CMT 308.095.12 Dowel Drill - 3/8" x 1-3/16" x 2-17/64" Left-Hand Rotation is a precision-engineered, carbide-tipped boring bit built for clean, flat-bottom blind holes in wood panels, composite sheet goods, and solid lumber. Designed for left-hand (LH) rotation and featuring negatively ground spurs with a hardmetal (HW) cutting edge, this short-series dowel drill delivers consistent bore quality in chipboard, MDF, hardwood, softwood, plywood, laminates, and coated panels. Its 10x20mm parallel shank with driving flat makes it compatible with multi-spindle CNC boring machines, boring centers, and panel processing equipment - wherever repeatable, high-quality dowel holes are required in cabinetry and furniture production.

Key Features

• Hardmetal (HW) Carbide Cutting Edge - tungsten carbide material maintains a sharp edge through high-volume production runs, reducing downtime for tool changes and delivering consistent bore quality across dense materials like MDF and chipboard.
• Negatively Ground Spurs - the precision-sharpened spur geometry scores the material perimeter cleanly before the center clears, producing flat-bottom holes with crisp, tearout-free walls - critical for tight-tolerance dowel joints in furniture and cabinet panels.
• Left-Hand (LH) Rotation - engineered specifically for left-hand spindles on multi-spindle boring machines and CNC boring centers, ensuring correct chip evacuation and proper cutting action without modification.
• 2-Spur, 2-Tooth Configuration - dual spurs and dual cutting edges work together to score and clear material efficiently, producing smooth bore walls and reducing heat buildup during repeated drilling cycles.
• Short-Series 57.5mm Total Length - the compact overall length keeps the bit rigid and minimizes deflection at high spindle speeds, contributing to straight, accurately positioned dowel holes.
• 10x20mm Parallel Shank with Driving Flat - the standardized shank geometry seats securely in industrial boring machine chucks and adapters, preventing slippage and ensuring accurate hole positioning across long production runs.
• 30mm Cutting Height - provides sufficient depth for standard blind dowel holes while maintaining the short-series profile that reduces vibration and runout.

Why This Product

• The negatively ground spur design is specifically suited to composite panel materials like chipboard, MDF, and laminates - materials that are prone to surface tearout and delamination when cut with improper geometry, making this bit a reliable choice for high-appearance cabinet and furniture components.
• Left-hand rotation is not interchangeable - this bit is built for LH spindle positions on multi-row boring machines, so it cuts correctly with proper chip clearance rather than rubbing, which protects both the tool and the workpiece surface.
• The hardmetal (HW) carbide cutting material withstands the abrasive content of MDF and coated panels better than high-speed steel alternatives, supporting longer service intervals between sharpenings in production environments.
• The standardized 10x20mm shank fits a wide range of industrial boring machine chucks and adapters, making this bit straightforward to integrate into existing multi-spindle CNC setups without special tooling.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 308.095.12
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 3/8"
• Cutting Height: 30mm (1-3/16")
• Total Length: 57.5mm (2-17/64")
• Shank: 10x20mm
• Rotation: Left-Hand (LH)
• Number of Spurs: 2
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Spur Sharpening: Negatively ground spurs
• Blade Material: HW (Hardmetal / Tungsten Carbide)

Approved Applications

• Chipboard and particle board panels
• MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
• HDF (High Density Fiberboard)
• Hardwood
• Softwood
• Plywood
• Laminates
• Coated and faced panels