Abstract: A method and apparatus for broaching a series of axially aligned and spaced bores in which a first broach is provided for broaching in an initial operation. The first broach has circumferentially extending cutting teeth. The first broach also has arcuately spaced, longitudinally extending grooves which cross the cutting teeth and divide the cutting teeth into arcuate segments. Broach guides in the spaces between bores have ribs arranged in the same arcuately spaced relation as the grooves about an axis coinciding with the aligned axes of the bores. The first broach is advanced through the bores with the ribs slidably received in the grooves to guide the first broach and the cutting segments, broaching arcuately spaced sectors of the bores but leaving unbroached ridges therebetween. A second broach broaches the ridges left by the first broach.

Abstract: A tooth broach designed for use with thin workpieces having its teeth arranged in circumferentially extending sets in each of which the teeth are arranged in groups of one or more teeth, and gaps devoid of teeth between adjacent groups. The teeth are further arranged in longitudinally extending series, in which consecutive teeth in each series are separated by gaps in the adjacent sets. This provides for reduced axial spacing between axially adjacent sets of teeth to maintain cutting action at all times with a thin workpiece.