Panel Tool Groups - Customer Guide

Overview

Panel Tool Groups define the complete CNC tooling sequence for machining routed doors. The entire group of tools is applied to a door profile in the Routed Door Tab of the Mozaik Door Library. Panel Tool Groups handle pocketing, profiling, and detail work on the face of the door panel.

What Panel Tool Groups Do

Panel Tool Groups control:

• Which tools machine the door face/panel
• Tool sequencing for pocketing operations
• Depth and positioning of each tool pass
• Roughing and finishing operations
• Complex profiles like raised panels, beaded panels, and decorative routing

Difference from Edge Tool Groups:

• Panel Tool Groups: Machine the face/surface of the door (pocketing, raised panels)
• Edge Tool Groups: Machine the perimeter/edge of the door (edge profiles, cutouts)

Key Concepts

1. Panel Tool Groups Dropdown

Select from pre-configured panel tool groups for different door styles.

Mozaik includes preset profiles:

• Double Shaker (5/16" Deep Pocket)
• Flat Panel w/ 45 Sharp Corner (5/16" Deep Pocket)
• Flat Panel w/ 60° Sharp Corner (5/16 Pocket)
• Flat Panel w Beaded Edge (5/16" Deep Pocket)
• GLCT Angled Raised Panel
• GLCT Cove Raised Panel
• RoyceAyr Raised Panel
• Shaker (1/4" Deep Pocket)
• Shaker (5/16" Deep Pocket)
• VTX Flat Panel (w/ 1/4" Bead)
• VTX Glass Door (w/ 1/4" Bead)
• VTX Raised Cove (w/ 1/4" Bead)
• VTX Raised Cove (w/ 3/8" Bead)
• VTX Raised Ogee (w/ 1/4" Bead)
• VTX Raised Ogee (w/ 3/8" Bead)

Each tool group = one complete door panel design

You can:

• Use Mozaik's presets
• Modify presets for your tools
• Create custom panel tool groups from scratch

Interface Components

2. Tool Bar Buttons

Manage tools within the current panel tool group:

3. Sidebar Buttons

Manage panel tool groups:

Configuration Options

3. Grid Display

☑ Grid
Show/hide grid in the preview area.

Grid spacing: Enter custom grid spacing (e.g., 0.0787, 1/8) for reference.

Use for: Visualizing tool positioning and alignment of multiple passes.

5. Display Tool Shapes

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

Tool Shapes Hidden:

• Preview shows simplified tool paths as lines

Tool Shapes Displayed:

• Preview shows actual tool cutting profiles
• See how tool shapes create the panel design
• Visualize overlapping passes

Benefits:

• Verify tool selection is correct
• See how multiple tools combine to create profile
• Check for tool clearance issues

4. Tool Reference Point

Choose the datum point for tool positioning:

On Edge
Tools positioned relative to the edge of the door panel.

On Center
Tools positioned relative to the centerline of the panel thickness.

Why it matters: Panel raising bits and pocketing tools often reference from center, while detail bits may reference from the edge.

Tool Order and Configuration

5. Tool Order

Use ↑ ↓ buttons to reorder tools in the machining sequence.

It is very important to prioritize tools in a logical order.

Typical panel tool sequence:

1. Roughing pass (removes bulk material from pocket)
2. Finishing pass (smooth bottom of pocket)
3. Detail pass #1 (creates profiles, beads, coves)
4. Detail pass #2 (additional detailing if needed)
5. Cleanup pass (final smoothing)

Why order matters:

• Roughing before finishing prevents tool wear
• Multiple passes create complex profiles
• Proper sequencing ensures clean results
• Tool diameter affects what can run when

6. Tool Group Tool List

Configure each tool's parameters in the table:

Columns:

Tool Order: Sequence number (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.)

Select Tool: Which tool from Tool List to use
(Example: 1/2 Downshear, RoyceAyr PCD 50B)

Depth: How deep the tool cuts into the panel
(Example: 0.385, 5/16, 1/16)

Offset: Distance from reference point (On Edge or On Center)
(Example: 3/8, 11/16, -0.06)

Thru Cut: ☑ Check if tool cuts completely through material

• Rare for panel operations (more common in Edge Tool Groups)

Sharp Cos.: ☑ Enable sharp corner toolpath

• For sharp corner tools only
• Creates true 90° corners instead of rounded

Ramp: ☑ Enable ramping into the cut

• Gradual entry reduces tool wear
• Smoother cut quality

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

• For double-sided profiles
• Requires CNC with flip capability

How Panel Tool Groups Work with Door Library

Connection to Door Library:

1. Create Panel Tool Group in Tool Library
2. Open Door Library → Routed Door tab
3. Select the Panel Tool Group for that door style
4. Door uses the complete tool sequence when manufactured

