Tool extraction system for rotary cutter device

A method of extracting a cutting tool holder from a rotary cutting device, comprising:

• (a) simultaneously positioning first and second extraction wedges in an operable position adjacent to the cutting tool holder, each wedge in engagement with an associated surface of the cutting tool holder;
• (b) manually holding said first and second extraction wedges in said operable position;
• and
• (c) during step (b), alternately applying force to said first and second extraction wedges to extract the tool holder from the rotary member.

A method of servicing a rotary cutting device, the rotary cutting device comprising a tool holder adapted to receive a cutting tool at a forward end of the tool holder with a cutting tool surface disposed within the tool holder, at least one of said tool holder and said cutting tool defining a longitudinal axis (A), the method comprising:

• (a) upon determining that a removable cutting tool forming part of said device has reached a predetermined wear condition, extracting said cutting tool by:
• (i) positioning an extraction tool adjacent the tool holder with a first end at a position forward of a cutting tool surface that is disposed within the tool holder and with a second end at a position rearward of the cutting tool surface, said second end being positioned within said tool holder and in engagement with the cutting tool surface;
• (ii) applying force to the first end of the extraction tool in a direction other than perpendicular to the defined longitudinal axis (A) to press the second end of the extraction tool against the cutting tool surface, thereby forcing the cutting tool to move in a forward direction;
• (iii) replacing said worn cutting tool with a new or less-worn cutting tool;
• and
• (b) upon determination that a removable cutting tool holder forming part of said device has reached a predetermined wear condition, extracting said cutting tool holder by:
• (iv) simultaneously positioning first and second extraction wedges in an operable position adjacent to the cutting tool holder, each wedge in engagement with an associated surface of the cutting tool holder;
• (v) manually holding said first and second extraction wedges in said operable position;
• (vi) during step (v), alternately applying force to said first and second extraction wedges to extract the tool holder from the rotary member;
• (vii) replacing said worn cutting tool holder with a new or less-worn cutting tool holder.

A service tool kit for a rotary cutting device, comprising a tool holder extraction tool and a cutting tool extraction tool wherein:

• the tool holder extraction tool comprises:
• a tool frame;
• a first extraction wedge connected with said tool frame, said first extraction wedge being adapted for engagement against a first surface of a cutting tool holder;
• a second extraction wedge connected with said tool frame in a position spaced from said first extraction wedge, said second extraction wedge being adapted for engagement against a second surface of a cutting tool holder;
• wherein at least one of said extraction wedges is movably connected with said tool frame, and
• the cutting tool extraction tool comprises:
• an elongated shaft having a first linear portion, a second linear portion, and an arcuate portion joining said first and second linear portions.