cutting provide the theoretical framework by which we must examine all other elements of cutting tool design. We have workpiece materials from a very soft, buttery consistency to very hard and shear resistant. Each of the workpiece materials must be handled by itself; the amount of broad information that is applicable to each workpiece material is reduced as the distinctions between workpiece characteristics increase. Not only is there a vast diversity of workpiece materials, but there is also a variety of shapes of tools and tool compositions.