One panel tool group = One routed door style

Creating a New Panel Tool Group

Step-by-Step:

1. Click "Add Group" in sidebar
2. Name your panel tool group
   (Example: "Custom Shaker 3/8 Pocket")
3. Add tools from Tool List:
   • Click first tool (e.g., "3/8 Roughing Bit")
   • Click + (Add) button
   • Tool appears in preview and tool list
   • Repeat for each tool in sequence
4. Configure each tool:
   • Select tool in Tool Group Tool List
   • Enter Depth (how deep to cut)
   • Enter Offset (position from reference)
   • Choose On Edge or On Center
5. Set tool order:
   • Use ↑ ↓ buttons to arrange sequence
   • Roughing passes first
   • Detail passes after roughing
6. Enable options as needed:
   • Ramp: For smoother entry
   • Sharp Cos.: For sharp corner tools
   • Flip Side: For back-side operations
7. Preview and test:
   • Click 3D button to see result
   • Zoom in to verify tool positioning
   • Enable Display Tool Shapes for clarity
8. Save (click OK)

Common Panel Tool Group Configurations

Shaker Door with Pocket

Purpose: Create recessed panel area

Tools:

1. 3/8 Roughing Bit (removes bulk material)
2. 1/2 Downshear (smooth finish pass)

Order:

1. Roughing (Depth: 5/16, fast material removal)
2. Finishing (Depth: 5/16, final smooth surface)

Raised Panel Door

Purpose: Create raised center with beveled edges

Tools:

1. 1/2 Downshear (roughing pocket around edges)
2. RoyceAyr PCD 50B (creates bevel/raise)
3. RoyceAyr PCD 26D (detail work)
4. Concept tool (final profiling)

Order:

1. Pocket roughing around perimeter
2. Angle cut for raised profile
3. Detail passes for final shape
4. Cleanup/finishing pass

Beaded Flat Panel

Purpose: Flat panel with decorative bead

Tools:

1. 3/8 Downshear (pocket area)
2. Small bead bit (decorative detail)
3. Cleanup bit (smooth finish)

Order:

1. Pocket depth
2. Bead detail
3. Final finish

Tips for Success

💡 Start with Mozaik presets - Modify existing tool groups rather than starting from scratch

💡 Roughing before finishing - Always rough out material first, then finish for quality

💡 Test on scrap - Run new panel tool groups on scrap doors before production

💡 Use Display Tool Shapes - See exactly what each tool is doing to the panel

💡 Document your settings - Keep notes on depths and offsets that produce good results

💡 Name clearly - "Shaker 5/16 Deep" is better than "Panel Profile 1"

💡 Export your work - Back up custom panel tool groups and share between machines

💡 Check tool order carefully - Wrong sequence can ruin doors or break tools

💡 Match to your bits - Adjust depths and offsets based on your actual tooling

💡 Preview in 3D - Always check 3D preview before running on real material

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between Panel Tool Groups and Edge Tool Groups?
A: Panel Tool Groups machine the face/surface of the door (pocketing, raised panels, decorative routing). Edge Tool Groups machine the perimeter/edge of the door (edge profiles, through-cuts).

Q: Can I use the same Panel Tool Group for different door sizes?
A: Yes! Panel Tool Groups define the profile/pocket design. They scale automatically to different door sizes.

Q: Why do I need multiple passes for one pocket?
A: Roughing passes remove material quickly, finishing passes create smooth surfaces. This extends tool life and improves quality.

Q: What does "On Edge" vs "On Center" reference mean?
A: "On Edge" positions tools from the door's edge. "On Center" positions from the centerline of the door thickness. Panel raising typically uses "On Center."

Q: How do I know what depth to use?
A: Start with manufacturer recommendations for your specific bits. Test on scrap material and adjust. Common pocket depths are 1/4" to 3/8".

Q: Can I create double-sided profiles?
A: Yes, use the "Flip Side" checkbox for tools that run on the back. Your CNC must have flip capability.

Q: What is ramping and should I use it?
A: Ramping gradually enters the tool at an angle instead of plunging straight down. It reduces tool wear and produces cleaner cuts. Recommended for most operations.

Q: What are Sharp Corner tools?
A: Special V-shaped bits that create true 90° corners. Enable "Sharp Cos." checkbox to use sharp corner toolpaths with these bits.

Q: How do I apply a Panel Tool Group to a door?
A: In Door Library → Routed Door tab, select your Panel Tool Group from the dropdown. That door style will use that complete tool sequence.

Q: Can I mix tools from different manufacturers?
A: Yes, as long as the tools are defined in your Tool List. Panel Tool Groups can use any combination of tools.