A method of determining a tool geometry and tool orientation for any prescribed path along a workpiece of a cutting tool is described. A parameter set is provided, where parameters of the parameter set include tool geometry and tool orientation relative to a surface of the workpiece. Values of the parameters in the parameter set are determined such that no local interference or global interference occurs, where local interference occurs when a portion of the tool immediately adjacent a cutting edge of the tool contacts a sidewall of a groove already cut by the cutting edge, and global interference occurs when a portion of the tool away from the cutting edge contacts a sidewall of a groove already cut by the cutting edge.