When setting a tool length offset or Z position, many people simply jog the tool down to the work surface until it touches the work or a piece of shim stock. This works fine, and I used this approach for many years. There were occasions, though, when I accidentally jogged too far down and a chipped cutter, a mark in the part, or both resulted.
There are times when I still have to touch a tool directly off of the part, but the majority of my tool setting now takes place one inch above the part. I now jog the tool down to a little under an inch above the part and then slowly jog up until I can just slide a one-inch spacer block under the tool.
By always moving in a Z-positive direction, crunched tools are now a thing of the past. Most modern controllers will allow you to easily subtract an amount off the value that is entered into the tool table. Even if you have to do the math and manually enter the new figure, it is a quick and easy way to set a tool.
For a great discussion on the use of CNC in artistic applications, check out this thread on our Bulletin Board.
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