Abstract: A machining system and method is provided wherein a hydraulic motor of the gear-type where high RPMs are desired, or a piston or GEROLER-type motor where high torque and lower RPMs are desired is mounted to a spindle forming a spindle assembly mountable to a robotic manipulator or other machine tool. Significantly, cutting tools or bits mounted in the spindle are provided with cutting edges having neutral or negative angles, which have been found to greatly facilitate machining operations in composite and other esoteric aerospace and aeronautical materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for machining is disclosed having a hydraulic motor directly coupled to a tool spindle. Mounting means are provided for mounting the hydraulic motor and spindle to a machine tool. A source of hydraulic fluid is provided at a pressure that varies directly with load.

Abstract: A method for machining is disclosed wherein cutting edges of a cutting tool are oriented at a negative rake of from approximately 0 degrees to -10 degrees. The tool is rotated at a speed of between approximately 15,000 rpm to approximately 30,000 rpm, after which the cutting edges are engaged with a workpiece. Thereafter, power applied to the cutting tool is varied so as to maintain constant rotational speed of the cutting tool while the cutting edges are engaged with the workpiece. During the machining process, vibrations are absorbed by a hydraulic cushion, allowing the tool to rotate without vibration, with heat generated by the machining process being confined mainly to the removed material.

Abstract: A tool for removing material from a body about the circumference of an aperture through the body. The tool includes guide structure for fitting into the aperture, the guide structure having a major axis which is maintained in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the aperture when the guide structure is fitted into the aperture; includes a cutting assembly for selectively cutting material from the body about the circumference of the aperture; and includes attachment structure attaching the cutting assembly to the guide structure for arranging the cutting assembly at a specific location relative to the longitudinal of the guide structure.

Abstract: A tool for cutting a slit into the ends of one or more web portions of a membrane wall. A guide bar is secured above the web portions. An arm member is swingably attached to the guide bar. A cutting unit is attached to the distal end of the arm member for engaging and cutting a slit into a web portion of the membrane wall when the arm member is swung between first and second positions.