Typical machining operations such as milling and routing utilize specially designed tool bits that have a fixed radii cutting feature thereon. A problem with such traditional tools is that most machined parts have varying contours such as a changing radius on the edge concave, a fillet at a corner, multiple radii and other rapidly changing features which require a machinist to find and then to frequently exchange the tool bit with an appropriate one to form the final shape of the part. This is time consuming and frustrating particularly when the machinist must search through dozens of tool bits until the correct one is located. Furthermore, if a particular tool bit is unsuitable for the cutting task, the machinist oftentimes grinds and machines the tool bit in an attempt to simulate the desired radii to be cut. This, too, is time consuming and ruins the tool bit as well as compromising the accuracy of the workpiece.
No device is known such as a variable radii cutter that conveniently allows cutting a wide variation in radii with a single tool which minimizes the need for a large tool bit inventory and frequent tool bit changes and which is simple in design, versatile and is easy to use.
In view of the above mentioned problems and limitations associated with traditional cutting tools, it was recognized by the present inventor that there is an unfulfilled need for an improved cutting tool which can be varied in size to accommodate changing radii needs on a part being machined and one which is simple in design, practical, fun to use and is economically manufactured.
Accordingly, it becomes clear that there is a great need for a variable radii cutting tool which overcomes the disadvantages associated with traditional tool bits used in machining operations. Such a cutting tool should be one that minimizes the need to frequently change tool bits and one which eliminates the fixed radii features associated with standard tool bits.