Gear cutter, 1870-1880, made in two parts

This cutter was made between 1870 and 1880 by R. W. Munroe and is a good example of the craftsmanship of the early engineers.

The blanks were turned and the profile and relief cut with a chisel, filed to a template and finished by hand grinding. The form of the tooth is cycloidal. In order to maintain the width of the tooth, which, due to the relief, is reduced by re-grinding, the cutter is made in two halves so that it may be packed with paper washers.