i don't know what Others do, but after I learned how to program and run cnc (awhile back) they put those handy little tool tables in the machine for the cutter diameter(or radius) and when programing by hand they were great..
Along comes cad cam. I found for me (not neccessarily for everyone, although all the guys I know) zero the tool size and only use the wear offset. Genrealy Ive found this causes less heartache. The cad programs often make cuttpaths that double back on them selves and some machines have issues with cutter comp interference telling you that you gouged the wall. Which is kind of annoying. Now you can turn the machine off but you still have the problem of the comp intiation and cancell moves that can be pretty dramatic when the tool gets larger.
All in all I find it easier to leave the diameter zero and use the offset like normal.
just my 2 cents.
thanks
Michael T.
"If you don't stand for something, chances are, you'll fall for anything!"