Metal sawing or milling machine

Abstract

An apparatus for cutting a plurality of selected lengths from a rod-like workpiece. A plurality of annular saws or mills have cutting teeth formed on the inner annuli which have diameters greater than the diameter of the workpiece. The workpiece is passed through the annuli such that the distance between one saw and the end of the workpiece defines one selected length while the distances between each pair of adjacent saws define the other selected lengths. The saws and the workpiece are relatively rotated in opposite directions, while concurrently the saws are moved transversely to bring the teeth of the saws into cutting engagement with the workpiece. If the apparatus comprises two annular saws, the annular saws are moved in opposite transverse directions so that the saws are concurrently engaging opposite sides of the workpiece. The transverse movements of the saws are controlled such that the saw nearest the end of the workpiece completes its cut first.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.