Five clock-wheel cutters

Five clock-wheel cutters with three examples of work

These cutters and examples of work illustrate three types of cutter. The single-tooth cutter is made from bar stock. A disc is parted off and bored eccentrically. The edge is then turned to the profile required and a sector is cut out thus producing a single tooth. By making the cut at the point of greatest distance from the centre of the hole a relief is produced and clearance is maintained after sharpening.

In the second type of cutter, invented about a century ago, a disc is turned to correct profile and several teeth made by removing material. The teeth are then undercut and squeezed in to produce relief. The modern cutter is produced on a special relieving lathe.