Tool Types

MapleCAM supports the following cutting tool types:

Flat Endmill

A cylindrical cutter with a flat bottom. The most common CNC tool. Produces flat-bottomed pockets and square-cornered profiles.

Best for: Pockets, contours, facing, engrave

Ball Endmill

A cutter with a hemispherical tip. Produces a rounded bottom in cuts. Used for 3D surface finishing and smooth contours.

Best for: 3D surface finishing, smooth pocket floors, contours where rounded bottoms are acceptable

V-Bit

A conical cutter with a pointed tip. The cutting width depends on depth — deeper cuts are wider. Characterized by the included angle (e.g., 60, 90 degrees).

Best for: V-carving, chamfering, fine engraving

Tapered Endmill

An endmill with tapered sides. Produces angled walls in pockets and contours. Stronger than a straight endmill for deep cuts.

Best for: Mold making, deep pockets with draft angles

Surfacing Bit

A large-diameter cutter designed for flattening stock surfaces. Often called a spoilboard surfacing bit or fly cutter.