in a row in which all the other cutting elements are oriented at the preferred angle u03b8 1 preferably is oriented at a different angle u03b8 3 so that the row of cutting elements will resist u201c tracking u201d the magnitude of the difference in the angles is not important but only need be selected to avoid tracking in particular whether the selected difference in angle between the at least one cutting element and the other cutting elements on the same row is enough to avoid tracking can be determined among other methods by using the drilling simulation technique described in the 39 293 patent referred to earlier this feature of the invention can work with other embodiments of a drill bit for example substantially all of the cutting elements on the bit may have long dimension l parallel to the respective axis a of the cone on which each cutting element is disposed at least one cutting element on any one row of cutting elements on the bit may be disposed so that its long dimension l subtends an angle other than parallel to the cone axis in another example at least one cutting element on each row on one cone can be disposed so that its long dimension is other than parallel to the respective cone axis in yet another example at least one cutting element on each cone or alternatively at least one cutting element on each row of each cone can be oriented so that its long dimension is.