Path ToolShape/en

Description
ToolShapes are a core part of the Path Tools system. ToolShapes are the templates from which ToolBits are created. They represent the specific physical shape of a tool. A ToolShape does not completely describe the bit - for that some additional parameters are needed which will be added when an actual bit is parameterized from the template.

Initially ToolShapes are just FreeCAD documents with a single Body created from the Part Design workbench.

Creating new ToolShapes is an advanced topic. The most commonly needed ToolShapes already exist and are provided with the FreeCAD installation at


 * On Linux it is usually
 * On Windows it is usually
 * On macOS it is usually

They are:

These can be found in the subdirectory where FreeCAD was installed.

Usage

 * 1) Create a new FreeCAD document
 * 2) Open the [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|24px|link=PartDesign_Workbench]] Part Design workbench
 * 3) Create a body and give the body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
 * 4) Create a sketch in the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
 * 5) * Put the top center of the bit on the origin
 * 6) For any constraint serving as a parameter for the tool (like overall Length) create a named constraint
 * 7) * The name is the label of the input field
 * 8) * Names are split at CamelCase boundaries into words in the edit dialog
 * 9) * Use a in the name to add help text which will show up as the entry fields tool tip
 * 10) * If the tool is used by legacy ops it should at least have one constraint called Diameter
 * 11) * Use construction lines for constraints that are not directly accessible, like Diameter and Angle
 * 12) * Any unnamed constraint will not be editable for a specific tool
 * 13) Once the sketch is fully constrained, close the sketch
 * 14) Revolve the sketch around the z-axis
 * 15) Save the document as a new file in the Shape directory

Tool Thumbnail Images
Toolbits will have a small icon image of the tool in the tree if the image is saved with thumbnails active.

Important notes:
 * Before saving the document make sure you have Save Thumbnail selected, and Add program logo deselected in FreeCAD's preferences.
 * Also make sure to switch to Front View and Fit content to screen
 * Whatever you see when saving the document will end up being the visual representation of the template