1. If one time I place a piece to be cut in the corner of the work area and cut it. The next time I place it in the center of the work area how do I communicate the new location to the software so it will cut that piece in a different location. Seems to me I would have to measure from the original X/Y position to give it the new coordinates.
What you are refering to is a more advanced setup. It's called Coordinate offsets or Fixture offsets. Using this method will allow you to place your work piece anywhere on the table surface and the software will know what to do.
Don't worry about that for now. Just get the basics, and as you progress we will help you understand the more advanced stuff. Other things like, Tool length offsets.
Thanks
Jeff Davis (HomeCNC)
http://www.homecnc.info
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)