Abstract: Method and apparatus for skullcap and other bone cutting during autopsy. A power driven rotary cutter in the form of a circular blade saw is mounted on a carrier which moves around the skull of the cadaver and permits the cutter to move radially, toward and away from the axis of the skull. A follower which engages the skull controls the depth of cut so that only the skull bone is cut without damage to the brain tissue in the skull. The cutter is driven by a cable from a remote motor to minimize the weight of the cutter assembly on the carrier. The casing in which the cutter is mounted can be a handpiece of a cable driven tool. The cutter can also be used manually by removing the handpiece from the carrier. Power to the cutter is controlled so that the cutter cuts only bone and stops when soft tissue is engaged by the cutter, which avoids serious damage to soft tissue, and also avoids serious injury to the user if the blade slips.