Method and apparatus for weld profiling

A method for removing a weld crown from a welded joint defined by solidified weld metal spanning a first work piece and a second work piece, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a milling tool proximate to the joint for movement in a direction of travel along the joint, the milling tool having a milling head rotatable about a rotational axis, the rotational axis extending generally normal to a surface of the first and second work pieces that is most proximate to the milling tool;
• orienting said rotational axis in a first plane including said rotational axis and extending along said direction of travel to set a cutting arc of said milling head relative to the joint;
• moving said milling tool in said direction of travel to cut a weld profile along the joint according to said cutting arc, wherein said cutting arc intersects the full span of weld metal and the first and second work pieces to a desired depth, thereby removing material from the weld metal and the first and second work pieces.