A
cutting tool for performing hole-
cutting operations on a workpiece when the
cutting tool is rotated about a central longitudinal axis includes a generally cylindrical body having a first end structured to be mounted to a
machine tool and an opposite second end structured to engage and perform cutting operations on the workpiece. A number of
coolant passages are defined in the generally cylindrical body, each
coolant passage of the number of
coolant passages is disposed at a first
helix angle relative to the central longitudinal axis. A number of flutes are formed in the generally cylindrical body, each
flute of the number of flutes includes a first portion at or about the first end of the generally cylindrical body, a second portion at or about the second end of the generally cylindrical body, and a transition portion disposed therebetween. The first portion of each
flute is disposed generally at the first
helix angle relative to the central longitudinal axis, the second portion of each
flute is disposed generally at a second
helix angle relative the central longitudinal axis, and the transition portion of each flute is disposed generally at a third
helix angle relative to the central longitudinal axis greater than the first
helix angle.