Abstract: A cutting device and method for its operation are utilized to apply variably canted threads to a screw blank. A conventional cutting lathe is provided with a conventional hydraulically operated adjustable cutting support attached thereto. A guide plate is generally mounted upon the lathe adjacent the armature, which is guided therealong to produce a particular pattern in the workpiece. The armature is pivotable to permit cutting at particular angles into the surface of a workpiece. A secondary guide is utilized in producing a controlled variable pivot of the cutting armature during its progression along the body of the workpiece. The secondary guide is rigidly mounted to the adjustable cutting armature and precisely controls its movement during the cutting operation, producing a cutting operation having dual movement characteristics.