TaperTec CNC Mill Full Version
TaperTec CNC Mill Software (for Cue Makers)
TaperTec CNC Mill is a cue-profile and G-code generator built specifically for cue makers who cut shafts and butts on a CNC mill. Designed for 3/4 axis CNC mills and routers with a dedicated spinning station, it converts cue-making dimensions into a controller-ready toolpath with a streamlined workflow focused on accuracy, repeatability, and safe execution.
Unlike general-purpose workflows that require extensive CAM setup for a long, slender workpiece, TaperTec is structured around cue-making decisions: defining end diameters, controlling taper shape along the length, selecting safe clearance behavior around fixtures, and verifying motion before a cutter ever touches wood. The result is a production-friendly process with a substantially lower learning curve—without sacrificing the technical control needed for professional cue work.
What it’s for
CNC mill/router taper cutting for cue shafts and butts
Rapid generation of repeatable taper toolpaths from cue-specific dimensions
Controlled roughing/finishing strategies for wood (and wood-like materials) with safe retraction and optional stops
Visual verification of the exported program prior to running it at the machine
Who it’s for
Cue makers who want a purpose-built tool to generate taper toolpaths quickly and consistently
Shops producing repeatable tapers across multiple builds or matching established taper charts
Users who want a guided workflow with integrated help, verification, and safety-oriented options—especially helpful when training new operators
What it can do
Cue profile definition (shaft & butt workflows)
Define the cue by entering key dimensions (diameters and lengths), then generate a smooth taper curve.
Add and edit custom zones to control the profile at specific distances for fine taper shaping.
Preview the finished silhouette and optionally display a tool-comp overlay (tool-center path) to confirm cutter compensation and cut side before code generation.
Machine setup and orientation control
Configure cut orientation, start position, machine zero location, and axis directions using a workflow designed to match how cues are actually mounted and cut.
Use a live axis/orientation diagram as a “sanity check” to catch direction/zero/cut-side mistakes before running the program.
Cut strategy, safety moves, and run control
Set stock diameter and finish allowance to control roughing vs. finishing material removal.
Control roughing depth-per-pass and feeds to balance cycle time vs. stability on slender shafts.
Configure Safe X Retract clearance behavior for repositioning moves and optional pauses.
Enable optional stops (M01) and/or pass-by-pass stops for inspection, chip clearing, and conservative first runs.
Enable serpentine cutting (cut both directions) to reduce empty travel when appropriate.
G-code generation, preview, and verification
Generate G-code in inch units and review a built-in G-code preview before saving.
Optional Mach3 compatibility formatting (simplified lines, strip unused words, conservative comments) for reliable parsing on Mach3-style controllers.
Use an integrated Cut Verification toolpath viewer to visually inspect rapids vs. cutting moves and run an on-screen live preview playback of the exported program.
Templates, presets, and documentation built-in
Save and load complete setups as templates (including notes), with export/import for backups or sharing between machines.
Use a preset taper library as a fast baseline, then fine-tune with custom zones.
Access built-in guidance and field-level “info” help directly inside the software.
Ease of use (without giving up technical control)
Cue-specific workflow organized in the same order you set up a real job: machine setup → taper definition → zones/graph → cut settings → export → verification.
Built-in visual checks (silhouette + tool-comp overlay + live orientation diagram + toolpath verification) reduce setup risk and help operators build confidence faster.
“Generate → preview → save” export flow encourages disciplined review of clearance moves and optional stop placement before machine execution.
Output and controller integration
TaperTec generates a standard text-based G-code program. In the exported file:
Y represents motion along the cue length, and X is the in/out direction that controls tool distance from the cue centerline.
Output assumes inch units and posts common header commands (e.g., absolute mode, inch units, spindle start).
The program is designed to be reviewed, dry-run, and executed on your CNC controller with correct work offsets, safe Z, and machine-side safety procedures.
Minimum OS and system requirements
Minimum supported operating system
Windows 10 or Windows 11
Recommended baseline PC (typical shop workstation)
64-bit Windows system capable of running standard desktop applications
Sufficient screen resolution to comfortably view previews and verification tools (1080p recommended)
Storage for saved templates and exported G-code files (defaults to the user Documents folder)
CNC/control requirements (practical)
3-axis or 4-axis CNC mill/router capable of running standard G-code in inch units
Optional stop support if you plan to use M01-based pauses
Proper machine-side setup for work offsets and a safe Z strategy (the software is intended to generate and verify the cue toolpath; safe execution remains the operator/controller responsibility)
Ready to modernize your cue taper workflow?
If you cut cues on a CNC mill or router, TaperTec CNC Mill is built to remove friction from the process: fewer steps, fewer opportunities for setup mistakes, faster repeatable results, and a workflow that matches how cue makers actually think and work. It’s the practical bridge between craftsmanship and production—purpose-built for cue tapers, engineered for consistency, and designed to be simple enough to run confidently while still offering the technical controls professionals expect.
Produced by Christopher Walker / Billiards Innovations, LLC
