Face milling and face hobbing are the two principal processes used in the production of bevel and hypoid gears. A manufacturer must decide on one or the other. This paper defines the methods and the inherent characteristics they impose on the tooth design and manufacture. Geometric tooth design differences and the reasons for the differences are examined. TCA, finite element analysis and test results for the two processes are included. The cutting processes and cutting tools are compared. The advantages and disadvantages of each process are enumerated. Based on this information and the requirements of the application, a criteria for the selection of one process over the over is proposed.