Newbie Question on work process.

[mzungumike]

Ok, I have what might be considered a dumb question or two.  My project has multiple tool paths with different bits.  So, here is what I have been doing, turn on machine and then hit "home", load first bit, move router to start position, set Z, and Zero Everything in Universal G Code Sender.  I run the first file and then it finishes running and router moves back to start position.  I change my bit, reset Z to Zero, and start up again.  Here is my question.

If during or after the bit change, i move the router on x,y do I have to then re-zero x and y before I run the second file? 

Basically, if my work piece were to high in the z axis so that I had to move on the x,y to get away from work piece surface to change the bit. Then move back over the project to set the Z back to zero, would I have to reset x and y to zero again?

Thanks
Michael

[oldtech]

Generally No. If you are not moving the work piece, or you have a jig so that the x and y are fixed, and your controller is not powered off.

Changing the bit does require resetting z.

[Bruce]

Hey Michael,
It is easier to separate the toolpaths with different endmills into separate files. Once you have your workpiece zeroed for X and Y the only thing that needs to be re-zeroed is the Z axis height with the new endmill (as long as the power is left on). If you do power down the machine you need to home the machine first. Then your last workpiece X and Y zero is loaded automatically and ready to go.

[mzungumike]

Thank you both for the reply.