Amana Tool - 45837 Carbide Tipped Dovetail 7 Deg x 9/32 Dia x 1/2 x 1/4" Shank

I was going to use dovetails for 28 small drawers I was building for 4 tool boxes, but after an initial trial, I decided on using 1/4" finger(box) joints instead due to the very small pins that the jig left for the joints.The bit worked fine, however.

I have used and broken several of these bits. It's a specialty-sized bit and works in my Porter-Cable mini-dovetail jig. As other reviews have stated, they do break easily but I'm not convinced it's a manufacturing flaw. It's a common issue and you can find discussions in wood-worker discussions. Some ways to reduce breakage are making sure to set your router RPM to a speed appropriate for the bit diameter and to move the router into the wood at a slow enough pace so you don't put too much pressure on the bit but at a fast enough pace that you don't overheat the bit. Much of your speed will depend on the wood you are cutting. An overheated bit looses its temper and is more prone to breakage. One way I have found to increase bit life is to only cut two or three dovetails at a time and allowing the bit to cool between cuts. Yes, it's slow but it keeps the bit from overheating and that saves $$. All of that said, I'm still frustrated this bit breaks so easily and it's expensive enough so that one would think it has some advantage over cheaper bits. I'm not so sure it does but I haven't found a better one so I'm forking over cash for a few more and hopefully I will get the technique perfected before I break them all. I'm cutting 1/2" birch plywood for a small box project.

Nice blade, stays sharp and clean

This bit works perfectly with a Freud 5/32" straight bit for milling miniature dovetails using the template for the PC 4212 dovetail jig. Be aware that the bits required for the miniature dovetail template that Porter-Cable lists in their operators manual for the PC-4212 jig are not available.

Probably worth a 4 rating if it weren't chipped. The bit is wrapped in protective goo to protect from damage, so it's clear that it was damaged before it ever left the factory.Cutting width is odd too: rather than 1/2" diameter, it is 17/32".Bit is sharp (save for the chip) but, as it's not a spiral flute, there is a lot of tear-out on entering and exiting the cut.I used this on a CNC for cutting a drawer sample. It did ok, but I have a steep learning curve to get it right. (Could have hand cut the dovetails in less than half the time it took to design and cut on the CNC.) ;-P

Cuts well, I use it when I make drawers

I used this bit today. I have to say I am pleased with the performance. Clean sharp cuts.

Better than most brands. I prefer Amana brand because of selection and durability if properly used.

Can tolerate heat better than the non carbide tipped versions. Sliding dovetails torture these small bits.

No problems