Dale,
I just saw your response from the 10th. As you can see from my picture depending on the size of the material that Zzero point is always going to be different since I Zzero in the center of the material as opposed to a lower left spot at the edge of the table. So I'm not clear on how doing a 2d offset would be any different then how i'm doing it now.

I can see how that might be advantageous when you have to register and flip parts but i think we are getting to the same place except going about it a bit differently. But please tell me more because many times I think i understand then I go "AAAAAHHHH!, now i get it!" thanks i appreciate the help in understanding.