A tool bit suited to use in a machining apparatus for lathing of photoreceptor blanks includes a cutting portion which defines a plurality of projections. During lathing, the projections extend into the blank successively greater distances. When the blank is rotated, each projection cuts a successively radially inward portion of the workpiece. The resulting swarf is thinner and generally easier to handle than for a tool with a single cutting edge, thereby enabling vacuum suction of the swarf.