US Patent 7090442 Shaper router and method

A routing tool for cutting material and an associated apparatus and method are provided. The tool includes a substantially cylindrical shaft member having a shank portion and a cutting portion. The cutting portion includes a plurality of cutting teeth disposed peripherally about a first helix and an intersecting second helix. Each cutting tooth defines a first cutting clearance on a first cutting edge and a first clearance on a first non-cutting edge. The cutting tooth defines a second cutting clearance on a second cutting edge and a second clearance on a second non-cutting edge. A flat extends on each cutting tooth resulting in a circular land on an outside diameter of the cutting portion.