Cutting tool for removing man-made members from well bore

摘要

A cutting tool (10) for removing metal tubular members held in stationary position downhole from a well bore and adapted to be inserted within a well. The cutting tool (10) includes a plurality of elongate blades (32,34) on the cylindrical body (22) of the cutting tool (10) which extend below the bottom of the tool body (22). Cutting elements (42) of a predetermined size and shape are arranged in a symmetrical predetermined pattern on the lower portion of each blade (32,34) in a plurality of predetermined transversely extending rows below the tool body (22). The cutting elements (42) in adjacent transverse rows for each blade (32) are staggered horizontally and have different concentric cutting paths. Preferably, the cutting elements (42) in corresponding transverse rows on adjacent blades (32,34) are staggered and have different concentric cutting paths. Each cutting element (42) has a groove (42F) for receiving and directing forwardly the extending end of a metal shaving (S) to facilitate breaking thereof from the upper end of the tubular member (14) being cut away. A high strength tungsten carbide alloy material (41) is secured to the trailing surface of the blades (32,34) to reinforce the blades in addition to assisting the cutting action.