Method of and system for manufacturing a helical cutter

A system for manufacturing a cutting tool, comprising:

• a computer having an input device, a microprocessor, a memory and a programming means for forming a female shape of a spline of a cutting tool extending from a back of the tool to a front of the tool so that it is not parallel to a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tool, the spline having a plurality of cutting teeth that each extend outward from the curved spline and have a cutting face that is curved in both a radial direction and in an axial direction with respect to the cutting tool;
• a numerically controlled milling machine adaptable to be operated by the computer to create an electrode having the female shape of the spline of the cutting tool;
• and
• an electric discharge machine adaptable to employ the electrode having the female shape of the spline of the cutting tool to a cutting blank to form a male shape of the spline of the cutting tool.

A programmable computer having a memory and a microprocessor, comprising:

• an inputting means for inputting a cross section of a helical spline of a cutting tool and a helical angle of the spline;
• a generating means for generating a helical curve conforming to an outer edge of a cutting surface of the helical spline;
• a forming means for forming a helical surface from the helical curve;
• a creating means for creating the helical spline from the helical curve;
• and
• a determining means for determining the female shape of the helical spline.