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CMT 653.158.11 Insert Carbide Straight Router Bit, 5/8-Inch

Straight flutes are the correct choice for plunge cuts in inlay recesses w here parallel walls matter

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated October 15, 2026◷ 3 min read

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CMT 653.158.11 Insert Carbide Straight Router Bit, 5/8-Inch
Best Straight Plunge

CMT 653.158.11 Insert Carbide Straight Router Bit, 5/8-Inch

CMT

Straight flutes are the correct choice for plunge cuts in inlay recesses w here parallel walls matter

  • Center-cutting straight bit
  • Two-flute design
  • Micro-gra in carbide
  • Anti-kickback body

Pros

  • Straight flutes are the correct choice for plunge cuts in inlay recesses w here parallel walls matter
  • Anti-kickback body reduces the risk of catches when starting a plunge cut
  • CMT micro-gra in carbide provides better edge retention than standard carbide
  • Flat bottom makes it correct for hinge mortises and shallow recesses

Cons

  • Straight flutes produce more tearout than spiral geometry in many hardwoods
  • Anti-kickback limits feed rate
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Where the CMT 653.158.11 Insert Carbide Straight Router Bit, 5/8-Inch ranks

Freud 75-100 Up Spiral Bit, 1/8-Inch
Best picksBest Plunge Router Bits 2026: 8 Bits for Inside Cuts and Stopped GroovesOur top pick for plunge router bits is the Freud 75-100 Up Spiral Bit (Center-cutting end allows plunging directly into the surface without a pilot hole).