cutting tool

Tool used to cut resistant materials. There are many different cutting tools. The type of tool chosen depends on the type of cut to be made and the type of material being cut. Cutting can take place on a line, along or across a piece of material. Holes can be drilled or material can be dug out to make a hole or a groove. A piece of material can also be made thinner by removing some of its surface.

Saws are used to cut on lines along or across resistant materials. Drills, with attached drill bits, are used to make holes in materials. To dig out material in order to make a hole or groove, chisels, routers, or gouges are used. To make screw threads on materials, taps and dies are used. Planes are used to remove layers of material along its surface; a surform or rasp might also be used. Abrasives or files are used to remove small layers of material, usually after it has been cut, in order to make the material smoother.

Some cutting tools are hand-held, many are electrically operated, and some can be computer numerically controlled (CNC). Any material that is being cut needs to be held firmly so that it does not slip while it is being cut. Holding tools are used to keep the material still while it is being cut.