Edge Tool Groups - Customer Guide

Overview

Edge Tool Groups define the CNC tooling sequences used to create profiles on the edges of machined doors. You can configure multiple tool groups for different door profiles (beaded edge, chamfer, ogee, etc.), including roughing passes, profiling passes, and cutout tools.

What Edge Tool Groups Do

Edge Tool Groups control:

• Which tools are used to profile door edges
• The order tools run (critical for proper machining)
• Tool depth and offset positioning
• Roughing and finishing passes
• Through-cut operations for door cutouts

Use for: CNC-machined raised panel doors, profile doors, or any door requiring edge profiling on a CNC router.

Key Concepts

1. Edge Tool Groups Dropdown

Select from pre-configured tool groups or create your own.

Mozaik includes preset profiles:

• Beaded Edge Profile
• Chamfer with Roughing Cut
• GLCT Ogee Edge Profile
• And more based on popular tooling

You can:

• Use presets as-is
• Modify presets for your specific tools
• Create completely custom tool groups

Each tool group = one door profile style

Interface Components

2. Tool Bar Buttons

Manage tools within the current tool group:

3. Sidebar Buttons

Manage tool groups:

Configuration Options

4. Grid Display

☑ Grid
Show/hide grid in the preview area.

Grid spacing: Enter custom grid spacing (e.g., 1/8, 1/4) for reference.

Use for: Aligning tools precisely and visualizing tool positioning.

5. Display Tool Shapes

☑ Display Tool Shapes
Show tool outline shapes in the preview area.

Benefits:

• See actual tool profile
• Visualize how tools overlap
• Verify tool positioning

When checked: Tools appear as their actual cutting profiles
When unchecked: Tools shown as simple lines

7. Tool Reference Point

Choose where tools are positioned from:

On Edge
Tool positioned relative to the edge of the door.

On Center
Tool positioned relative to the center of the door thickness.

Why it matters: Different tools may reference from different points. Profile bits often reference from the edge, while panel raising bits may reference from center.

8. Part Spacing

Enter additional spacing between nested parts if your tools have large diameters.

Example: Large diameter edge profiling bit needs 7/16" clearance to avoid hitting adjacent parts.

Default: Uses standard part spacing
Override: Enter specific spacing for this tool group only

When to use: Tools with large diameters (2" or more) that extend beyond normal part boundaries.

Tool Order and Configuration

6. Tool Order - CRITICAL

Use ↑ ↓ buttons to reorder tools.

IMPORTANT RULE: Through-cut tools MUST be last in the sequence.

Typical order:

1. Roughing tool (removes bulk material quickly)
2. Profiling tool #1 (creates main profile)
3. Profiling tool #2 (if needed for complex profiles)
4. Through-cut tool (cuts door perimeter) - ALWAYS LAST

Why order matters:

• Tools run in sequence from top to bottom
• Through-cuts must be last (cuts door free from sheet)
• Roughing before finishing prevents tool wear
• Logical progression ensures clean results

9. Tool Group Tool List

Configure each tool's parameters:

Columns:

Tool Order: Sequence number (1, 2, 3, etc.)

Select Tool: Which tool from Tool List to use
(Example: RoyceAyr R68-02002)

Depth: How deep the tool cuts
(Example: 0.135, 3/4)

Offset: Distance from reference point
(Example: -0.025, 0.26)

Thru Cut: ☑ Check if this tool cuts through material

• Automatically adjusts depth based on material thickness
• Must be last tool in sequence

Sharp Cos.: ☑ Use sharp corners instead of rounded

Ramp: ☑ Enable ramping into the cut (gentler entry)

Flip Side: ☑ Run this tool on the back of the door

How to edit:

1. Click on a tool in the list
2. Values appear in the table
3. Edit Depth, Offset, or check boxes
4. Changes apply immediately

Creating a New Edge Tool Group

Step-by-Step:

