Product Description
The CMT Contractor Dovetail Bit - 1/2" Diameter x 1/2" Cutting Height, 15 deg. Angle, 1/4" Shank is a precision-engineered routing bit designed for creating clean, tight-fitting dovetail joints in wood and wood composite materials. Built for use with popular dovetail jigs, this 2-flute carbide bit delivers the characteristic trapezoidal dovetail profile needed for drawer construction, box joinery, and sliding dovetail work. Its right-hand rotation and balanced design make it a reliable choice for handheld routers and router table setups alike.
Key Features
- 15 deg. Dovetail Angle - produces the precise trapezoidal profile required for strong mechanical dovetail joints, ensuring tight, interlocking connections without glue dependency.
- 1/2" Cutting Diameter x 1/2" Cutting Height - sized for versatile dovetail joinery tasks including drawer sides, box corners, and sliding dovetail channels in common lumber thicknesses.
- 1/4" Shank - compatible with a wide range of compact routers and standard router collets, giving this bit broad machine compatibility for job site and shop use.
- 2-Flute Hardwood-Grade Carbide (HW) Construction - dual cutting edges increase feed rate efficiency while hardwood-grade carbide maintains edge sharpness through solid hardwood and wood composite cuts.
- Balanced Design for Good Performance - reduces vibration during cuts, contributing to smoother surfaces and more accurate joint fit without excessive chatter or deflection.
- Right-Hand Rotation - standard RH rotation is compatible with conventional router spindle direction, making setup straightforward and safe for typical routing operations.
- 2-1/16" Total Length - compact overall length supports stable bit engagement in dovetail jigs and templates without excessive overhang or flex.
- Compatible with Popular Dovetail Jigs - designed to work with widely used jig systems, allowing woodworkers to achieve repeatable, precise dovetail joints on production runs or one-off projects.
Why This Product
- The 15 deg. cutting angle is a standard dovetail profile used across drawer-making and box joinery applications, making this bit a practical fit for the most common hardwood joinery tasks woodworkers encounter.
- The 1/4" shank allows use with compact and mid-size routers that may not accommodate larger 1/2" shank bits, expanding accessibility for a wider range of router setups and dovetail jig configurations.
- Hardwood-grade carbide construction means the bit maintains cutting performance through demanding materials like solid hardwood and wood composites, not just softer species, reducing the need for frequent resharpening or bit replacement.
- The balanced, 2-flute geometry supports clean material removal with reduced vibration, which translates directly to cleaner joint surfaces and better-fitting dovetail connections right off the router table.
Specifications
- Manufacturer Part Number: 81815
- Brand: CMT Orange Tools
- Bit Type: Contractor Dovetail Bit
- Cutting Diameter: 1/2"
- Cutting Height: 1/2"
- Angle: 15 deg.
- Shank Diameter: 1/4"
- Total Length: 2-1/16"
- Number of Teeth (Flutes): 2
- Material: HW (Hardwood-Grade Carbide)
- Rotation: Right-Hand (RH)
Approved Applications
- Dovetail Joints in Solid Hardwood
- Dovetail Joints in Wood Composite Material
- Sliding Dovetail Channels
- Drawer Construction and Assembly
- Box Making and Case Joinery
- Dovetail Jig Routing Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
What dovetail angle does this bit cut?
This bit cuts at a 15 deg. angle, which is one of the most common dovetail profiles used in drawer construction and box joinery. The 15 deg. profile produces a strong mechanical interlock when mated with a corresponding dovetail socket or tail piece.
Is this bit compatible with dovetail jigs?
Yes. This bit is designed specifically for use with popular dovetail jigs on the market. Its 1/4" shank and 1/2" cutting diameter are sized to work within the template guides and collet specs required by common jig systems, making it straightforward to set up for repeatable joints.
What materials can this bit cut?
This dovetail bit is suited for cutting wood and wood composite materials. Its hardwood-grade carbide (HW) construction supports use in solid hardwoods as well as engineered wood products, maintaining edge integrity through denser grain and composite binders.
What router types can use this bit?
The 1/4" shank is compatible with handheld routers and router tables that accept 1/4" collets. This includes many compact and mid-size routers commonly used for dovetail jig work. Right-hand rotation matches the standard spindle direction of conventional routers, so no special setup is needed.
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