Path ToolShape

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|16px]] PartDesign Workbench.
 * 3) Create a Body and give the Body a label you want to show up in the bit selection.
 * 4) Create a [[Image:PartDesign_NewSketch.svg|16px]] Sketch on the XZ plane and draw half the profile of the bit.
 * 5) Constrain the bottom most center of the bit on the origin . This will be the center of the axis on which the G-code will rotate the bit.
 * 6) * Note: Do not add dimensional constraints at this time.
 * 7) Close the Sketch.
 * 8) [[Image:PartDesign_Revolution.svg|16px]] Revolve the Sketch around the vertical Sketch axis.
 * 9) Open the [[Image:Workbench_Path.svg|16px]] Path Workbench.
 * 10) Select the Sketch in the Tree view. This ensures that the PropertyBag created in the next step will be nested in the Body.
 * 11) Select the  option from the menu.
 * 12) A PropertyBag named  is created. This PropertyBag will be used to control the dimensions in the Sketch.
 * 13) Double-click the PropertyBag in the Tree view.
 * 14) The  task panel opens.
 * 15) Click the  button.
 * 16) The  dialog opens.
 * 17) Create a property named . This property is mandatory for ToolBits. Property names are case-sensitive and may not contain spaces.
 * 18) Select  from the  dropdown list.
 * 19) Select the appropriate.
 * 20) Optionally specify a.
 * 21) Click the  button.
 * 22) In the  task panel enter a value for the Diameter property.
 * 23) Similarly add all other required properties.
 * 24) Click the  button in the  task panel when done.
 * 25) Double-click the Sketch in the Tree view.
 * 26) Add dimensional constraints and apply the properties from the created PropertyBag. For example to apply the Diameter property:
 * 27) Double-click a dimension.
 * 28) Click the [[Image:Bound-expression.svg|16px]] icon.
 * 29) Enter  in the.
 * 30) Click the  button twice.
 * 31) Repeat this until the Sketch is  fully constrained.
 * 32) Save the  file where FreeCAD expects to find ToolBit files. See Description above.


 * Note 1. If you are denied access to the folder on Windows, start FreeCAD in ADMINISTRATOR mode.
 * Note 2. The Body of the ToolBit must be the first object in the Tree view. These instructions ensure that this is the case.

Tool Thumbnail Images
ToolBits will have a small icon image of the tool in the Tree view if the file 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