A method directed to gear cutting tools and gear cutter job consolidation resulting in a single cutter capable of cutting a plurality of different members of a part family. The method comprises a multi-step approach comprising a first step of defining a temporary master. A second step creates a virtual master which is especially well-suited for accommodating the requirements of the jobs in the consolidation variety. A third step determines cutting depths and optimized machine settings for all consolidation jobs using the virtual master.

A method directed to gear cutting tools and gear cutter job consolidation resulting in a single cutter capable of cutting a plurality of different members of a part family. The method comprises a multi-step approach comprising a first step of defining a temporary master. A second step creates a virtual master which is especially well-suited for accommodating the requirements of the jobs in the consolidation variety. A third step determines cutting depths and optimized machine settings for all consolidation jobs using the virtual master.

A method and cutting tool for producing spiral toothed face couplings whereby a two-part cutter and a two-part machine tool spindle are not needed. The process includes a set-over between the cutting of convex (41) and concave (43) tooth surfaces and the tool (59) comprises inside and outside cutting blades positioned in a single cutter head blade slot (57) and separated from one another by a blade spacing angle (51).

A bevel gear manufacturing face cutter head (2) for face hobbing and face milling wherein the face cutter head includes a positive blade seating and stick-type rectangular or square cross-section cutting blades (6) are clamped tight to the positive seating surfaces (14, 18). The cutting blades are adjustable radially by axial movement by a non-self-locking system.