CMT 818.658.11 Dovetail Bit by CMT is a precision-ground router bit engineered to cut the classic trapezoidal dovetail profile used in furniture joinery, drawer construction, and box making. With a 5/8 in. cutting diameter, a 7 deg. angle, and a 1/2 in. shank, this bit is purpose-built for use with the Incra system and compatible with both handheld routers and router tables. The 2-flute carbide construction delivers clean, repeatable cuts through solid hardwood, softwood, and sheet goods alike, making it a reliable choice for woodworkers who demand crisp, interlocking dovetail joints time after time.

Key Features

• 5/8 in. cutting diameter at a 7 deg. angle - produces the precise trapezoidal profile required for tight-fitting dovetail joints, reducing the need for hand-fitting or adjustment after routing.
• 7/8 in. cutting height - provides enough depth of cut to handle standard drawer sides and box panels in a single pass, improving workflow efficiency.
• 1/2 in. shank - the larger shank diameter reduces vibration and deflection during the cut, resulting in smoother surfaces and more accurate joint dimensions compared to 1/4 in. shank bits.
• 2-flute HW (carbide) construction - dual cutting edges extend service life, balance the cut, and allow the bit to be used across a wide range of wood species and composites without frequent resharpening.
• Right-hand rotation - standard RH direction is compatible with virtually all router models and router table setups, so no special equipment or adapter is needed.
• 2-5/8 in. total length - provides sufficient reach above the collet to clear most router table fences and bases while keeping the bit stable during deep chamfer cuts.
• Incra system compatibility - designed to pair directly with Incra jigs and fences, enabling repeatable, precisely indexed dovetail layouts without re-measuring between cuts.

Why This Product

• Woodworkers who use the Incra joinery system will find this bit is engineered specifically for that platform, enabling indexed, repeatable dovetail layouts that are difficult to achieve with general-purpose bits.
• The 7 deg. dovetail angle produces a mechanically interlocking profile that holds drawer sides and box panels together under stress, making it well-suited for functional furniture and cabinet work.
• Running a straight bit on the first pass - as recommended for this bit - reduces stress on the cutting edges and extends the usable life of the carbide, helping lower the cost per joint over time.
• The combination of a 1/2 in. shank and 2-flute HW carbide construction means this bit can be used across a broad range of materials - from solid hardwood to softwood to sheet goods - without swapping out tooling for different species or densities.

Specifications

• Manufacturer Part Number: 818.658.11
• Brand: CMT Orange Tools
• Bit Type: Dovetail Bit
• Diameter: 5/8 in.
• Angle: 7 deg.
• Cutting Height: 7/8 in.
• Total Length: 2-5/8 in.
• Shank: 1/2 in.
• Number of Teeth: 2
• Material: HW (Carbide)
• Rotation: Right-hand (RH)

Approved Applications

• Dovetail joints for furniture and cabinetry
• Sliding dovetail joints
• Drawer box construction
• Box making and chest assembly
• Difficult chamfer angles on a router table equipped with a fence
• Use with the Incra jig and fence system