Abstract: A rotary cutting tool useful for remotely machining tube ends, and method for using the tool to remotely machine a tube end portion such as for weld preparation. The cutting tool comprises an elongated main body having a reduced diameter front end portion and provided with three equally-spaced longitudinal grooves, each groove containing a spring-actuated cutting blade pivotally attached to the tool body. The cutting blades are adjustable radially relative to the tool body by spring and axially movable collar means, which collar is connected to and operated by an actuating piston means located at the opposite end of the tool. In use, the tool forward end with cutting blades retracted is first remotely inserted through an opening, after which the tool forward end with blades extended is inserted into a tube. The cutting tool is then rotated for trimming the end of the tube to a desired angle, and cleaning the tube end outer surface such as in preparation for welding a new mating replacement tube in place.

Abstract: An annular hole cutter wherein each tooth is formed with a radially outer cutting edge and at least alternate teeth are formed with radially extending, circumferentially staggered inner and outer cutting edges. The bottom face of each tooth is formed with oppositely radially inclined inner and outer back-off faces which intersect in a downwardly extending crest which in turn intersects the radially outer cutting edge. The outer back-off faces of alternate teeth are vertically relieved relative to the outer back-off faces of the intermediate teeth and the inner back-off faces of the intermediate teeth are vertically relieved relative to the inner back-off faces of the alternate teeth a distance greater than the chip load at which the cutter is operated. In the preferred form, the radially inner portion only of the unrelieved inner back-off face is relieved to a greater extent than the relieved inner back-off faces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in situ drilling of a precise hole in an erected structural element and inserting in such hole in pressed-fit relationship a cylindrical strain gauge. A guide block is provided having a precision hole corresponding to the diameter of the hole desired in the structural element. The guide block has unthreaded bolt holes for attachment of the guide block to the structural element and guides a reamer to produce a precise hole in the structural element. The guide block also has threaded holes for advancing a push plate against a force-transmitting bushing which is insertable through the precision hole in the guide block into abutting relationship with an end face of a cylindrical strain gauge to force the gage into press-fit relationship with the precise hole in the erected structural element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting the weight of workpiece by twice machining a weight-adjustment portion formed on the workpiece. In the present invention, the same cutting tool is used for machining the weight-adjustment portion and the feeding position for the second machining of the weight-adjustment portion is determined in response to the weight of the workpiece after the first machining. According to the present invention, even if the tips of the cutting tool should wear because of prolonged machining operations and, as a result, the amount of the first machining is insufficient, the said insufficiency is compensated for by the second machining.

Abstract: In a process using a hand-held drilling device for forming openings in a construction material containing steel reinforcing members, during the drilling step the electrical resistance between the drill bit and the reinforcing members is continuously measured. If the drill bit contacts the reinforcing member the measuring circuit is shorted out and the electrical resistance drops. The drop in resistance can be used as a signal for cutting power to the drilling device or for declutching or braking the device.

Abstract: A method of cutting out components from aluminum sheets utilizes a routing tool. The sheet is held firmly in position by vacuum on a vacuum table during the cutting operation with the aid of a film of for example plastics material adhered to the back of the sheet, the routing tool being arranged to cut through the sheet but only partially to penetrate the film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for boring a chamfered hole and a tool for the same hole to effect boring a through hole on a glass plate and to simultaneously effect chamfering on respective aperture on the both sides of the plate, and have the function to enable speedy and accurate boring work without bringing forth defective product with chipping-off, joggles on the glass plate.

Abstract: A method of achieving interchangeability of tool inserts in a quick release chuck mechanism mounted on a drive spindle, the chuck mechanism having a body member with an axial bore extending therethrough, and an end surface transverse to the bore, the tool inert having an end portion insertable in the axial bore, an axial opening in the insert for receiving the tool, and an adjusting screw in the axial opening for adjusting the tool relative to the insert, the tool insert further having an opposite end portion provided with a shoulder facing the end surface and engageable therewith; adjusting means on the end surface of the body member for axial movement for axially varying the position of the end surface relative to the shoulder for achieving a predetermined end surface position; and means for releasably holding the tool insert in the body member with the shoulder in engagement with the end surface adjusting means; the method comprising the steps of adjusting the adjusting means on the end surface of the body

