Abstract Most of the existing methods for determining the profiles of cutting tools that work by wrapping are based on the envelope theory. This theory requires cumbersome analytical formulations resulting in sets of equations not always easy to solve. This work presents a new alternative method for studying conjugated surfaces associated with rolling axodes by using a discrete representation of the tool. The new method is based on studying the trajectories of points on the tool relative to the workpiece in order to define the tool’s profile. Several examples are shown for rack, shaper and rotational cutters.