A system for cutting a wet green ceramic article which includes a power device to generate power and a transmission assembly including an input and an output. The input is operably coupled to the power device such that power is transferred through the transmission assembly from the input to the output. The system also includes a cutting tool holder that holds a cutting tool. The cutting tool holder is coupled to the output and pivotally coupled to a pivot point. The output of the transmission assembly pivots the cutting tool holder about the pivot point as the cutting tool reciprocates in a cutting motion between a first position and a second position.