Patent ID: 7179021

Claim:
A cutting tool comprising: a cutting insert holder comprising a holder body having a rear shank portion and a forward clamping portion, wherein: the forward clamping portion comprises a base surface and a generally upstanding wedge supporting surface extending upwardly and rearwardly from the base surface to a top surface of the clamping portion; and the wedge supporting surface comprises first and second wedge supporting surfaces that are disposed at an angle α one with respect to the other, the two wedge supporting surfaces being arranged in a stepped formation forming a staggered wedge supporting surface with the second wedge supporting surface being adjacent the base surface and the first wedge supporting surface being adjacent the top surface of the clamping portion, both the first and second wedge supporting surfaces rising above a height of the base surface; a clamping wedge having an underside provided with an insert receiving pocket, the clamping wedge being in abutment with the wedge supporting surface; and a cutting insert retained in the insert receiving pocket.