Described herein are automated skiving devices that automate the process of skiving tissue. The automated skiving devices are configured to secure and move a cutting apparatus in a manner that allows the cutting apparatus to float over the surface of tissue to be skived. The automated skiving devices are configured to apply a targeted downward force on the cutting apparatus to achieve targeted performance in skiving the tissue. The disclosed devices include a clamping system that securely holds the cutting apparatus while allowing the cutting apparatus to roll and pitch while the cutting apparatus skives the tissue. The clamping system includes a weighted arm that applies a targeted downward force on the cutting apparatus. The weighted arm can be configured to have a tailored amount of weight to achieve a tailored downward force on the cutting apparatus.