Pavement marking removal tool and method

A method for removing pavement marking and a drum unit for use in practicing the method. The drum unit is mounted in a drive unit on a horizontal rotational axis. A plurality of cutting bit holders, known as blocks, are secured to the outer cylindrical surface of the drum, and there are a plurality of cutting bits that can be repeatedly installed in and removed from the holders. The blocks and cutting bits are arranged so as to produce chipping grooves in pavement sufficiently closely spaced for removing pavement markings and a thin layer of underlying pavement, while leaving an acceptably smooth surface. To produce the sufficiently closely spaced chipping grooves on pavement, the holders and cutting bits are arranged in a regular pattern with interlacing (also referred to as "lacing" or "flighting"). The holders and bits produce chipping grooves on pavement that are laterally spaced within approximately +E,fra 1/2+EE inch of each other, and preferably closer. Preferably, the holders and cutting bits are arranged in a repeating chevron pattern, oriented for lateral movement of removed marking and pavement material towards the ends of the unit.