Tools Overview
The Tools tab in the CAM panel manages the project's tool library.
Tools are stored per-project in the .camj file. Each operation references a
tool from this library.
You need at least one tool defined before you can assign it to an operation. The quickest way to get started is to import a tool from the bundled library.
Adding Tools
Import from Library
Click Import from Library in the Tools tab. The bundled library browser opens, showing a catalogue of common endmills, ball mills, V-bits, and drills. Use the type and unit filters to narrow the list. Click Import next to any tool to add it to the project. Tools already in the project are shown as "Imported" and cannot be imported again.
Add Tool Manually
Click Add Tool to create a new tool with default values. Edit the tool properties in the right panel. This is useful when your specific tool is not in the bundled library.
Duplicate a Tool
Click the duplicate icon (⧉) next to a tool in the list to create a copy. Useful for creating variants of an existing tool with different feeds and speeds.
Tool Properties
Select a tool in the list to edit its properties in the right panel.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | A descriptive name for the tool, shown in operation dropdowns. |
| Type | Flat Endmill, Ball Endmill, V-Bit, or Drill. V-Carve operations only accept V-Bit tools. |
| Units | The unit system for this tool's dimensions (mm or inch). Tools can be used in projects with a different unit — values are converted automatically. |
| Diameter | The cutting diameter of the tool. |
| V Angle | The included angle of a V-bit in degrees (V-Bit type only). |
| Flutes | Number of cutting flutes. Used for chip load calculations. |
| Material | Carbide or HSS. Informational only. |
| Default RPM | Spindle speed used as the default when this tool is assigned to an operation. |
| Default Feed | Cutting feed rate used as the default when assigned to an operation. |
| Plunge Feed | Plunge (Z-axis) feed rate used as the default. |
| Stepdown | Default depth per pass. |
| Max Cut Depth | Maximum total cutting depth. Set to 0 for no limit. Used by V-carve operations to limit carve depth. |
| Stepover Ratio | Default stepover as a fraction of the tool diameter (0.01–1.0). For example, 0.4 = 40% of diameter. |
Deleting Tools
Click the ✕ button next to a tool to delete it. Tools that are currently assigned to one or more operations cannot be deleted — the delete button is disabled and shows a tooltip explaining why. Remove the tool from all operations first, then delete it.