Well written.
I dont use an offline setter so it is quickest for me to set to the table.
Other guys I know that only use a couple of tools for each job, set each tool individually on there parts (mouldmakers). I tend to do a lot of drilling and tapping and it is not uncommon for me to use all 21 slots in my ATC. Z zero on the table saves a lot of setup if I am reusing same tools for next job.
Also I NEVER set Z offsets in my machine control (this may be stupid but it is what I do), I always program my part in CAM with the Z level where it will be fixtured. EG my Kurt vise is 2.875 my parallel is 1" and my raw stock is .75 therefore in my CAM I will set the top of my stock (in space) at Z=4.625 while I am programming. So if I am taking a .100 cut and my Z0 (tool offset to the table) happens to be -19.562 then my cutter will pass at -15.037
Clear as mud...huh
I also like this option of setup (for me anyway) because I sometimes do simultaneous consecutive secondary OPs ( to save tool change times) in a second vise (just paste 2 programs together) and the z setting is relevant without making any changes at the machine control.
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