The CMT 818.132.11 Dovetail Bit by CMT is a precision-ground, carbide-tipped routing bit engineered to produce clean, accurate dovetail profiles for traditional joinery work. With an 18 deg. cutting angle and a 1/2 in. cutting diameter, this bit delivers the classic trapezoidal shape that defines dovetail joinery - used in everything from drawer box construction to box making and sliding dovetail joints. Designed for compatibility with the Incra system, this right-hand rotation bit pairs with handheld routers, router tables, and CNC routing machines, making it a versatile choice for both professional woodworkers and hobbyists who want repeatable, furniture-quality results.

Key Features

• 18 deg. Dovetail Angle - produces the precise trapezoidal profile required for tight-fitting dovetail joints, giving you consistent results across solid hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, and more.
• 1/2 in. Cutting Diameter - delivers a full-width dovetail profile in a single pass, reducing setup time and improving joint accuracy in drawer and box construction applications.
• 1/4 in. Shank - fits a wide range of standard routers and router table setups, offering flexibility across machines without requiring a collet adapter.
• 13/32 in. Cutting Height - provides sufficient depth of cut for practical dovetail joinery proportions in both solid wood and sheet goods.
• 2-Flute (2-Tooth) Design - the two cutting edges work together to produce a smooth, clean surface finish on dovetail profiles, reducing the need for additional cleanup or hand-fitting.
• HW (Hardmetal/Carbide) Cutting Material - tungsten carbide construction holds a sharp edge longer than high-speed steel, meaning more cuts between sharpenings and a longer working life across demanding materials.
• Right-Hand Rotation - matches the standard rotation direction of virtually all handheld routers and router tables, ensuring safe and straightforward installation.
• Incra System Compatible - engineered to work with the Incra joinery system, allowing woodworkers to produce precisely indexed dovetail patterns with minimal layout work.
• 2 3/8 in. Total Length - a practical overall length that provides clearance and stability in both handheld and table-mounted routing setups.

Why This Product

• If you work with an Incra jig or dovetail routing system, this bit is specifically noted as compatible - removing guesswork about fit and ensuring the 18 deg. angle aligns with Incra's indexed dovetail positions for repeatable, furniture-quality joinery.
• The carbide (HW) cutting material means this bit handles not just solid hardwood and softwood, but also engineered sheet goods like plywood, MDF, and melamine - making it a single tool capable of covering a wide range of dovetail routing tasks in a real shop environment.
• With a 1/4 in. shank, this bit is accessible to woodworkers using compact or trim routers as well as full-size machines - broadening its usability without requiring specialized equipment.
• The 18 deg. angle is a well-established standard for dovetail routing jigs, which means this bit is a direct, compatible replacement or upgrade for common dovetail routing setups where that specific angle is required.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 818.132.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Bit Type: Dovetail Bit
• Cutting Diameter: 1/2 in.
• Angle: 18 deg.
• Shank Diameter: 1/4 in.
• Cutting Height: 13/32 in.
• Total Length: 2 3/8 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Cutting Material: HW (Carbide)
• Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Dovetail Joints
• Sliding Dovetails
• Drawer Construction
• Box Making
• Incra System Dovetail Routing