cut stock then square stock while taking to size. Once your on to OPT 2 making a pocket or what ever the cut may be. the depth is figure by measuring from top of part to top of jaws. If your making a contour or outside cut that will tell you how far down your tool or tools making that feature can go depth wise. Real easy to check and double check when setting up, and programming. Once you get thtat down you can setup and run long programs through the night keeping that spindle turning and earning.