Product Description
The CMT Solid Carbide Dovetail Bit - 3/8 in. Diameter, 8 deg. Angle, 1/4 in. Shank is a precision-ground routing bit engineered for creating beautifully clean dovetail joints in hardwood, softwood, plywood, and a wide range of other materials. Built from solid carbide (HWM grade) and designed for right-hand rotation, this 2-tooth bit delivers the trapezoidal profile required for traditional dovetail joinery - whether you are working with a handheld router, a router table, or a CNC routing machine. With a 1/2 in. cutting height and a compact 3/8 in. diameter, it is purpose-built for precision sliding dovetails, drawer construction, box making, and compatibility with the Leigh Jig. The 8 deg. angle produces the classic tight-fitting dovetail profile that appeals equally to seasoned professionals and woodworking enthusiasts.
Key Features
- Solid Carbide (HWM) Construction - full solid carbide body delivers superior rigidity and edge retention compared to carbide-tipped designs, meaning fewer passes, cleaner cuts, and longer tool life in demanding routing applications.
- 8 deg. Dovetail Angle - produces the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile with tight mechanical lock, ideal for drawer construction, box joints, and sliding dovetail assemblies.
- 3/8 in. Cutting Diameter with 1/2 in. Cutting Height - compact geometry allows precise, controlled dovetail cuts with enough cutting depth for solid hardwood and plywood joinery in a single pass.
- 1/4 in. Shank - fits a wide range of standard router collets, making this bit compatible with compact routers, handheld routers, and router tables commonly found in workshops of all sizes.
- 2-Flute Right-Hand Rotation - dual cutting edges balance the load on each flute, producing a smoother surface finish and reducing vibration during the cut for more accurate dovetail joints.
- Leigh Jig Compatible - confirmed for use with the Leigh Jig system, allowing woodworkers to achieve repeatable, template-guided dovetail joints with consistent accuracy across multiple workpieces.
- 2 3/8 in. Total Length - provides adequate clearance for use in router tables and jig setups while maintaining bit stiffness and reducing deflection during cuts.
Why This Product
- Designed for the Leigh Jig - if you own or use a Leigh Jig dovetail jig system, this bit is confirmed compatible, removing guesswork from bit selection and giving you reliable, repeatable results with your existing jig setup.
- Solid carbide throughout - unlike carbide-tipped alternatives, the full HWM solid carbide body resists flex and vibration, which translates to tighter joint tolerances and a cleaner mating surface on every dovetail cut.
- Compact 3/8 in. diameter for fine joinery - the smaller diameter is well suited to delicate drawer construction, box making, and detail work where a larger bit would remove too much material or limit design options.
- Right-hand, 2-flute geometry for smooth results - the dual-flute RH design balances cutting forces and minimizes tear-out in solid hardwoods, softwoods, plywood, and composite sheet goods, making this bit a practical choice for a broad range of wood species and panel products.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 818.097.11
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Diameter: 3/8 in.
- Angle: 8 deg.
- Shank: 1/4 in.
- Cutting Height: 1/2 in.
- Total Length: 2 3/8 in.
- Number of Teeth: 2
- Material: HWM Solid Carbide
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
- Bit Type: Dovetail
Approved Applications
- Dovetail Joints
- Sliding Dovetails
- Drawer Construction
- Box Making
- Leigh Jig Dovetail Routing
- Handheld Router Use
- Router Table Use
- CNC Routing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this dovetail bit compatible with the Leigh Jig?
Yes. This bit is specifically noted as compatible with the Leigh Jig dovetail jig system, making it a straightforward choice for woodworkers who rely on the Leigh Jig for template-guided, repeatable dovetail routing.
What router collet size does this bit require?
This bit has a 1/4 in. shank and requires a router with a 1/4 in. collet. It is compatible with most compact and full-size handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines that accept a 1/4 in. collet.
What is the cutting depth of this dovetail bit?
The cutting height (depth of cut) is 1/2 in. This makes it well suited for routing dovetail joints in solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, and other sheet goods commonly used in drawer and box construction.
What does the 8 deg. angle mean for my dovetail joints?
The 8 deg. angle refers to the taper of the dovetail profile cut by the bit. This angle produces the classic trapezoidal interlocking shape used in traditional dovetail joinery. The resulting joint creates a strong mechanical connection that resists pulling apart, which is why the dovetail is a preferred joint for drawer boxes, cabinet carcasses, and decorative box construction.
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