Woodruff cutter
- A Woodruff cutter, named after its inventor William Woodruff, is a specialized cutting tool used in machining applications to create Woodruff keyways. Woodruff keyways are semi-circular slots cut into shafts to accommodate Woodruff keys, which are small, half-moon shaped keys used for securing gears, pulleys, and other rotating components to shafts. The Woodruff cutter is designed with a unique curved profile that matches the shape of the Woodruff keyway, allowing it to create precise and accurate slots with minimal effort. Typically made from high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide, Woodruff cutters come in various sizes to accommodate different keyway dimensions and shaft diameters. They are commonly used in machine shops, automotive repair facilities, and manufacturing plants for producing keyways in shafts ranging from small motors to large industrial machinery.
- Operating a Woodruff cutter involves mounting it securely in a milling machine or lathe and aligning it with the axis of the shaft to be cut. The cutter is then fed into the workpiece at the desired depth and rotated to remove material, forming the semi-circular keyway profile. Care must be taken to ensure proper alignment and cutting parameters to achieve accurate results and prevent tool wear. Some Woodruff cutters feature staggered teeth or multiple flutes to improve chip evacuation and reduce cutting forces, enhancing efficiency and surface finish. After machining, the Woodruff key can be inserted into the keyway, providing a secure and precise connection between the shaft and the mounted component. Woodruff cutters are essential tools in mechanical engineering and manufacturing, enabling the precise machining of keyways for a wide range of applications.