Abstract: A boring tool and a method of operation are provided for boring two concentric holes of precision diameters and depths in a single operation. The boring tool includes an elongated tool body, a shank for attachment to a standard adjustable boring head which is used on a manual or numerical control milling machine and first and second diametrically opposed cutting edges formed for cutting in opposite directions. The diameter of the elongated tool body is substantially equal to the distance from the first cutting edge tip to the axis of rotation plus the distance from the second cutting edge tip to the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation of the tool is spaced from the tool centerline a distance substantially equal to one-half the distance from the second cutting edge tip to the axis of rotation minus one-half the distance from the first cutting edge tip to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimizing the drilling position of a multi-layer printed circuit board prior to drilling. A template having precisely located target holes and fixture reference marks provides initial coordinate reference information for multi-layer printed circuit boards to be inspected by x radiation. Each board is processed by insertion into a holding fixture, examination of four quadrant target areas using x-ray sources and detectors, digitization of the target area images in each quadrant, and computaton of the optimum board position in a follow-on drilling apparatus. After optimization, three reference holes are punched along one edge of the board to provide accurate fiducial positioning marks when the board is placed in the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: Cutting tools are disclosed which are comprised of composite bodies comprising a ceramic matrix reinforced by ceramic whiskers. The ceramic matrix may be alumina or silicon nitride, and may contain toughening components. The whiskers are preferably silicon carbide, but may be other known ceramic whiskers. Whisker content in the composite is 2-40%, with higher contents generally used for tools when the expected service involves interrupted cutting and lower contents generally used for continuous cutting tools.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching a plurality of predetermined spaced mounting holes in a building roof panel support member includes an elongated housing having an oil sump therewithin, a hydraulic pump together with an electric motor for actuation thereof mounted on the housing, guide structure which can be opened and closed for temporarily mounting the housing upon a roof panel support member, an adjustable gauge pin mounted on the housing near one end thereof, the gauge pin being supported on a mount which is adjustable along both the length and the width of the housing, and a hydraulic punch adjustably mounted near the other end of the housing from the gauge pin for punching holes in the support member.The method of punching holes in a roof panel support member as disclosed herein is also part of this invention.

Abstract: An intelligent Tool System used with Computer Numerical Controlled machining centers consisting of a method of establishing tool presence and type of tooling device and a method of eliminating any error due to thermal growth.The spindle mechanism provides CNC Communicating and Operating means with spindle mounted devices for establishing tool presence and type of tooling for eliminating error due to thermal growth and for determining the function of tooling devices such as telescoping tool holders for determining work surface location with random length tools and for sensing tool condition; automatic boring tools for high precision boring and contouring; probing devices for work surface location, measurement and definition; combination boring and probing tools for boring and measuring a hole without removing the tool from the spindle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a tool and method for resurfacing a housing facing. The tool is adapted for use with a rotatable shaft extending from a housing, e.g. an impeller shaft of a pump. The tool includes a body having first and second halves that are removably secured to the rotatable shaft. A plurality of cutters are receivable within slots selectively disposed along the radii of the body halves. Advancing and locking screws for each cutter are utilized to position a cutter for engagement with the housing facing. The shaft is rotated, causing the cutters to produce a cut of desired depth in the facing. The depth of the cut is increased by turning an advancing screw.

Abstract: Thru-holes are drilled in a printed circuit board panel having alternating dielectric layers and electrically conductive layers. A water soluble dry film lubricant sheet is placed adjacent an electrically conductive outer layer of the panel prior to drilling thru-holes through the panel with a rotary drill. The drill surface is lubricated while forming a clean thru-hole from contact between the drill and the lubricant. The dry film lubricant generally may comprise a water soluble lubricant hardened to a solid or semi-solid dry film-form and impregnated in a carrier such as a porous paper sheet. In one embodiment, the dry film lubricant includes a water soluble lubricant such as dipropylene glycol, a non-ionic surfactant, and a wax-like hardener. Following drilling of the thru-holes, the dry film lubricant sheet is removed, and the thru-holes can be rinsed in an aqueous alkaline solution.

Abstract: A method and tool (12) for use in an automatic machining center for removing drilling coolant from a blind hole (14) and for injecting tapping fluid into the hole (14), the tool having a nozzle (24) for removing the coolant from the hole and for injecting tapping fluid into the hole.

