My advice is get HSMAdviser and use it constantly to perfect your toolpaths. I know of nothing better for the purpose.

Working on a machine without ATC is always a compromise. so you will have to live with your choices. I use mainly 3 sizes- 12mm or 1/2 inch, 6mm and 3mm or 1/8. Where 12mm is insert tool. So a combination of this is best for most jobs. Add the time and hassle for changing tool and then you decide.


So insert tooling will help greatly with speed. I use 1/2 CMT for most cleaning jobs, its one flute. On 16mm you can use even better cutters.