High speed production of multiple gauge strip

The method of producing a multiple gauge metal strip product having a configuration with a transverse variable thickness at high speed production including the steps of:

• feeding an initial strip of metal into a milling device for cutting away metal from the surface of the initial strip;
• cutting away at least 75% of the total volume of metal to be removed from the strip surface to form a pattern corresponding to the multiple gauge surface desired in said strip product;
• providing a shaving device located in axial alignment with said milling device;
• passing said exiting strip from said milling device directly into said shaving device;
• shaving off a maximum of about 25% of the total volume of metal to be removed from the surface of the milled strip in a single pass to substantially form said desired configuration of the strip product.