Abstract: A cutting insert (20) having a geometrical configuration comprising first and second oppositely facing, parallel faces interconnected by a V-shaped bottom (26) and side (28) and top (30) walls perpendicular to the faces with the side walls (28) being parallel to one another. The cutting insert (20) has first (32) and second (34) flutes disposed on opposite sides of a center axis with the first flute (32) extending in an arc from the top wall (30) to one of the side walls (28) and the second flute (34) extending in an arc from the top wall (30) to the other of the side walls (28). The first flute (32) presents a flute surface extending in the arc and is disposed at an angle sloping downwardly from the first face (22) to the second face (24) along the entire arc thereof to define intersections with the top wall (30) and one of the side walls (28) respectively which are disposed at an angle other than 90.degree. relative to the faces.