Abstract: A mechanical apparatus and tool for clearing small areas of the plastic film insulation in flat flexible circuits and cables to permit making electrical connections to the metal foil conductors. An end-mill-like rotating cutter is fed into the laminated workpiece. Novel cutter geometry provides differential requirements of feed force and torque, cutting two to three times more easily into plastic than into copper. Means are provided to limit the feed force to prevent penetration into the copper foil. Means responsive to torque may be employed to retract the cutting tool automatically. A novel spring-loaded telescoping chuck is applicable to limit the feed force in single-spindle or multiple-spindle machines. The sides of the tool are slightly hollow-ground to reduce the feed-force required. The lips may be ground slightly convex to compensate for the elastic indentation of the workpiece.