Product Description
CMT 368.060.12 Dowel Drill for Through Holes is a left-hand rotation, carbide-tipped boring bit engineered for clean, precise through-hole drilling in panel processing applications. Sized at 15/64" (6mm) diameter with a 1 11/16" (43mm) cutting height and 2 3/4" (70mm) overall length, this long-series dowel drill is built for thick panel work where consistent hole quality and extended reach are essential. Designed for use in multi-spindle CNC boring machines and panel processing centers, it excels in chipboard, MDF, HDF, hardwood, softwood, plywood, laminates, and coated panels. The 8x20mm parallel shank with driving flat ensures secure seating in compatible machine spindles, while the two-flute tungsten carbide (HW) construction delivers the cutting performance and tool life demanded in high-throughput production environments.
Key Features
- 15/64" (6mm) Diameter, Long-Series Cutting Geometry - the 1 11/16" (43mm) cutting height provides the reach needed to produce clean through-holes in thick panels without deflection or incomplete penetration.
- Tungsten Carbide (HW) Blade Material - hard carbide construction retains a sharp cutting edge through demanding production runs in abrasive materials like chipboard, MDF, and laminates, reducing downtime for tool changes.
- Left-Hand (LH) Rotation - engineered specifically for left-hand spindle positions on multi-spindle boring machines, ensuring the correct cutting direction for clean entry and exit on the panel face.
- Two-Flute Design - dual flutes efficiently evacuate chips from the through-hole, preventing clogging and heat buildup that can cause tearout or burning in MDF and coated panels.
- 8x20mm Parallel Shank with Driving Flat - the precision-ground shank seats positively in machine spindle chucks, preventing slippage and maintaining exact bit positioning for repeatable hole location accuracy.
- Through-Hole Sharpening Configuration (60 deg. geometry) - the 60 deg. point angle is optimized for through-hole boring, producing flat, consistent bore walls suitable for dowel assembly and cabinet construction joinery.
- 2 3/4" (70mm) Overall Length - the extended total length accommodates machine clearance requirements on CNC boring centers and multi-spindle panels processing equipment, allowing deep panel access without tool interference.
Why This Product
- Built for left-hand spindle positions - many multi-spindle boring machines use both right-hand and left-hand spindles simultaneously. This bit's LH rotation makes it the correct choice for left-hand spindle stations, ensuring proper cutting action rather than rubbing, which would produce torn walls and excessive heat.
- Long-series reach for thick panel through-holes - the 43mm cutting height and 70mm overall length are specifically sized for through-hole applications in thicker panel stock, eliminating the need for extended arbors or workaround setups that introduce runout and reduce hole quality.
- Carbide construction handles abrasive engineered wood products - materials like chipboard, MDF, HDF, and laminated panels are highly abrasive and quickly dull high-speed steel bits. The HW (tungsten carbide) construction of this drill maintains cutting sharpness significantly longer, supporting higher output per sharpening cycle.
- Standardized 6mm diameter for dowel joint compatibility - the 6mm bore diameter directly matches standard 6mm wood dowels used widely in cabinet and furniture panel assembly, making this bit a direct-fit solution for dowel joinery production without additional sizing or custom setup.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 368.060.12
- Diameter: 6mm (15/64")
- Cutting Height: 43mm (1 11/16")
- Total Length: 70mm (2 3/4")
- Shank: 8x20mm
- Number of Flutes: 2
- Rotation: Left-Hand (LH)
- Blade Material: Tungsten Carbide (HW)
- Sharpening Configuration: Through Holes 60
- Series: Through Hole Long Series
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
Approved Applications
- Through-hole dowel boring in chipboard and particle board panels
- Through-hole drilling in MDF and HDF sheet goods
- Dowel joint production in hardwood and softwood panels
- Through-hole boring in plywood and multi-layer panel products
- Through-hole drilling in laminated and coated panel surfaces
- Multi-spindle CNC boring machine left-hand spindle stations
- CNC boring center and panel processing center applications
- Cabinet and furniture panel assembly with 6mm wood dowels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a through-hole dowel drill and a blind-hole dowel drill?
A through-hole dowel drill, like the CMT 368.060.12, is designed to drill completely through a panel from one face to the other. Its cutting geometry - in this case a 60 deg. point angle sharpening configuration - is optimized to produce clean entry and exit holes on both panel faces. A blind-hole drill, by contrast, is ground to produce a flat-bottomed hole that stops at a set depth inside the panel. Using the correct type for your joinery application ensures clean hole walls and accurate dowel seating.
Why does this drill use left-hand (LH) rotation, and how do I know if my machine needs it?
Left-hand rotation means the bit cuts when spinning counterclockwise (when viewed from the tip). Multi-spindle boring machines used in cabinet and panel production typically have both right-hand and left-hand spindles arranged in a gang configuration so that bits above and below the panel can bore from opposite faces simultaneously. If your machine's spindle rotates counterclockwise, you need an LH-designated bit like this one. Using an RH bit in an LH spindle would cause rubbing rather than cutting, producing heat, tearout, and poor hole quality.
What shank type does the CMT 368.060.12 use, and is it compatible with a standard chuck?
This drill uses an 8x20mm parallel shank with a driving flat. The parallel shank diameter is 8mm, and the driving flat allows the machine spindle to positively engage the bit and prevent rotation slippage under cutting load. This shank format is the standard configuration for dowel drills used in multi-spindle boring machines and CNC boring centers. It can also be used with an appropriately sized chuck or adapter on compatible machines.
What materials can this dowel drill be used on?
The CMT 368.060.12 is suited for through-hole boring in chipboard, MDF, HDF, hardwood, softwood, plywood, laminates, and coated panels. The tungsten carbide (HW) construction makes it particularly effective in abrasive engineered wood products like MDF and chipboard, which would rapidly wear down less durable bit materials. Always match feed rate and spindle speed to the specific material being bored to achieve the best hole quality and tool life.
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