Save toolpaths individually or as in one file?

[Aiph5u (Aiph5u (not affiliated with Onefinity))]

Hey Ranfy,

@Ranfy

In VCarve Pro I have the option to save my toolpaths as individual files or all toolpaths in one file. What are the advantages of each option?

this is a frequently asked (and answered) question. We have a search function in this forum.

@Aiph5u

@Mike01

can you think of any pros/cons of running a single gcode file with multiple manual tool changes vs running them as separate files, one for each tool change?

usually you would say, if your program is well-tested and mature for production, one g-code program with all the tools saves time.

@Aiph5u

@WaywardWoodworker

@Machinist

@Aiph5u

However many forum members here say the advantages of one g-code program per tool is that you can change the program for a certain tool easier or re-run a pass easier. They put the name of the tool into the file name, and the pass that it is for.

Yes to this. I used to be in the camp where I wanted to keep all tools in the same program. But because I don’t have an ATC and am not running production on anything, I find it more convenient and flexible to actually program for separate tools. So even though I can program for tool changes, I prefer not to.

I was in the “one program per tool” camp until I implemented the tool setter then I found it was easier to and more accurate put them all in one program and use the tool change to measure T1 Z height, switch to tool 2, then measure T2 Z height and automatically reset the Z offset accordingly. This also works well if your Z axis zero point no longer exists after running the first tool path.