Studio product shot of the Freud 16-103 mortising router bit, featuring a silver 1/4-inch shank and a red Perma-SHIELD coated cutter head sized at 23/32 inch for undersized plywood.
Technical diagram showing a cross-section of a wood cut, indicating a precise slot width of 23/32 inch for model number 16-103.
3D illustration demonstrating the hinge mortising application, showing the router bit cutting a shallow recess in a wood block, followed by the placement of a metal door hinge into the perfectly fitted mortise.
Studio product shot of the Freud 16-103 mortising router bit, featuring a silver 1/4-inch shank and a red Perma-SHIELD coated cutter head sized at 23/32 inch for undersized plywood.
Technical diagram showing a cross-section of a wood cut, indicating a precise slot width of 23/32 inch for model number 16-103.
3D illustration demonstrating the hinge mortising application, showing the router bit cutting a shallow recess in a wood block, followed by the placement of a metal door hinge into the perfectly fitted mortise.
Freud

Freud 16-103 23/32 Inch Mortising Router Bit 1/4 Inch Shank Carbide Down Shear for Undersized Plywood Dados Hinges Splinter Free Wood

Only 1 left
SKU: 16-103
$17.29

Description

Achieve Perfect Plywood Joinery with the Freud 23/32 Inch Down-Shear Mortising Bit

Eliminate loose joints and sloppy dadoes when working with modern plywood using the Freud 16-103 23/32 Inch Mortising Bit. Because most "3/4-inch" plywood is actually manufactured to an undersized metric thickness (approx. 23/32"), using a standard 3/4" bit often results in gaps and weak glue joints. This bit is precision-ground to the exact 23/32" diameter, ensuring a tight, professional fit for shelving, cabinetry, and casework. The bit features a specialized "down-shear" geometry that actively pushes wood fibers down during the cut, producing razor-sharp, splinter-free edges on delicate veneers and laminates that would otherwise chip with standard straight bits.

Engineered for high-volume performance, the 16-103 is equipped with deep center gullets that facilitate rapid chip removal, preventing heat buildup even during deep mortising or long dado runs. The tool is shielded by Freud's industrial red Perma-SHIELD coating, which provides a non-stick surface that resists pitch, resin, and corrosion while reducing friction. With a 1/2-inch carbide height and a 1/4-inch shank, this bit is perfectly balanced for use in CNC machinery, hand-held routers, and table-mounted setups, making it the ultimate solution for joinery and hinge mortising in plywood and composites.

Key Features

  • Precision Plywood Fit: 23/32 inch diameter is sized perfectly for undersized 3/4" plywood dadoes.
  • Down-Shear Geometry: Shearing action pushes fibers down to guarantee splinter-free top surfaces.
  • Perma-SHIELD Coating: Non-stick coating reduces drag, prevents heating, and resists pitch buildup.
  • Deep Center Gullets: Maximizes chip evacuation to prevent clogging during heavy material removal.
  • Versatile Application: Ideal for mortising hinges, hardware, and cutting joinery grooves.
  • Universal Compatibility: Safe for use in CNC, hand-held, and table-mounted routers.
  • Clean Finishes: Delivers smooth, flat-bottom cuts in veneer, solid wood, and composites.

What's Included:

  • (1) 23/32 In. Mortising Bit with 1/4 In. Shank (Model 16-103)

Specifications

Model Number 16-103
Overall Diameter (D) 23/32 In.
Shank Diameter (A) 1/4 In.
Carbide Height (h) 1/2 In.
Overall Length (H) 1-3/4 In.
Number of Cutters 2
Max RPM 24,000 RPM
Coating Perma-SHIELD®
Design Style Down Shear
Primary Application Undersized 3/4" Plywood
Pro-Tip: Before cutting dadoes for your plywood shelving, measure the actual thickness of your sheet. Modern "3/4-inch" plywood is almost always undersized (closer to 23/32"). If you use a standard 3/4" bit, the joint will be loose and weak. Using this 23/32" bit ensures a snug, glueless fit that provides maximum structural integrity for your project.