Product Description
CMT Solid Carbide Up/Downcut Spiral Mortising Bit - 3/8 in. is a precision compression cutting tool engineered for routers and CNC routing machines where chip-free results on both faces of the workpiece are required. Built entirely from premium solid carbide, this spiral mortising bit features a 2+2 tooth compression geometry - two upcut flutes and two downcut flutes working simultaneously - to produce clean, tear-out-free edges on the top and bottom surfaces of sheet goods, composites, and solid wood. Whether you are routing through plywood, MDF, melamine, or plastic on a CNC machine or a router table, this 3/8 in. diameter bit delivers the dual-direction cutting action that compression routing demands.
Key Features
- Solid Carbide Construction - the entire bit body is manufactured from premium micrograin carbide, providing superior wear resistance and allowing more resharpenings over the life of the tool compared to carbide-tipped alternatives, which means lower long-term cost per cut.
- Up/Downcut Compression Geometry (2+2 Flutes) - two upcut flutes and two downcut flutes engage both faces of the workpiece at the same time, eliminating tear-out on both the top and bottom surfaces for finished, splinter-free edges in a single pass.
- 3/8 in. Cutting Diameter with 7/8 in. Cutting Height - sized for through-cuts and mortising operations in typical sheet material thicknesses, giving you a controlled, precise kerf in hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, laminates, melamine, chipboard, and plastic.
- 3/8 in. Shank - compatible with 3/8 in. collets on CNC routers, router tables, and handheld routers, providing a secure, vibration-resistant grip during high-speed cutting passes.
- Right-Hand (RH) Rotation - designed for standard right-hand rotating spindles found on the vast majority of CNC routing machines and handheld routers, ensuring straightforward installation with no special setup required.
- 3 in. Total Length - provides adequate reach and clearance for through-cut operations in sheet goods without sacrificing rigidity or concentricity during the cut.
- 3/16 in. Secondary Cutting Height (I1) - the downcut portion of the compression geometry engages the bottom face of the workpiece over this precise zone, controlling fiber direction at the exit face for a clean, finished result.
- CMT Orange Shield Non-Stick Coating - helps prevent heat buildup, reduces pitch and resin adhesion to the flutes, and protects the carbide body against corrosion, extending usable tool life between cleanings and sharpenings.
Why This Product
- Eliminates tear-out on both faces in one pass - the 2+2 compression spiral cuts upward and downward simultaneously, meaning you do not need to flip the workpiece or make multiple passes to achieve clean edges on melamine, laminated plywood, or MDF - critical in cabinet and furniture production where both faces are visible.
- Solid carbide outperforms tipped bits in abrasive materials - when routing chipboard, laminates, or composites that wear cutting edges quickly, a solid carbide body maintains sharpness longer and tolerates more resharpening cycles, keeping the bit in service longer.
- Matched shank and cutting diameter simplify setup - the 3/8 in. shank matches the 3/8 in. cutting diameter, allowing direct collet compatibility on most CNC routers and router tables without reducers or adapters, reducing runout and improving cut quality.
- Purpose-built for mortising and through-cut applications - the 7/8 in. cutting height and compression geometry are specifically sized and configured for plunge mortising and through-cuts where entry and exit surface quality both matter, making this the correct tool for joinery, cabinetry, and sign-making work.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 190.513.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Product Type: Solid Carbide Up/Downcut Spiral Mortising Bit
- Diameter: 3/8 in.
- Cutting Height: 7/8 in.
- Secondary Cutting Height: 3/16 in.
- Total Length: 3 in.
- Shank: 3/8 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2 + 2
- Blade Material: Solid Carbide
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- CNC Routing
- Through-Cuts in Plywood and MDF
- Two-Face Finish Cuts
- Mortising Operations
- Compression Cuts in Laminates and Melamine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an up/downcut compression bit and a standard upcut or downcut spiral bit?
A standard upcut spiral bit pulls chips upward and can cause tear-out on the top face of the workpiece, while a downcut bit presses chips downward and can cause tear-out on the bottom face. A compression bit like this one combines both geometries - the lower flutes cut upward and the upper flutes cut downward simultaneously - so both the top and bottom surfaces of the workpiece are sheared cleanly in the same pass, producing chip-free faces on both sides without additional finishing steps.
What materials can this bit cut cleanly?
This bit is suited for solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, melamine, and plastic. The compression geometry is especially valuable in materials with face veneers, decorative laminates, or two finished faces - such as melamine-coated panels and hardwood plywood - where tear-out on either surface is unacceptable.
What machines is this bit compatible with?
This bit is compatible with CNC routing machines, router tables, and handheld routers that accept a 3/8 in. collet and use a standard right-hand rotating spindle. Always verify your machine's collet size and confirm right-hand rotation before installing the bit.
What does the secondary cutting height specification (3/16 in.) mean in practice?
The secondary cutting height of 3/16 in. refers to the length of the downcut portion of the compression geometry. This is the zone of the bit that engages and shears the bottom face of the workpiece downward, controlling fiber direction at the exit face of the cut. The remaining cutting height above this zone operates as an upcut. Understanding this measurement helps you position the bit correctly relative to your workpiece thickness so the compression zone contacts the bottom face of the material during a through-cut.
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