Tool Definitions

Guide to defining and selecting tools in GScript.

Overview

Tools are defined in the tooling block and referenced by operations. Proper tool definition ensures safe machining and optimal results.

Tool Definition Syntax

yaml

tooling:
  - id: unique-tool-name
    type: tool_type
    diameter: number
    max_rpm: number
    flutes: number    # Optional
    length: number    # Optional

Tool Types

Endmill

General-purpose milling tool.

yaml

- id: endmill-6mm
  type: endmill
  diameter: 6.0
  max_rpm: 12000
  flutes: 2

Use for: Face, pocket, contour operations

Common sizes: 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm

Drill

For making holes.

yaml

- id: drill-5mm
  type: drill
  diameter: 5.0
  max_rpm: 5000

Use for: Drill operations

Common sizes: 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm

Face Mill

Large diameter cutter for facing operations.

yaml

- id: face-mill-20mm
  type: face_mill
  diameter: 20.0
  max_rpm: 8000
  flutes: 4

Use for: Face operations on large areas

Common sizes: 16mm, 20mm, 25mm, 32mm

Ball Nose

Rounded tip for 3D contours.

yaml

- id: ball-nose-6mm
  type: ball_nose
  diameter: 6.0
  max_rpm: 10000
  flutes: 2

Use for: 3D contours, fillets (future feature)

Chamfer

Angled cutter for edges.

yaml

- id: chamfer-90deg
  type: chamfer
  diameter: 10.0
  max_rpm: 8000

Use for: Edge chamfering (future feature)

Tool Selection Guide

By Operation

Operation	Recommended Tool	Size
Face large area	Endmill or face mill	10-20mm
Pocket	Endmill	6-10mm
Fine detail	Endmill	2-4mm
Drill holes	Drill bit	Match hole size
Part outline	Endmill	4-8mm

By Material

Aluminum:

Higher flute count (3-4)
Higher speeds (10,000-15,000 RPM)
Sharp tools

Steel:

Lower flute count (2-3)
Moderate speeds (5,000-10,000 RPM)
Carbide tools recommended

Wood:

Higher flute count (2-4)
High speeds (12,000-18,000 RPM)
Can use HSS tools

Plastic:

Single flute or polished
High speeds (8,000-12,000 RPM)
Sharp tools to prevent melting

Tool Parameters

Diameter

Most important parameter - affects:

Stepover calculations
Corner radii
Material removal rate
Surface finish

Rule: Larger = faster, smaller = more detail

Max RPM

Spindle speed limit for this tool.

Typical ranges:

Drills: 3,000-8,000 RPM
Small endmills (2-6mm): 10,000-18,000 RPM
Large endmills (10mm+): 6,000-12,000 RPM

Flutes

Number of cutting edges.

More flutes:

Better surface finish
More suitable for harder materials
Lower feed per tooth

Fewer flutes:

Better chip evacuation
Faster material removal
Better for soft materials

Length

Tool length (cutting length + shank).

Considerations:

Shorter = more rigid = better finish
Must be long enough to reach depth
Affects tool deflection

Multiple Tools

Define all tools you'll use:

yaml

tooling:
  - id: face-mill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 12.0
    max_rpm: 8000
    flutes: 4

  - id: pocket-mill
    type: endmill
    diameter: 6.0
    max_rpm: 12000
    flutes: 2

  - id: drill-bit
    type: drill
    diameter: 4.0
    max_rpm: 5000

Then reference by ID:

yaml

program:
  - op: face
    tool: face-mill  # References face-mill
    # ...

  - op: pocket
    tool: pocket-mill  # References pocket-mill
    # ...

  - op: drill
    tool: drill-bit  # References drill-bit
    # ...

Tool Libraries (Future)

Coming soon: Reusable tool libraries

yaml

import:
  - tools: "my-tool-library.yaml"

program:
  - op: face
    tool: @library/endmill-12mm

Best Practices

Start Conservative

When testing new tools:

Lower RPM than maximum
Slower feed rates
Shallower depth of cut

Tool Naming

Use descriptive IDs:

yaml

# Good
drill-5mm
endmill-6mm-2flute
face-mill-12mm

# Avoid
tool1
t1
em1

Document Special Tools

yaml

- id: special-carbide-6mm
  type: endmill
  diameter: 6.0
  max_rpm: 15000
  flutes: 3
  # Note: Premium carbide for aluminum only

Troubleshooting

Tool not found error:

Tool 'endmill-6' not found in tooling block

Check tool ID spelling
Ensure tool is defined in tooling block
IDs are case-sensitive

Invalid tool type:

Invalid tool type: 'end-mill'

Use exact type names: endmill not end-mill
See tool types above

Next Steps

Operations Guide - Using tools in operations
Language Reference - Complete syntax
Examples - Tool usage examples
Materials Guide - Material-specific recommendations

Tool Definitions ​

Overview ​