A HSS (High-Speed Steel) Woodruff cutter is a specialized cutting tool designed for creating keyways in shafts or other cylindrical objects. The purpose of a Woodruff cutter is to cut a specific type of keyway known as a Woodruff keyway, which has a semi-circular shape.

Woodruff keyways are commonly used in various mechanical applications where a shaft needs to be secured to a rotating component, such as a gear or a pulley. The keyway allows for the precise positioning and secure attachment of the component to the shaft.

Here's how the process typically works:

1. The HSS Woodruff cutter is inserted into a milling machine or a specialized Woodruff cutter arbor.
2. The shaft or workpiece is securely mounted on the milling machine.
3. The Woodruff cutter is brought into contact with the workpiece, and the machine is activated.
4. The Woodruff cutter's sharp edges cut into the material, removing material in a semi-circular shape to create the keyway.
5. The milling machine moves the Woodruff cutter along the desired length of the keyway.
6. Once the cutting process is complete, the Woodruff key can be inserted into the keyway, and the corresponding component can be securely attached to the shaft.

HSS Woodruff cutters are made from high-speed steel, which is a durable and heat-resistant material suitable for cutting metal and other tough materials. The cutters are specifically designed to create precise and clean keyways with a semi-circular cross-section, ensuring a proper fit for the Woodruff key.

It's important to note that the use of a Woodruff cutter requires proper machining skills and knowledge to ensure the keyway is cut accurately and safely.