[kolias]

When I do a contour toolpath in McX5, there a place to setup your stock (size and depth).

Is this step required to finish a cut or it is just a visual indication to alert you during verifying the toolpath that your stock is smaller than the toolpath?

I always do the stock setup but as a beginner I would like to know its purpose

Thank you

[Superman]

No... stock is not needed to create a toolpath
BUT.... may be needed for the more advanced toolpath ops like clearing around a solid.
Here is a good example.... a basic wireframe "Facing" operation does not require geometry, but would generate a path if you had defined "Stock" (you select no geometry), it's the only one that's different that I know of.

Query... I noticed on other posts that you might be using advanced ops with solids instead of using wireframe geometry
Eg a door with a circle cut out for the lock... this can be done by drawing a rectangle for the door and a circle for the lock, you don't have to create a solid.
Ie. using lines & arcs to define your part and apply the paths too.

[kolias]

Thank you Superman, always best answers