Product Description
The CMT Solid Carbide Dovetail Bit - 3/8 in. Diameter, 19 deg. Angle, 1/4 in. Shank is a precision-ground routing bit engineered for clean, accurate dovetail joinery in hardwood, softwood, and sheet goods. Built from solid carbide with a 2-flute right-hand rotation design, this bit delivers the trapezoidal profile required for traditional dovetail joints, sliding dovetails, and Hoffmann key joinery - giving woodworkers repeatable, tight-fitting results across a wide range of materials and applications.
Key Features
- Solid Carbide Construction (HWM Material) - the entire bit body is ground from solid carbide rather than tipped, providing superior rigidity, edge retention, and vibration resistance for cleaner cuts and longer tool life compared to standard carbide-tipped alternatives.
- 19 deg. Dovetail Angle - matches the geometry required for Hoffmann key models W1, W2, and W3, enabling precise mechanical joints without guesswork or angle adjustments.
- 3/8 in. Cutting Diameter with 9/32 in. Cutting Height - sized to produce the correct dovetail profile for standard joinery tasks while keeping material removal controlled and predictable.
- 1/4 in. Shank - fits a wide range of handheld routers and router tables equipped with standard 1/4 in. collets, making this bit accessible and versatile without requiring specialty tooling.
- 2-Flute Right-Hand Rotation - dual cutting edges balance cutting forces for smoother operation, reduced chatter, and a cleaner finished surface in both solid wood and engineered panels.
- 1 11/16 in. Total Length - compact overall length keeps the bit stable and reduces runout, which is especially important when routing narrow dovetail slots for Hoffmann key applications.
Why This Product
- Designed specifically to fit Hoffmann key models W1, W2, and W3, this bit brings compatibility with a proven mechanical joinery system - eliminating the need to source bits that may not match Hoffmann key slot geometry.
- The solid carbide body (not just carbide-tipped) holds a sharper edge longer under repeated use, making it a practical choice for production environments or frequent woodworking projects where consistent cut quality matters.
- At a 19 deg. angle with a 3/8 in. diameter, this bit hits the dimensional sweet spot for sliding dovetail joints and drawer construction in hardwood and softwood, where tight mechanical fit directly affects structural strength.
- The 1/4 in. shank makes this bit compatible with compact handheld routers as well as full-size router tables, giving hobbyists and professional woodworkers alike the flexibility to use it across different setups.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 818.093.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 3/8 in.
- Angle: 19 deg.
- Cutting Height: 9/32 in.
- Total Length: 1 11/16 in.
- Shank: 1/4 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Material: HWM (Solid Carbide)
Approved Applications
- Hoffmann key joinery (compatible with W1, W2, and W3 key models)
- Traditional dovetail joints in solid hardwood and softwood
- Sliding dovetail connections
- Drawer box construction
- Box making and case joinery
- Routing in plywood, MDF, chipboard, and engineered sheet goods
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hoffmann key models is this bit compatible with?
This solid carbide dovetail bit is designed to fit Hoffmann key models W1, W2, and W3. The 19 deg. angle and 3/8 in. diameter are matched to the slot geometry required by these Hoffmann key sizes, allowing for accurate mechanical joinery without additional adjustment.
What is the difference between a solid carbide bit and a carbide-tipped bit?
A solid carbide bit - like this CMT model - is ground entirely from a single piece of carbide material rather than having carbide tips brazed onto a steel body. This construction provides greater rigidity, reduced vibration, and improved edge retention, which is particularly valuable in smaller-diameter bits where a solid carbide body contributes meaningfully to stability and precision.
What routers can use this bit?
This bit uses a 1/4 in. shank, which fits any handheld router or router table equipped with a standard 1/4 in. collet. It is suitable for use with compact trim routers, full-size plunge routers, and CNC routing machines that accept 1/4 in. tooling.
What materials can this dovetail bit cut?
The solid carbide construction makes this bit capable of routing solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, chipboard, and similar engineered wood panels. The 2-flute geometry supports clean cuts in both solid wood grain structures and layered sheet materials commonly used in drawer and box construction.
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