Toolpaths and Machining: Tool Database

Carveco Tutorial: Tool Database

The Tool Database in Carveco is a built-in library for managing tools, feeds, and speeds. It's fully customisable, allowing you to edit existing tools, duplicate them, or create your own tool groups suited to your workflow.

🔹 Conservative Defaults

Carveco’s included tools use conservative settings to ensure safety for a wide range of CNC machines and experience levels. You’re encouraged to tailor these settings to match your actual tools and machine capabilities.

🔹 Project Toolpath Changes vs. Global Tool Database

• Toolpath edits only affect the current project.
• To make changes permanent, update the tool inside the Tool Database.

🔹 Accessing the Tool Database

• Click the Toolpath Operations icon.
• Or create a toolpath and choose a tool — the Tool Database will open automatically.

🔹 Changing Individual Toolpath Settings

Adjusting parameters like feed rate from within a toolpath will not affect the global Tool Database — these edits only apply to the toolpath you’re currently working on.

🔹 Opening and Navigating the Tool Database

• Open a toolpath to display the Tool Database.
• Collapse groups to simplify the list.
• You can delete default tools if you prefer to use your own.

🔹 Editing an Existing Tool

• Expand a group such as Wood or Plastic.
• Select a tool type (e.g. Ball Nose).
• Click Edit to update values like spindle speed or feed rate.
• Click Save to apply the changes globally.

🔹 Duplicating and Saving Tool Variants

• Select a tool and click Copy.
• Rename the copy (e.g., “3mm BN - High Feed”).
• Edit parameters to suit specific materials or machines.
• Click Save Copy to retain the new version.

🔹 Creating a Custom Tool Group

• Click Add Group and enter a name (e.g. “My Tools”).
• Add subgroups to organise by material or type.
• Click Add Tool and choose a type (e.g., Slot Drill).
• Enter values like tool number, diameter, units, and notes.

🔹 Recommended Tool Settings

• Rate Units: mm/min or in/min (must match your machine).
• Diameter: Set this to the exact size of your tool.
• Stepdown: Based on material or tool manufacturer's guidance.
• Stepover: Typically 40–50% of the tool diameter.
• Spindle Speed: e.g. 21,000 RPM.
• Feed Rate: e.g. 6000 mm/min.
• Plunge Rate: Usually 50% of your feed rate.
• Notes: Add tips like “Use ramp-in” or “Finish pass needed.”

🔹 Copying Tools for Material Variants

If you machine multiple materials, it’s a good idea to create duplicates of your tools with customised feed rates. For example, one Ball Nose for MDF and another for acrylic.

🔹 Using Tools in Toolpaths

When your tools are configured, simply select them from within a toolpath to apply all their saved properties automatically. Edits made here only affect the current project unless saved to the database.

💡 Tip

Always click Save Copy after making tool changes to avoid losing data due to software updates, reinstallations, or crashes.