The articles in this section of the Knowledge Base involve working from the Tool File interface. For general information regarding Tool Files or how to access them, see Understanding the Tool File Interface.

This article provides information regarding adding a new router within a tool file.

From the Tool File interface, with the Router radio button selected, select Add Tool.

A new tool named “Tool (0) – New Router” appears in the Tool List. Select the new tool.

Fill in the missing information to the right of the Tool List.

1. Tool Name or Profile Drawing Name – The name is determined by the user, or by selecting Browse to open the Router Bits folder where the Router Bit .dwg is selected and assigned as the name.
   
2. Common Tool Name – This number should be in the form the machine needs to see in the G-Code. The Common Tool Name and Actual Tool Name should match each other.
   
3. Actual Tool Name – This number should be in the form the machine needs to see in the G-Code. The Common Tool name and Actual Tool Name should match each other.
   
4. Tool Diameter – The diameter of the tool.
   
5. Feed Speed – This value is the speed the tool uses once it has penetrated the material.
   
6. Entry Speed – This value determines the tool’s penetration speed from the face of the material to the end depth of the machining operation
   
7. Rotation Speed – This value refers to the speed of rotation.
   
8. Tool Safe Height 1 – This sets the retract height of the tool head. Safe Height 1 is the value that the head retracts to when making rapid movements between operations requiring different tools or moving to begin a machining operation. Tool Safe Height 1 may be set to any value as desired, but a typical value is .75” above the material’s surface. This setting applies to both spreadsheets and IPP files.
   
9. Tool Safe Height 2 – This sets the retract height for the tool head. Safe Height 2 is the value that the head retracts to when making rapid movements between operations requiring the same tool. Tool Safe Height 2 may be set to any value as desired, but a typical value is .25” above the material’s surface. This setting applies to both spreadsheets and IPP tool files.
   
10. Height Offset – The amount the height is offset.
    
11. Diameter Offset – The amount the diameter is offset.
    

If your machine requires Height and Diameter offset values to the G-Code, be sure to specify the correct Height and Diameter offset references in the tool information as indicated on the machine’s controller.

12. Head Value – This sets the number identifying a specific head in multiple head machines. An example of these machines would be dual head machine systems (top and bottom heads). It is a reference to which head is required in a machining operation. Some single head machines may also need it. This setting applies to both spreadsheets and IPP tool files.
    
13. Face – Indicate the face that the router can machine. The available faces for Routers are:
    
1. Upper Face
   
2. Lower Face
   
3. Left Face
   
4. Right Face
   
5. Top Face
   
6. Bottom Face
   


Fig. 03 – Available Faces



14. Rotation – Select one of the following:
    
1. Clockwise
   
2. Counter Clockwise
   
15. Default Depths – Add at least one Default Depth for the router. A Default Depth value is necessary for the tool to show up in the Single Parts Editor (2D Machining Tools).  
    
16. Add New Multi-Pass Tool – See the article Multi-Pass Tools for information on this setting.
    
17. Tool Defaults – Select all Tool Default options that apply to this new router:
    
1. Default Router (Normal Field)
   
2. Default Router (Mirrored Field)
   
3. Default Border Router
   
4. Pocketing / SMA Router(s)
   
5. Aggregate Tool
   
18. Default Routing Tools – Select all Default Routing Tools options that apply to this new router:
    
1. Default Routing Tool CCW
   
2. Default Routing Tool CW
   
3. Back Dado Tool for Base Cabinets
   
4. Back Dado Tool for Upper Cabinets
   
5. Divider Routing Tool
   
6. Cabinet Dado Tool
   
7. Drawer Box Dado Tool
   
8. Shelf Standard Tool
   
9. Tool for Thick Back Rabbet
   

Before leaving the Tool File UI, select Apply to save the new Tool and OK to exit.

For more information on IPP Tool Files, see Overview: Integrated Post Processor Tool Files (IPP).