Abstract: Slots are sawn into the edges of discs for pumps with a cup saw so as to produce blades having a curved cross-section. The blades may taper inwardly or outwardly or have no taper.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for shaping parts made of tungsten and of tungsten with thoria. The method involves machining the parts with a machining apparatus wherein the machining tool is made of diamond or material of which tungsten carbide is the main phase, the material having a hardness of greater than about 91 Rockwell A, the machining being done at a speed of from about 40 to about 120 surface feed per minute, and a feed rate of from about 0.0002 to about 0.006 inches per revolution. Machining of parts made of tungsten is done with cooling with a halocarbon solvent. Machining of parts made of tungsten and thoria can be done with or without cooling.

Abstract: Tapping apparatus comprising: a body (5) suitable for being mounted on a moving element (4) of a press; a system of multiplying gears (14) having their axes parallel to the direction (F) of motion of said element, and placed on said body; a motion transforming device having a large pitch screw (26) and nut (27) for transforming the linear stroke of said element into a rotary motion which is applied to a first gear wheel of the system; and a tapping head (18) which is rotated by the last gear wheel (17) of the system and which is driven in translation by the body, said head comprising a fixed casing (32), a spindle (36) which pivots in said casing and is rotated by the last gear wheel (17) and a tool-carrying clamp (51) which is rotated by the spindle and which is capable of longitudinal displacement against pneumatic return means (F.sub.d) of adjustable force.Applicable to machine tools.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for first drilling a hole in a workpiece by utilizing a locating jig, and then inspecting the hole to insure it is drilled to the proper diameter. There is an inspection device having an inspection probe that is pivotally mounted about a universal mounting device so that the lower inspection end of the probe is able to deflect laterally to fit in the drilled hole so as to be centered therein. This arrangement compensates for any misalignment in the positioning of the inspection apparatus relative to the earlier alignment of the drilling apparatus.

Abstract: Bore holes are formed in opposite side walls of a part in alignment with each other by two separate cutting tools in two separate machine tools disposed on opposite sides of the part. One of the machine tools is a master and the other is a slave with the master machine tool being disposed at the position at which it is to form a bore hole in one of the opposite side walls. Then, the slave machine tool is moved so that the longitudinal axis of its spindle is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the spindle of the master machine tool whereby the two bore holes will be aligned with each other and extend through the entire part. This alignment is accomplished by a laser on a spindle carrier of the master machine tool producing a laser beam in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the spindle of each of the spindle carriers and being received by a laser target on the spindle carrier of the slave machine tool.

Abstract: A reamer for removing material from a packing cylinder bore of an expansion joint is disclosed. A housing is provided which consists of a hollow cylindrical body having a threaded outer surface and a threaded inner surface. The threaded outer surface of the housing is adapted to cooperate with a threaded sidewall of a cavity formed in the packing cylinder such that the housing can be selectively retained therein. A shaft assembly is provided within the hollow cylindrical body of the housing. The shaft assembly includes a head portion, a threaded intermediate portion, and a bit portion. The threaded intermediate portion is adapted to engage the threaded inner surface of the housing. Rotation of the shaft assembly causes the bit portion to be rotated and advanced through the packing cylinder bore to remove the packing material therefrom.

Abstract: A method for drilling reference holes in a multi-layer printed wiring board assembly, in which drilling position marks provided on inner-layer circuit board in the assembly are roughly detected through each of two outer-layer boards of the assembly, a spot-facing is made with respect to the outer-layer boards at roughly detected points of the marks, and thereafter the marks are precisely detected at the faced spots. Positions for drilling the reference holes can be thereby determined at the spots precisely in close proximity to the internally provided drilling position marks, to allow the drilling performed very accurately in simpler and economical manner.

Abstract: A boring apparatus and process comprising suspending a boring bar for boring a hole in a workpiece for universal pivotal movement in all directions. Then, the workpiece is brought below the boring bar with the axis of the hole being vertical. Thereafter, the boring bar is lowered and eccentrically passed through the hole in the workpiece and slidably and rotatably supported at least at two points thereof axially spaced apart. Then, the boring is effected by the rotation and axial relative movement of the boring bar with respect to the workpiece, with the axis of the boring bar aligned with the axis of the workpiece.

