VCarve Pro 6.5 has a new way to very precisely set the depths of cut for 2D Profile Toolpaths. Previously the pass depths were automatically calculated based on the Step Down value set for the tool. This is still the default choice but now there are options to set depths using additional methods such as "Number of Passes" or to set specific values within the list either dynamically or by value. There is also a tool to force a specific "Last Pass Thickness" for processes such as "Onion Skinning".
New Toolpath features in 6
Tool Database
The tool database has seen a significant overhaul in VCarve Pro 6. The most immediately obvious change is that you can now group tools in any way you like.
As with many lists in VCarve Pro, you can reorder your tool database by simply dragging and dropping the tools in the locations that you want them.
Tool Notes
The new tool notes section simply allows you to save any additional text descriptions, special instructions or relevant information you may require, within your tool definition.
Tooltip of group hierarchy
Hover your mouse pointer over the tool's name in any toolpath form once a toolpath has been calculated, VCarve Pro will provide a tooltip reminding you what the tool group hierarchy was for this tool when it was added to the toolpath strategy or template (see Toolpath Templates below). This can be extremely useful for quickly distinguishing between tools in your database that have similar names, but have been grouped according to their properties.
Importing and Exporting tool definitions
Individual tools or complete tool group hierarchies can now be saved to disk. Similarly, you can now import previously saved tools, groups or even entire tool databases.
Toolpath Tiling
Using the Toolpath Tiling options it is possible to machine objects and designs that are many times larger than the available area of your CNC machine bed. This process is also invaluable if the maximum sizes of your material pieces are limited. In both cases, a much larger project can still be machined by breaking the toolpath down into manageable tiles or strips, each of which can fit within the machineable area of your CNC machine, or on the available material blocks. Once cut, the tiles can then be re-assembled to form the finished piece.
Toolpath Templates
Toolpath templates allow you to improve the efficiency of your production processes by saving the complete toolpath settings for common operations. These settings can then be re-used at any time on different design geometry. Frequently used strategies and tooling can thus be applied to similar jobs, quickly and easily.
Toolpath Previews & Simulation
The toolpath preview form has a number of additional commands to help with controlling the toolpath previewing process.
Preview Control Simulation
The preview controls provide full video-like playback control of your toolpath. You can use this mode to analyze the tool moves in detail, step-by-step. To begin using Preview Control, click on the Run button.
The new Preview Control buttons are summarized below:
Run
Pause
Single Step
Run to Retract
Stop
Begins Preview Control simulation
Temporarily halts the tool in its current position and enables the Stop button so you can exit Preview Control mode
Moves the toolpath on by one tool move.
Runs the toolpath to the next retract move, then pauses the tool.
Exits Preview Control mode.
Preview Visible Toolpaths
The Preview Visible Toolpaths command on the Toolpath Preview form allows you to single-out a subset of toolpaths to be simulated, quickly and easily. Simply isolate the toolpaths you wish to preview by un-ticking the visibility checkboxes of the other toolpaths in the list. Then click the Preview Visible Toolpaths button to begin the simulation.
Manual selection of machining order
VCarve Pro 6 now has the option to manually select the machining order for profiling, pocketing, drilling and carving toolpaths so you can override the automatic sequencing for special requirements. Simply select the vectors you wish to machine - in the order you want to machine them – select the new Use Vector Selection Order option, and click Calculate.
Pass Depth Control for Profiling 
Tool Database
The tool database has seen a significant overhaul in VCarve Pro 6. The most immediately obvious change is that you can now group tools in any way you like.
Using the Toolpath Tiling options it is possible to machine objects and designs that are many times larger than the available area of your CNC machine bed. This process is also invaluable if the maximum sizes of your material pieces are limited. In both cases, a much larger project can still be machined by breaking the toolpath down into manageable tiles or strips, each of which can fit within the machineable area of your CNC machine, or on the available material blocks. Once cut, the tiles can then be re-assembled to form the finished piece.
Toolpath templates allow you to improve the efficiency of your production processes by saving the complete toolpath settings for common operations. These settings can then be re-used at any time on different design geometry. Frequently used strategies and tooling can thus be applied to similar jobs, quickly and easily.
