of each cutter 39 are then rotated about this axis 34 a 34 and projected onto the reference plane to define a cutter profile such as those illustrated in fig1 in this connection the cutter profile illustrated in fig1 represents an aggregate pictorial side section of each of the cutters 39 on bit 60 as the bit is revolved about axis 34 a 34 fig1 illustrates a typical cutter profile of a drill bit made in accordance with the above described methodology where the x axis is taken along the longitudinal axis 34 a 34 as illustrated drill bit face 44 defines an arc intercepting the bit gauge indicated by line 52 as illustrated in fig1 the cutters 39 positioned in the intermediate zone 70 are more widely spaced and therefore experience a greater depth of cut into the formation zone 72 defines a segment of the cutter arc between 0 and 60 degrees as measured from a line normal to the longitudinal axis 34 a 34 elements 2 are preferably placed within the 60 degree arc of this zone 72 to achieve maximum stability of the drill bit during operation it has been discovered that elements 2 placed within this arc afford the greatest stabilizing benefits while minimizing any negative impact on the penetration rate of the bit 60 positions for stabilizing elements 2 are selected on the bit face 44 so that such elements 2 remain in continuous and constant contact with the formation by reference to fig1 this optimum position for element 2 falls within.