A side-profile view of the Freud 16-560 mortising router bit against a white background, highlighting the 1/4-inch shank and the precision-ground down-shear carbide cutters.
A high-angle studio shot of the Freud 16-560 1/2-inch mortising bit, showing the polished steel shank, integrated top ball-bearing guide, and sharp carbide cutting head.
A side-profile view of the Freud 16-560 mortising router bit against a white background, highlighting the 1/4-inch shank and the precision-ground down-shear carbide cutters.
Retail clamshell packaging for the Freud 16-560 industrial mortising bit, displaying the 1/2-inch diameter, 5/16-inch carbide height, and the non-stick Perma-SHIELD coating.
A technical profile diagram for the Freud 16-560 mortising bit, illustrating a precise 1/2-inch wide by 5/16-inch deep cut guided by a 5/8-inch diameter top bearing and template.
An application infographic showing the Freud mortising bit being used to create a precise recessed cutout in a wood frame for a flush-mounted metal door hinge.
An infographic showcasing the materials compatible with Freud mortising router bits, including veneered plywood, hardwoods, softwoods, and composite materials.
A technical graphic illustrating that the Freud 16-560 mortising bit is engineered for professional use with hand routers, table routers, and palm routers.
A side-profile view of the Freud 16-560 mortising router bit against a white background, highlighting the 1/4-inch shank and the precision-ground down-shear carbide cutters.
A high-angle studio shot of the Freud 16-560 1/2-inch mortising bit, showing the polished steel shank, integrated top ball-bearing guide, and sharp carbide cutting head.
A side-profile view of the Freud 16-560 mortising router bit against a white background, highlighting the 1/4-inch shank and the precision-ground down-shear carbide cutters.
Retail clamshell packaging for the Freud 16-560 industrial mortising bit, displaying the 1/2-inch diameter, 5/16-inch carbide height, and the non-stick Perma-SHIELD coating.
A technical profile diagram for the Freud 16-560 mortising bit, illustrating a precise 1/2-inch wide by 5/16-inch deep cut guided by a 5/8-inch diameter top bearing and template.
An application infographic showing the Freud mortising bit being used to create a precise recessed cutout in a wood frame for a flush-mounted metal door hinge.
An infographic showcasing the materials compatible with Freud mortising router bits, including veneered plywood, hardwoods, softwoods, and composite materials.
A technical graphic illustrating that the Freud 16-560 mortising bit is engineered for professional use with hand routers, table routers, and palm routers.
Freud

Freud 16-560 1/2 Inch Carbide Mortising Router Bit 1/4 Inch Shank Down Shear Design for Clean Hinge Mortises Plywood Dadoes and Splinter Free Grooves

In stock
SKU: 16-560
$33.00 USD

Description

Freud precisely the best logo Logout

Master the Art of Precision Joinery with the Freud 16-560 1/2" Mortising Bit

The Freud 16-560 1/2" Mortising Bit is the definitive choice for woodworkers and contractors who demand clean, surgical precision in their joinery. Engineered specifically to deliver splinter-free mortises in plywood, veneer, and solid hardwoods, this bit features a specialized down shear design. By pushing wood fibers downward during the cut, it ensures the top surface remains perfectly crisp and tear-out free, making it the ideal tool for installing high-end hinges, hardware, or crafting seamless dadoes and grooves.

Designed for efficiency and longevity, the 16-560 is built with deep center gullets that facilitate maximum material removal without chip loading. This prevents heat buildup and ensures the bit stays sharp through repetitive industrial tasks. Whether you are using a CNC machine, a table-mounted router, or a handheld unit, the Perma-SHIELD® non-stick coating reduces blade drag and protects the bit from corrosion and resin buildup. Elevate your cabinetry and furniture builds with the reliability of industrial-grade carbide.

Key Features

  • Down Shear Geometry: Prevents top-edge splintering by slicing wood fibers in a downward motion for a flawless finish.
  • High-Speed Chip Removal: Engineered with deep center gullets to clear debris quickly and prevent overheating.
  • Industrial Grade Carbide: Forged with TiCo™ High-Density Carbide for maximum durability and an extended cutting life.
  • Perma-SHIELD® Coating: Exclusive non-stick coating reduces friction, resists heat, and prevents pitch build-up.
  • Universal Machine Compatibility: Precision-balanced to run smoothly in CNC, hand-held, and table-mounted routers.
  • Multi-Material Versatility: Delivers clean cuts in solid wood, plywood, veneers, and composite materials.

What's Included

  • (1) Freud 1/2" Diameter Mortising Router Bit (16-560)

Specifications

Model Number 16-560
Overall Diameter (D) 1/2 in
Shank Diameter (A) 1/4 in
Carbide Height (h) 5/16 in
Overall Length (H) 2-7/16 in
Number of Cutters 2
Maximum RPM 24,000 RPM
Design Type Down Shear
Bit Material Carbide Tipped
Tooling Coating Perma-SHIELD® Non-Stick
Ideal Application Hinge Mortising, Dadoes, and Grooving

Pro-Tip: When mortising for hinges, use a shallow pass first to define the edges before plunging to the final depth. This helps the down shear geometry create the cleanest possible "shoulder" for the hinge to sit in perfectly flush.