Cutting tool

Abstract

A rotary cutting tool having a plurality of removable cutting inserts is provided. The rotary cutting tool comprises a rotary tool body for rotation about a central shaft. The tool body includes an outer profile peripheral surface. A plurality of slots extend radially inwardly from the outer peripheral edge of the tool body. A plurality of cutting inserts are placed in the slots. Each of the cutting inserts has side edges defining an outermost edge and a geometrical configuration thereon. The geometrical configuration is for engagement with an annular rib on an attachment ring. A pair of attachment rings entrap the tool body and cutting inserts therebetween. The ribs on the attachment rings contact only the insert by way of an interference fit with the geometrical configuration on the tool insert and the geometry of the groove in the tool body thereby locking the tool insert with respect to the tool body. The inner area of the attachment ring is axially spaced from the tool body and the outermost edge of the insert. A method of assembling a cutting tool is also provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.