Abstract: A stabilizing attachment for a boring head is provided. The attachment includes a clamp for engaging a rotatable head plate of the boring head, a pair of support arms extending axially of the annular clamping ring, and a transverse plate carried by the support arms at their outer ends. The transverse plate supports a shaft on which is mounted an anti-friction bearing, the outer race of which engages an opening in the wall of a pressure vessel. A bit carried by the head plate of the boring head moves in an annular path to cut a gasket seat about the opening. A method of cutting an annular groove in a wall, utilizing a stabilizing attachment for a boring head which engages in an opening in the wall.

Abstract: A method for boring well-defined holes in a composite material such as graphite/epoxy. A slurry of silicon carbide powder and water is projected onto a work area of the composite material in which a hole is to be bored with a conventional drill bit. The silicon carbide powder and water slurry allow the drill bit, while experiencing only normal wear, to bore smooth, cylindrical holes in the composite material.

Abstract: For locating steel reinforcing members in construction materials, a galvanic cell is formed between an electrode and the reinforcing members by placing the electrode in electrically conducting contact with the construction material. When drilling an opening into the construction material using a hand-held drilling device and the drilling bit in the device contacts a reinforcing member, the potential difference between the electrode and the drill bit can be utilized as a signal for controlling the operation of the drilling device.

Abstract: Portable machining apparatus includes a spindle, a milling cutter located at one end of the spindle, and air operated means for rotating the spindle. The apparatus includes further means for supporting the same on a structure containing a portion to be machined, and means for translating the spindle and cutter to and from the structure and portion.

Abstract: A gang drill head having a row of drills spaced according to repeated patterns of holes in a tubular member such as a suction roll in a paper-making machine which are clogged and are to be cleared by drilling the same, the drill head being guided for longitudinal movement along a guide member positioned upon the roll for circumferential incremental movement to effect radial movements of the rotating drills for the full circumference of the roll and the head including longitudinal adjustment of individual drill supports in accordance with the spacings of the repeated patterns of holes in the roll. The individual drill chucks are rotated simultaneously and manually controlled linkage causes raising and lowering of the drill head by a fluid-operated unit.

Abstract: A tool for maintaining ice baskets associated with a nuclear reactor system. The frame of the tool includes a platform which is disposed on a lattice support structure surrounding a selected and isolated basket. The tool includes an electric drill mounted for vertical reciprocation, in parallel axial relationship with the ice basket, and plural, selectively connectable auger shaft sections having a continuous helical fin thereabout which are connected in succession between the drill and a rotary drill bit, for drilling a hole of the required length, down through the ice within the ice basket. The drill then is maintained at an upper, vertically fixed position and a funnel positioned about the auger; ice chips or flakes are fed into the funnel while the drill is driven in reverse rotation, the auger conveying the ice to the bottom of the ice basket for filling lowermost voids and for filling successively higher voids as the auger is withdrawn.

Abstract: A drill guide apparatus and method for its use is disclosed. The apparatus includes, in one embodiment, first and second vise jaws for clamping a workpiece. The vise jaws are adapted to receive a drill guide holder which includes first and second elongate members which properly position the drill guide itself. One end of each of the elongate members is attached to each of the vise jaws by pins which pass through the member and into a hole in the top of the vise jaw. The opposite ends of the elongate members are positioned above the space between the vise jaws and are hinged together by a ferrule which passes through the two members. A cylndrical drill guide which has a hole therethrough adapted in size to accept a particular size drill bit is fitted into the ferrule. The drill guide is thus located in a central position between the vise jaws above the workpiece which is clamped by the jaws.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved core drill and a method of detachably coupling the same to a power driving unit to expedite the removal of a core therefrom. This is achieved by equipping the rear end of the drill stem with a fixedly attached externally threaded bushing. A coupling sleeve has internal threads at either end matable respectively with the bushing threads and the threaded drive shank of a power driving unit. This sleeve and the core drill are readily detached as a unit from the power drive thereby permitting the rapid removal of the core from the rear end of the drill rather than past the cutting ring at its front end.

Abstract: A multiple station drilling apparatus is used for performing a large number of repetitive but variable machining operations, and includes a turntable having a plurality of workpiece holding fixtures distributed in spaced relation around its periphery, a plurality of tool supports mounted around and outward of the periphery to provide a sequence of machining stations, a load/unload station for the mounting of workpieces on the fixtures and their removal therefrom, and a motor for driving the turntable in an indexing fashion to bring workpieces held in the fixtures successively into registry with the machining stations. Each tool support includes at least one X-Y positioner which in turn supports a machining tool such as a reciprocating drill.

