System and method for selecting a tool assembly

A method of identifying a cutting tool assembly to a user, the cutting tool assembly including at least two tool components selected from among a plurality of tool components, the method comprising:

• receiving an indication from the user of a desired characteristic of at least one of the cutting tool assembly or of a workpiece to be machined;
• determining that at least a portion of a first set of characteristics associated with a first component of the plurality of tool components corresponds to the desired characteristic;
• determining that at least a portion of a second set of characteristics associated with a second component of the plurality of tool components corresponds to another portion of the first set of characteristics;
• grouping the first component and the second component together to form a combination in response to said determining that at least a portion of the second set of characteristics corresponds to another portion of the first set of characteristics;
• and
• identifying the combination to the user as the cutting tool assembly,
• wherein the portion of the second set of characteristics and the other portion of the first set of characteristics comprise a reference code associated, respectively, with each of the second component of the plurality of tool components and the first component of the plurality of tool components, the reference code including a plurality of alphanumeric characters,
• wherein matching reference codes indicate compatible components,
• wherein said determining that at least a portion of the second set of characteristics corresponds to another portion of the first set of characteristics comprises determining matching reference codes between the second component of the plurality of tool components and the first component of the plurality of tool components.