Freud 16-560 Mortising Router Bit 1/2 in 1/4 in Shank

Product Description

The FREUD 16-560 is a carbide mortising router bit designed for precision plunge cutting and slot work in wood and composite materials. It features a 1/2 inch cutting diameter, a 5/16 inch carbide height, and a 1/4 inch shank. The down-shear geometry drives cutting forces downward into the workpiece, which suppresses grain tearout and splintering on the top face. Deep center gullets keep chips moving out of the cut zone, preventing chip loading and heat buildup during extended passes. This bit is built for production and finish-grade routing work performed by cabinetmakers, millwork shops, and furniture fabricators.

The 16-560 is suited for residential and light commercial woodworking applications including mortise pockets, hinge gains, inlay channels, and through-slot work. It performs in composition materials, plywood, hardwoods, and softwoods. The 1/4 inch shank fits standard collets on CNC routers, automatic routing equipment, handheld routers, and table-mounted portable routers. The down-shear design makes it particularly useful on veneered plywood and laminated panel stock where surface quality is critical.

Key Features

• Down-shear geometry eliminates splintering on the top face of the workpiece
• Deep center gullets promote maximum chip evacuation without loading
• Carbide construction for long edge life across hardwoods, softwoods, and composites
• 1/4 inch shank fits a wide range of CNC, automatic, handheld, and table-mounted routers
• Cuts composition materials, plywoods, hardwoods, and softwoods

Compatibility

Compatible with CNC routers, other automatic routers, handheld routers, and table-mounted portable routers equipped with a 1/4 inch collet.

Installation Notes

Installation should be performed by a qualified woodworker or machinist familiar with router tooling. Power down and disconnect the router or CNC machine completely before changing bits. Insert the shank fully into the collet and tighten to the router manufacturer's specified torque using the correct collet wrench — never use a hammer or makeshift tools to seat the bit. Confirm spindle speed is appropriate for the bit diameter before engaging the cut.