It must be nice only running about 15 parts! Being a job shop, as we are, changing tools is a daily thing. Honestly, the more you touch off tools, the more efficient you will be with it. Using different work offsets for different parts works great, so long as you only have the 15 or so parts you currently make, and will save a ton of time on setups. Just be glad you did not get a machine with the side-mount tool changer. That is completely confusing the first time you use it. The umbrella tool changer keeps tool 1 in pocket 1. In the SMTC, tool 1 might be in pocket 1 thru 24. And every time you run another part, it will move to a different pocket, even though it is still tool 1.

If you want to save some setup time, you could record the tool offset and save it for the next time you use that tool. Just put the tool in the spindle, open the offsets page, go to that tool, and enter in the value previously recorded. Then you only have to touch it off when the tool wears out or breaks.

Good luck to you with your new machine! Our Mini is 11 years old and counting, and still a great machine!

Mike
:cheers: