Not understanding custom tool geometry

[monkeyman]

I have an odd feeling I'm missing something very simple but, I can't seem to get custom tool geometry to properly generate. I'm able to import the geometry, however the tool path and the render seem to think the tool is square. Obviously this would not cut the surface I need.

 

I understand that most tools can be rendered by adjusting the values in the tool editor. But I'd like to figure out how to do this the properly. That way I'll know how to do it when the time comes. 

I've attached an image as an example as to what my issue is.

[JParis]

The little icon that looks like a keyseat cutter.(right furthest)..there's a dropdown arrow...click that and change the view setting

[Aaron Eberhard]

14 minutes ago, JParis said:

The little icon that looks like a keyseat cutter.(right furthest)..there's a dropdown arrow...click that and change the view setting

As an extension of that, in the lower-left corner of the tool window, it says "Outlined: Mastercam tool.  Rendered: Imported Tool."  What that's telling you is that the blue tool is what it recognizes as the profile you want to see backplotting & verifying, however, in the background, toolpaths are still going to calculate it based on the tool geometry Mastercam is using (in this case, a square end mill).

If you use this tool on a Contour or Dynamic toolpath, the toolpath algorithm is going to calculate as if it were a 1" endmill.  If you were using this to, say, deburr with the Contour toolpath, it would be up to you to figure out exactly how much to shift it left/right/up/down.

You can get much closer to the "real" tool shape by choosing the appropriate tool type (in this case, a lollipop), and then using your level to get the backplot & verify geometry perfect.