The CMT Panel Pilot Bit with Guide - 3/8" x 1" (1/4" Shank) is a precision routing bit engineered for fast, clean cutouts in paneling, drywall, siding, doors, and windows. Built by CMT with a 2-flute carbide-tipped design and a built-in guide, this bit plunges smoothly and cuts cleanly without over-cutting into the substrate below - making it a reliable choice for electrical box openings, panel cutouts, and laminate trimming work. Whether you are using a handheld router, a router table, or a CNC routing machine, this right-hand rotation bit delivers accurate results with less effort and in less time.

Key Features

• Carbide-Tipped (HW) Cutting Edges - industrial-grade hard metal carbide stays sharp longer through demanding cuts in laminates, melamine, plywood, MDF, and solid wood, reducing the need for frequent bit changes.
• Built-In Pilot Guide - prevents the bit from over-cutting past the panel surface into the substrate below, giving you precise, controlled cutouts and eliminating costly mistakes in finished panels.
• Smooth Plunge Entry - the point of this bit is designed to plunge easily into the material, letting you start cuts mid-panel without pre-drilling a starter hole, saving setup time on the job.
• 2-Flute Design - two cutting edges work together to evacuate chips efficiently and produce a clean, fast cut - ideal for production work and repetitive panel openings.
• CMT Orange Shield Non-Stick Coating - reduces pitch and resin buildup, prevents overheating, protects against corrosion, and extends the working life of the bit.
• SinterHIP Industrial Chrome Carbide - carbide processed via Hot Isostatic Pressing prevents material failure and extends cutting life, even in harder composites and dense laminates.
• Tri-Metal Brazing (Silver-Copper-Silver) - this three-layer brazing method secures the carbide tip more reliably when cutting harder wood or composite materials, reducing the risk of failed welds under stress.
• Anti-Kickback Design - controls depth of cut and minimizes kickback risk, improving safety and accuracy on every pass.
• Right-Hand Rotation - compatible with standard handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines without any special setup.
• 1/4" Shank - fits a wide range of standard router collets, making this bit versatile and easy to integrate into your existing tool setup.

Why This Product

• The integrated guide prevents over-cutting past the panel face into the substrate - a critical advantage when making electrical box cutouts or precise panel openings where substrate damage is not acceptable.
• The self-starting plunge point eliminates the need for a pre-drilled pilot hole, letting you work faster and more efficiently when making repeated openings in paneling, siding, or door blanks.
• With a 1" cutting height and 3/8" diameter, this bit handles a practical range of panel thicknesses and is equally at home trimming veneer and laminates as it is cutting drywall or softwood panels.
• CMT's combination of SinterHIP carbide, Tri-Metal Brazing, and Orange Shield coating means this bit is built to stay sharp and resist heat and corrosion through high-volume use - not just occasional cuts.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 816.095.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Diameter: 3/8"
• Cutting Height: 1"
• Total Length: 3-1/16"
• Shank: 1/4"
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Material: Carbide-Tipped (HW)
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
• Product Type: Panel Pilot Bit with Guide

Approved Applications

• Routing cutouts in paneling
• Drywall openings
• Siding cutouts
• Door and window openings
• Electrical box cutouts
• Veneer trimming
• Laminate trimming and cutouts
• Panel cutouts in MDF, plywood, melamine, chipboard, and plastic