1. Click "Add Group" in sidebar
2. Name your tool group (e.g., "Ogee Edge Custom")
3. Select tools from Tool List (left side)
   • Click on a tool
   • Click + (Add) button
   • Tool appears in preview and Tool Group Tool List
4. Position each tool:
   • Select tool in list
   • Enter Depth and Offset
   • Choose On Edge or On Center reference
5. Set tool order:
   • Use ↑ ↓ buttons to reorder
   • Ensure through-cut is last
6. Configure options:
   • Check Thru Cut for cutout tool
   • Enable Ramp for smoother cuts
   • Set Flip Side if needed
7. Preview in 3D (click 3D button)
8. Save (click OK)

Common Tool Group Configurations

Simple Beaded Edge

Tools:

1. Beading bit (profile)
2. Straight bit (through-cut)

Order:

1. Beading profile (Depth: 0.125, Offset: -0.025)
2. Straight cutout (Thru Cut: ☑, last in order)

Raised Panel with Roughing

Tools:

1. Roughing bit (removes bulk)
2. Panel raising bit (creates profile)
3. Straight bit (through-cut)

Order:

1. Roughing pass (Depth: 3/8, removes material quickly)
2. Panel raising (Depth: 3/4, final profile)
3. Straight cutout (Thru Cut: ☑, last in order)

Complex Ogee Profile

Tools:

1. Roughing bit
2. Ogee bit #1 (top profile)
3. Ogee bit #2 (bottom profile)
4. Straight bit (through-cut)

Order: Roughing → Top profile → Bottom profile → Cutout

Tips for Success

💡 Always put through-cut tools last - This is the #1 rule for tool order

💡 Test on scrap first - Run new tool groups on scrap material before production

💡 Use roughing passes - Saves wear on expensive profiling bits

💡 Enable Display Tool Shapes - Makes it easier to visualize the final profile

💡 Copy and modify presets - Start with Mozaik's presets and adjust for your tools

💡 Name groups clearly - "Beaded Edge 1/4 Bead" is better than "Profile 1"

💡 Export your tool groups - Back up custom configurations and share with other machines

💡 Check part spacing - Large diameter tools may need extra spacing to avoid collisions

💡 Use grid for alignment - Helps position tools precisely

💡 Document your settings - Keep notes on depths and offsets that work well

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why must through-cut tools be last?
A: Through-cut tools cut the door free from the sheet. If run earlier, the door would be loose during subsequent operations, causing errors or safety issues.

Q: What's the difference between "On Edge" and "On Center" reference?
A: "On Edge" positions tools relative to the door's edge. "On Center" positions from the centerline of the door thickness. Different tools work better with different reference points.

Q: Can I use the same tool multiple times in one group?
A: Yes, you can add the same tool at different depths or offsets to create complex profiles.

Q: What is a roughing pass and why use it?
A: A roughing pass removes bulk material quickly with a less expensive bit, saving wear on your finishing profile bits. It makes the finish pass faster and cleaner.

Q: How do I know what depth and offset to use?
A: Start with manufacturer recommendations for your specific bits. Test on scrap and adjust. Depth controls how deep the tool cuts; offset controls how far from the reference point.

Q: Can I profile both sides of the door?
A: Yes, use the "Flip Side" checkbox to run certain tools on the back of the door. You'll typically need a flip mechanism on your CNC.

Q: What does "Ramp" do?
A: Ramping gradually enters the tool into the cut at an angle rather than plunging straight down. This reduces tool wear and produces smoother cuts.

Q: Why would I need part spacing?
A: Large diameter tools (2" or more) may extend beyond normal part boundaries and could hit adjacent nested parts. Extra spacing prevents collisions.

Q: Can I share tool groups between computers?
A: Yes, use Export to save a tool group to a file, then Import on another computer.

Q: Do I need different tool groups for different door sizes?
A: Usually no - one tool group works for all sizes of that profile style. The group defines the profile, not the door size.