Multi-Pass Tools

Multi-Pass Tools

Multi-Pass Tools

  1. Multi-pass tools can be added to the list of available routing tools. Multi-pass tools are often used when working with specific materials (i.e., thick materials or lumber materials).
  2. Multi-pass tools must be listed with a common tool number of 900 or higher.
  3. Multi-pass tools can be set up to use multiple tools or use a single tool using steps or incremental steps. 
The image below shows a multi-pass tool setup using multiple tools:

The Tool List shows the assigned tools in the order in which they will be used. To the right of the tool list are the settings for each tool. Each tool can be set to cut to specific depths. A rough-cut offset can be set up so the tool will hog out the material first, and then using a tool with a cleaner cutting edge can be used to cut the part to the correct size. Additionally, tools can be assigned to use an Onion Skin, (provided the "Leave Onion Skin" setting is enabled in the "Small Parts Handling" section of one's processing station), leaving a thin layer of material from the first cut of a multi-pass for the second cut to remove. 

The next image shows a multi-pass tool setup using a step:


In the image above, this tool is set to use a total of 2 passes. So, no matter the thickness of the material, it will only perform two passes.

The next image shows a multi-pass tool setup using an incremental step:

In the picture above, the tool will perform an undefined number of passes at 0.25” per pass. So, if the thickness of the material were 1.25” thick, the tool would perform five passes.

Multi-pass tools also have prioritization settings:
  1. Reduce Tool Changes – Prioritizes all tooling operations by the actual tool number. Allows tools within a multi-pass tool to be prioritized with other routing operations using the same tool.
  2. Group Tool Operations – Groups multi-pass tool operations by common tool number. It does not allow tools within a multi-pass tool to be prioritized with other routing operations.
  3. Segregate Tool Operations – Segregates each multi-pass tool group. Tools will be forced to complete a single routing operation, including all necessary tool changes within it, before continuing to the next routing operation. 

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