Abstract: A centering tool for use in a chuck or collet of a drill press or milling machine enables positioning of a round or cylindrical workpiece such that its axis is precisely positioned to intersect the axis of rotation of the machine. The tool enables the efficient drilling of a hole through a cylindrical bar, perpendicular to the axis of the bar, for example. A cylindrical shank of the tool is adapted for insertion into the chuck or collet, and a centering body affixed to the shank has a generally V-shaped centering notch symmetrical about the shank's axis and having an apex line crossing the shank's axis.

Abstract: Both an apparatus and process for providing a coolant flow path in the top former plate of the core of a nuclear reactor are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention generally comprises an elongated tool support member having a tool mounting means for detachably mounting various tools in the vicinity of the top former plate, and a clamp assembly for securing and positioning the tool mounting means over the plate. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer (or probe) for measuring the thickness of the plate, a rotabroach device having a feed and drive assembly for driving a pilot drill bit and a rotabroach bit toward the top former plate, and a piercing tool for removing the slug formed by the rotabroach bit. In the process of the invention, an alternate coolant flow path is provided in the top former plate by boring a plurality of holes therethrough.

Abstract: Edge finished and edge binding for tarpaulins and the method and apparatus for finishing edges of tarpaulins in which the tarpaulin or separate edge binding material is made from a heavy duty fabric of the type woven of high density yarn and in which, at desired intervals along a center line, a series of holes is provided. The apparatus includes a rotating punch die and a slack bar for slackening the material to be punch/cut in advance of the punching/cutting operation. The mechanisms for advancing punch/cutting, slackening and taking up the processed material are timed.

Abstract: A work piece is mortised to receive an insert, and drilled for fastenings securing the insert in position, in a single cycle of operation facilitated by mounting the drill in an axial hole in the routing cutter. The drill is guided by the radially inner surfaces of the specially hard cutter inserts. A mechanism advances and retracts the drill with respect to the cutter, with the extension of the drill beyond the cutter taking place only when the cutter is not moving laterally in forming the mortise. The mortised depth is accurately controlled by an adjustable stop traversed by the drill, and forming an abutment limiting the insertion of the router bit into the holding collet. In addition to the plunge and horizontal movements involved in the formation of the mortise, a vertical movement to form mortise side-openings is provided by pivoting downward the frame carrying the entire movement system.

Abstract: The walls of bores made in tubesheet/hollow fiber composite structures are trimmed, and the bores may be enlarged, by use of a rotating, generally tubular tool comprising a cutting head with outwardly extending portions of lands terminating in teeth having cutting edges generally parallel to the central axis of the tool. The lands are separated by ports in the tool wall which communicate with the hollow interior of the tool. The trimmings formed are deflected by the teeth into a flow of sweep gas passing through the interior of the tool. The operation is facilitated by flash-freezing of any portions of the generally softer fibers exposed and protruding into the bore or across the mouths of the fiber lumens.

Abstract: In a computer controlled drilling process for emitting holes of a very small diameter, a control device controls a step motor in response to open loop instructions from the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the continuous cutting of a generally cylindrical rod from soft flexible polymeric foam slabs is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for drilling holes into a stack of plates such as a stack of printed circuit boards, characterized by an arrangement to provide a cover tape beneath a pressure member of a clamping arrangement to be held by the clamping arrangement on the surface of the stack during the drilling operation to prevent damage to the uppermost plate of the stack. The arrangement for providing the tape preferably includes a supply reel, a takeup reel and a feed device and the tape is preferably guided on the pressure member of the clamping arrangement by a guidance groove.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for locating and drilling pilot holes. Known systems are time-consuming and difficult to carry out and do not reliably result in straight and accurate pilot holes. The invention provides easy and accurate location and drilling and accurate alignment with an initial hole on an inaccessible surface. Clamp jaws (22, 50) are spring loaded into a closed position. Pliers (82) engage jaw (50) and head (64) of a shaft (60) extending through jaw (50) and attached to jaw (22). Pliers (82) are squeezed to move jaw (50) along shaft (60) away from jaw (22). Clamp (22, 50) is placed around a workpiece (10, 8, 15) with a pilot (38) carried by jaw (22) engaging a back surface pilot hole (16). Pliers (82) are released to allow spring (66) on shaft (60) to clamp jaws (22, 50) around workpiece (10, 8, 15). Drill bit (90) is introduced into a bushing (54) in jaw (50).

