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Make a LinuxCNC tool table from a Fusion 360 library (Beta)

Write a tool.tbl with tool numbers, diameters and descriptions from your Fusion 360, Vectric or FreeCAD library.

Opens: Fusion .tools/.json/.csv, Vectric .vtdb, Carbide Create .csv, FreeCAD .fctl/.fctb, LinuxCNC/PathPilot tool.tbl, CSV, Excel
Saves: Fusion .tools/.json, Vectric .vtdb, Carbide Create .csv, FreeCAD 1.1 / 0.19–1.0, LinuxCNC tool.tbl, CSV, Excel

Convert

Tool library
Choose files… or drop them here
.tools, .json, .vtdb, .csv, .tsv, .txt, .tbl, .fctl, .fctb, .xlsx, .xls, .ods, .zip · up to 200 MB each, 500 files max
    Add more files

    A Fusion .tools/.json/.csv library, a Vectric .vtdb database, a Carbide Create tool .csv, FreeCAD .fctl plus its .fctb bits (or a .zip of the Tools folder), a LinuxCNC/PathPilot tool.tbl, or a CSV/Excel tool list. If you add several files, their tools are merged into one library.

    Options

    Keep each tool's own units where the target allows it, or convert everything. Tool tables always use one unit system: match your machine.

    More options

    Only used for files that do not record their units (LinuxCNC tool tables, bare spreadsheets).

    Your files are deleted after processing.

    LinuxCNC keeps its tools in a plain text tool table, usually tool.tbl, and CAM programs don't write one for you. If your CAM library is in Fusion 360, Vectric, FreeCAD, Carbide Create or a spreadsheet, this page builds a LinuxCNC tool table from it, so tool numbers and diameters on the machine match what the CAM program posts.

    How to make a LinuxCNC tool table

    1. Upload the library: a Fusion .tools or .json, a Vectric .vtdb, FreeCAD bits and library, a Carbide Create CSV or a spreadsheet.
    2. Set Units of the output to your machine's units. The form is preset to inches; choose millimetres for a metric configuration. A tool table has no unit field, so this must match the machine.
    3. Download Name.tbl.
    4. Back up your current table. Your machine's INI file names it in the TOOL_TABLE setting of the [EMCIO] section. Replace that file with the download, renamed to the same name, and restart LinuxCNC.

    What each line contains

    Each tool becomes one line such as

    T7 P7 Z+0.000000 D+0.250000 ;Long 1/4" Downcut

    • T is the tool number from your library and P the pocket, set to the same number.
    • D is the cutting diameter, used for cutter radius compensation. For V-bits and tapered cutters it is the largest cutting diameter.
    • The comment after ; is the tool name, with the tool type added when the name doesn't mention it.
    • Z is 0 for every tool. Length offsets depend on your holder and spindle, so touch off each tool before use. The first line of the file is a comment reminding you of this.

    Tool numbers

    LinuxCNC needs each number once. Duplicates, common in vendor libraries, move to the next free numbers, and tools without a number get one. The notes list the tools concerned, so you can match the numbers in your CAM library.

    What the table leaves out

    Flute length, overall length, shank, corner radius, angles, flute count and all feeds and speeds stay in your CAM program, since the table has no columns for them.

    The other direction

    The converter also reads tool tables, including the tool.tbl of a Tormach PathPilot configuration, and turns them into CAM libraries. Because a table doesn't record its units, pick them under Units of the input file in More options if the guess is wrong. The main converter lists every target.

    More about what this tool reads and writes: CNC Tool Library Converter.

    More with CNC Tool Library Converter