Tool Library
MapleCAM maintains a tool library — a persistent collection of cutting tools with their dimensions and default cutting parameters. The library is shared across all projects and stored in your user profile (~/.maplecam/tools.json).
Built-in Tools
MapleCAM ships with a set of common tools pre-configured. These cover typical endmill sizes, V-bits, and other common cutters.
Managing Tools
Open the tool library via MapleCAM > Tool Library.
From the library dialog you can:
- Add a new tool with custom dimensions
- Edit an existing tool's properties
- Delete tools you don't use
- Duplicate a tool as a starting point for a similar one
Assigning Tools to Operations
When you create or select an operation, the property panel shows a tool dropdown. Only tools compatible with the operation type are shown:
- Flat and ball endmills — contour, pocket, facing, engrave
- V-bits — V-carve, chamfer, engrave
- Any tool — engrave operations accept all tool types
Tool Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Display name (e.g., "1/4 inch Flat Endmill") |
| Type | Flat endmill, ball endmill, V-bit, tapered ball endmill, burr endmill |
| Diameter | Cutting diameter (mm) |
| Flute length | Maximum cutting depth (mm) |
| Shaft diameter | Shaft diameter (mm) |
| V-angle | Included angle for V-bits (degrees) |