Abstract: A pair of support members and a pair of drilling units are mounted for reciprocal movement along a carriage. The support members secure to latch bolts on an elongated surface to be drilled. The drill units move along the carriage in both an X and Y direction to automatically drill holes in the surface. The drill units are then secured to latch bolts and the carriage with support members advanced on rollers located in the support members. The support members are secured to the next latch bolts and the process continued until holes are drilled throughout the length of the surface to be drilled.

Abstract: A tool for trimming coaxial cable comprises a cable-holding member and a cutter-holding member. Sections of the cable-holding member and cutter-holding member are matable for movement relative to each other and they are initially secured together so that stop surfaces of these members are spaced from one another based on the amount of trimming that must be done to trim a cable to a precise electrical length. The end of the cable is secured in the cable-holding member with the end to be trimmed disposed against a cutter member secured to the cutter-holding member. The matable sections are unsecured, the cutter-holding member is rotated relative to the cable-holding member so that the cutter member trims the cable end until the stop surfaces engage.

Abstract: The automatic feed drill includes a spindle mounted therein for rotating and reciprocating movement. The spindle is rotated by a spindle rotation gear that is engaged with the main drive gear which is ultimately driven by an air motor or the like. The feed and retraction movement (reciprocation) is caused by a spindle feed gear that is threaded onto the spindle. The spindle feed gear is engaged with a feed gear which, during normal feed movement, is driven by the main drive gear, and during retraction and rapid feed movement, is shifted into a position wherein the feed gear is prevented from rotating. During rapid feed the motor direction is reversed by a reversing valve. The apparatus also includes a yieldable stop device that holds the feed gear stopped during retraction and rapid feed movement.

Abstract: A cutting device and method for the precision trimming of a symmetrical portion of the peripheral edge of a centrifugally cast lens secured within a cavity of a female mold without the need for extensive and complex prior alignment of the cutting tool with the lens.

Abstract: An apparatus for working a elongated angle-iron workpiece having a pair of nonparallel flanges at least one of which is to be drilled has a transport unit for displacing the workpiece longitudinally through a working station and a support in the station for holding the workpiece with the one flange forming an acute angle with the horizontal. A drilling unit including a drilling tool can move horizontally in the station transverse to the workpiece and transverse to the workpiece and at the acute angle to the horizontal perpendicularly through the one flange. To obtain a given displacement along the workpiece flange, the carriage supporting the drill unit is moved horizontally through a horizontal distance equal to the desired displacement times the secant of the angle that the flange forms with the horizontal.

Abstract: A rotary threaded penetrator bolt means having a tubular hollow pin therein is employed to contact against a hardened cylindrical punch means to linearly advance the punch without rotation thereof through the wall thickness of the fluid containing member desired to be pierced. In such arrangement, if the wall thickness of the fluid containing member is sufficiently great, it may be desirable to pre-drill a punch receiving cylindrical recess therein prior to operation of the penetrator bolt means.

Abstract: A grooving head for cutting an internal helical groove is mounted at one end of a tubular boring bar. The head has two cutter sockets that are axially spaced apart and are azimuthally spaced apart 180 degrees. Cutters are disposed in the sockets and means are provided to adjust the radial distance to which the cutters extend from the axis of the bar and head, the trailing cutter extending farther than the leading cutter. The bar is stabilized by a plurality of wear buttons at its outer periphery, the buttons having convex outer ends and being azimuthally spaced apart and radially adjustably positioned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for machining optical quality inishes and contour accuracies of workpieces of carbon-containing metals such as steel with diamond tooling. The wear rate of the diamond tooling is significantly reduced by saturating the atmosphere at the interface of the workpiece and the diamond tool with a gaseous hydrocarbon during the machining operation. The presence of the gaseous hydrocarbon effectively eliminates the deterioration of the diamond tool by inhibiting or preventing the conversion of the diamond carbon to graphite carbon at the point of contact between the cutting tool and the workpiece.