CMT Solid Carbide Upcut Ball Nose Spiral Bit - 3/8 in. is a precision-ground CNC routing tool engineered from a special super-micrograin carbide formulation that produces and holds a keen cutting edge far longer than standard carbide-tipped alternatives. Designed for 3D profile machining, sculpting, relief carving, and curved surface work, the spherical ball nose tip generates smooth, flowing contours across a wide range of materials. The low-angle upcut spiral shears wood cleanly and ejects chips efficiently, keeping the tool running cooler and extending edge life during demanding routing sessions on solid wood, wood composites, plastic materials, and laminates.

Key Features

• Super-micrograin solid carbide construction - the entire bit is manufactured from a specially formulated high-density carbide, producing a keener cutting edge and allowing more resharpenings than carbide-tipped tools, lowering long-term cost per use.
• Low-angle upcut spiral geometry - designed specifically to shear wood cleanly rather than tear it, while actively pulling chips up and out of the cut so the flutes stay clear, heat stays low, and surface finish quality stays high.
• Ball nose (spherical tip) profile with 3/16 in. radius - creates smooth curved surfaces, flowing 3D contours, and sculpted relief details that flat-bottom bits cannot achieve, making it the right choice for CNC 3D routing and artistic carving work.
• 3/8 in. diameter with 1 1/8 in. cutting height - balances detail capability with enough cutting depth to handle panel sizing, copying, and full 3D profile passes in a single tool setup.
• Right-hand rotation with 2-flute design - matched to standard CNC spindle and router table rotation, and the two-flute layout provides a good balance of chip clearance and surface finish on hardwood, softwood, MDF, chipboard, laminates, and plastics.
• 3/8 in. shank, 3 in. total length - fits a wide range of collets and provides enough reach for typical 3D routing depths without excessive overhang that could introduce vibration.

Why This Product

• The super-micrograin carbide formulation holds a sharper edge longer than conventional carbide, meaning fewer tool changes and more consistent surface quality across long CNC production runs or intricate carving sessions.
• The low-angle upcut spiral was purpose-built to reduce heat buildup - a common cause of premature edge failure - so the bit maintains performance through cutting, copying, panel sizing, and repeat routing cycles on hardwoods and composites alike.
• A single 3/8 in. ball nose bit covers sculpting, curved surface machining, 3D relief routing, and general profiling in solid wood, plywood, MDF, plastic, and laminates, reducing the number of specialty tools needed in the shop.
• With a 3/8 in. shank matching the 3/8 in. cutting diameter, this bit seats securely in the collet with minimal runout, supporting accurate, repeatable results in CNC routing machines, router tables, and handheld routers.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 199.504.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Product Type: Solid Carbide Upcut Ball Nose Spiral Bit
• Diameter: 3/8 in.
• Cutting Height: 1 1/8 in.
• Total Length: 3 in.
• Radius: 3/16 in.
• Shank Diameter: 3/8 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)
• Material: Solid Carbide (HWM - super-micrograin formulation)
• Macro Class: Router Cutter

Approved Applications

• CNC 3D routing and profile machining
• Curved and sculpted surface machining
• Relief carving and artistic sculpting
• Cutting and copying operations
• Panel sizing
• General routing on solid wood and wood composites
• Routing plastic materials and laminates