant carbide edges stay sharp longer when routing solid hardwood, softwood, MDF, chipboard, plywood, laminates, melamine, and plastic.
• Right-hand rotation - compatible with all standard router setups, ensuring correct chip evacuation and consistent feed direction at the router table or handheld.
• Anti-kickback design - controls the depth of cut to reduce the risk of dangerous router kickback, improving operator safety during raised panel routing.
• CMT Orange Shield non-stick coating - prevents heat buildup, reduces pitch and resin accumulation on the cutting surfaces, and protects against corrosion to extend overall tool life.
• SinterHIP industrial chrome carbide - carbide processed via Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) minimizes material failure at the cutting edge and extends cutting life in demanding applications.
• Tri-Metal brazing (Silver-Copper-Silver) - bonds the carbide tips securely to the body, protecting the joints when cutting harder woods or composite materials and reducing the risk of failed welds.

Why This Product

• One-pass efficiency for raised panel doors - the built-in back cutter mills both faces of the panel simultaneously, cutting total machining time in half compared to bits that require separate front and back passes.
• Versatile material compatibility - rated for solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic, this bit handles the full range of panel stock found in residential and commercial cabinet shops.
• Built for safety at the router table - the anti-kickback design limits the depth of each cut, making this bit a safer choice for both experienced woodworkers and those new to raised panel routing.
• Extended tool life through CMT engineering - the combination of CMT Orange Shield coating, SinterHIP carbide, and Tri-Metal brazing works together to keep the bit cutting cleanly for longer, reducing replacement frequency and cost per use.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 890.534.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 2 1/2"
• Total Length: 2 3/4"
• Radius: 1/2"
• Shank: 1/2"
• Maximum Thickness: 7/16" - 11/16"
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)
• Profile: A1
• Blade Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)
• Product Type: Raised Panel Bit with Back Cutter

Approved Applications

• Raised panel routing on cabinet door panels
• Frame and panel door construction
• Decorative edge profiling on solid hardwood and softwood panels
• Raised panel work on MDF, plywood, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic
• Router table and handheld router raised panel operations
• CNC routing machine raised panel profiling