Milling cutter coupling system

A coupling system for mounting a cutting apparatus to an adapter that is configured to be secured within an opening of a tool spindle of a machine tool, the coupling system comprising:

• the cutting apparatus, having a body with a first mounting flange at a first end of the body, the first mounting flange being integral with a cutting portion extending from the flange to a second end of the body, wherein the first mounting flange has one of a central bore extending at least partially through the first mounting flange or a central boss disposed on and extending from the first end, the cutting apparatus also having a plurality of mounting holes extending through the first mounting flange,
• the adapter having a body with a second mounting flange at a first end of the adapter body, the second mounting flange being integral with a shank extending to a second end of the adapter body, wherein the second mounting flange has the other of a central bore extending at least partially through the second mounting flange or a central boss disposed on and extending from the first end of the adapter body, the adapter also having a plurality of mounting holes extending at least partially through the second mounting flange,
• wherein the central boss on one of the mounting flanges forms a mating engagement with the central bore of the other mounting flange such that a central portion of the first mounting flange and a central portion of the second mounting flange form a mating engagement to align the first mounting flange and the second mounting flange at a common center,
• wherein a plurality of fasteners extend through the plurality of mounting holes in the first mounting flange into the plurality of mounting holes in the second mounting flange to attach the first mounting flange to the second mounting flange.