Cutting tool having at least partially molded body

A cutting tool for performing cutting operations on a workpiece when the cutting tool is rotated about a central axis by a machine tool, the cutting tool comprising:

• a generally cylindrical body disposed about the central axis, the generally cylindrical body having a first end and an opposite second end;
• a cutting portion disposed at or about the first end of the generally cylindrical body, the cutting portion having a number of cutting edges structured to engage the workpiece during cutting operations;
• the cutting portion comprising:
• a plate member disposed generally transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the cutting tool, and extends across a width of the cutting tool;
• and
• one or more inserts positioned on the plate member;
• wherein the number of cutting edges are formed in the one or more inserts;
• and
• a mounting portion disposed at or about the opposite second end of the generally cylindrical body, the mounting portion being structured to be coupled to the machine tool,
• wherein at least a portion of the generally cylindrical body comprises a molded portion having a structure resulting from formation via a molding process, and
• wherein the structure of the molded portion is formed about the plate member and couples the plate member to the generally cylindrical body.