[PhoenixMetal]

I set up my tool length offsets using the "touch off" method using an electronic contact indicator (it lights up when the tool touches it) on my Vertical Machining Center. Normally I rest the indicator on (and therefore set my part z zero point relative to) the top of my workpiece.

This has been working great so far, however I came to realize a limitation of this technique for some parts: What if the part I am making no longer has any flat surface at the original z depth to set to after some machining operations, and I break a tool and have to replace it? I'd be out of luck in that case!

So, I've been thinking of always using the top of the fixed jaw on the vise as my new point to zero tools from, and I would compensate for the true location of part Z 0 either via my G54 offsets, or within my CAM software. Doing this would also be nice as it would eliminate re-setting the offsets for every different part that I make. I would only have to make one global change for the part height above (or below) my reference level (top of the the vise fixed jaw).

I was wondering what some of the more experienced folks out there do about this... Is my proposed tool setting location something that is commonly done? Does it work well? Is there yet something even better that I may want to try instead?

Thanks in advance for your input!