Abstract: Close observation of the controlled cutting action of a cutter operating at a remote location is achieved by providing a viewing means having a viewing part such as the optically exposed end of a fiberoptic filament positioned close to and movable with the cutting element, that viewing part being operatively connected to means at a remote station for making intelligible that which is viewed thereby. Preferably the viewing part is physically connected to the cutting element so as to be movable therewith, and the operative connection between the viewing part and the remote station comprises a TV camera and associated equipment.