A method for providing tool data records for machining tools. A global database is provided for receiving the tool data record. Tool information items are added to the tool data records by users and/or manufacturers of the machining tools. At least one tool data record is validated for a certain machining tool, based on a comparison of a plurality of tool information items concerning at least one comparable parameter of this tool.

A machine tool (1) includes a tool information storage (9) storing therein used tool information for, when an NC program execution part (5) executes an NC program, specifying a tool used for machining, and a magazine operation panel (18) includes an announcement part (18b) for announcing an alarm to an operator. When receiving an operation signal from an input part (18a) while the NC program execution part (5) is executing an NC program, a tool change control part (11) checks the used tool information stored in the tool information storage (9), and in the case where a tool held by a tool pot (17a) corresponding to the operation signal is not used for machining, moves the tool pot (17a) to a tool attachment/detachment position (17c), and in the case where the tool is used for machining, causes the announcement part (18a) to announce an alarm indicating that it is unavailable.

In a numerical control system including a numerical controller having a tool database and a tool catalog database which can be referred to from the numerical controller, the tool catalog database has tool catalog data including first cutting condition data, and the tool database has tool data including second cutting condition data to be used for machining. After execution of the machining, the numerical controller updates the first cutting condition data to be stored in the tool catalog database based on the second cutting condition data stored in the tool database.