Tool Library Defaults

[ProteumMachining]

I know we are all waiting on Tool Library 2.0 to come along and fix all of our gripes, but until then a couple modifications to the current tool library would make it heaps easier to use.  One of my biggest complaints are the default tool type filters when selecting operations.  While I understand that 3D adaptive works great with a bull nose, or that Slot works with a slot/keyseat cutter, I would like the choice of choosing my filter myself.  Leave it blank or on "all" until I want it to filter.  There is nothing more frustrating than trying to edit a toolpath and replace the tool, only to have the tool library come up with some other random tool type selected when it pops up.  While its not a lot of work to click over and change the filter, it spoils the workflow greatly.  It would be nice if it at least remembered the type of tool I have already picked and go back to that type when I reopen the library within that toolpath. 

[Anonymous]

Along the lines of Tool Library Defaults, it would be nice if when choosing an operation and then taken to the tool library tools that are not compatible with that specific opertation are indicated some how.   I don't know if this needs its own Idea Station post or not, I will create a new post if needed.   

Example:  You are going to do a chamfer opertation.   So you choose either "Contour" or "Chamfer" when you go to the Tool Library to pic a tool, Drills and Facemills etc. are non selectable and maybe highlighted RED (my pref.) and or both,,  with a (tool tip), "tool not compatiable with selected or current operation".   

This would be very helpful in several different ways.   1. When entering a tool, you could easily figure out what operations could use that tool.   2. When entering an Operation, you could easily figure out if you have configured your tool incorrectly.   3. Instead of going through the whole op. set up only to get a "no tool path created" (or what ever it says, bain of my existance etc. ) you just couldn't create the op.  

4. It would cut down on a lot of questions on the forums.    

I don't know how many times I have had to literally had to operation hunt to figure out why a specific tool wouldn't work, and then on the flip side of that, once you figure it out, you have to figure out how to manipulate the tool (meaning selection) to get to work.   It is not a intuitive process.   

If you go onto the CAM forum this is almost a daily question, where you have new user, can't figure out what combination of tool and op to use on a specific cut.   In almost all cases you will see a power user or staff help out with a "you can't do that with that" you need to do this.   There is one up there today where user is trying to use a Chamfer mill to simulate an actual chamfer end mill (similar to a bull nose but hard angles) this user could have benifited from the oulined above.    

Last note this seems like it would be a easy fix due to it mostly being administrative, not a bunch of math crunching involved.