Freud 16-120 Mortising Bit is engineered for precision work, delivering clean, splinter-free mortises in plywood, veneer, solid wood, and virtually any composite material. Designed with down-shear geometry, this bit actively pushes wood fibers down and away from the surface, dramatically reducing tear-out and producing edge-to-edge, ready-for-hardware mortises every time.

Key to its standout performance are two core features that set it apart from standard mortising bits:

• Down-shear design minimizes splintering by controlling wood fiber behavior during the cut, resulting in crisper edges and a cleaner bottom for hinges, hardware, and joinery.
• Deep center gullets maximize material removal while preventing chip loading, so you can tackle larger mortises with steady, consistent results and less stalling.

Versatility that adapts to your workflow. Whether you’re routing with a CNC machine for repeatable, production-grade hinges or cutting precise mortises on-site with a portable router, the Freud 16-120 handles it with confidence. Its geometry is optimized for a range of joinery tasks—mortising for hardware, creating grooves, and laying out dadoes—without compromising edge quality or accuracy.

What makes this bit essential

• Material compatibility — performs consistently across plywood, veneer, solid wood, and nearly any composite material, reducing the need for multiple bits.
• Clean, predictable results — the combination of down-shear action and efficient chip clearance yields precise mortises that align perfectly with hardware and hinges.
• Flexible workflow — compatible with both CNC routers for repeatable accuracy and handheld routers for on-the-job adjustments and custom hardware fitment.

Ideal use cases

• Hinge mortises and hardware fitment in cabinetry, doors, and furniture projects
• Grooves and dadoes for practical joinery or decorative accents
• Precision mortising in plywood, veneered surfaces, solid woods, and challenging composites

Practical tips for best results

• Inspect and align your workpiece to ensure consistent mortise placement, especially when matching multiple openings.
• Feed steadily to leverage the deep center gullets—avoid rushing to prevent chatter and ensure square, clean bottoms.
• Use complementary templates or jigs to maximize repeatability when installing multiple hinges or hardware components.
• Pair with appropriate dust collection to keep chips clear and maintain cut quality over long runs.

With the Freud 16-120 Mortising Bit, you gain a reliable, high-precision tool that brings professional-grade joinery to both workshop and job-site projects. Its thoughtful geometry and material-friendly design translate into faster setup, fewer reworks, and consistently accurate mortises—so your hinges, hardware, and grooves install perfectly every time.