tool setter setup: automating z-height offset for tool changes

I have a 3 axis mill/router that I primarily use for woodworking/plastics. It's an older machine but upgraded/rewired and running great with LinuxCnc 2.9.7 and QtDragon. It has a manual tool change spindle that I'm happy with but I'd like to automate the process of changing tools a little. Currently, I output a separate nc file for each tool that I run on a job and I manually adjust the z-height after each tool change and reset the G54 z-zero before starting the next nc file/toolpath. It works but it's a little slow and error prone.

I have purchased a tool setter switch, mounted to my machine bed, wired it up to my 7I96s and it seems to work (electrically). However, I'm a little confused on what the best workflow is. Ideally, I'd like to make this as idiot proof as possible with some simple macros. Before I get started I figured I'd ask if anyone else has some macros/ideas to share.

For each job:

• Manually install the starting tool and zero it to the machine bed or work piece top
• Start the job
• Automatically move to the xy position of the tool setter to measure the z offset of this first bit
• For each M6 tool change:
  • Automatically move to the xy position for tool changes (front center)
  • Manually change the tool and confirm change complete
  • Automatically move to the xy position of the tool setter to measure the z offset of the next bit
  • Automatically calculate the difference in height between the new tool and the 1st tool and update G54 z zero
  • Automatically continue job 

I'm not sure if this is more of a configuration or QtDragon workflow question. I also realize that to everyone with a tool carousel, this seems like caveman operation. 

Found this useful thread after posting:
forum.linuxcnc.org/qtvcp/39423-qtdragon-...a-manual-tool-change

Looks like someone wrote something similar and had it working for qtdragon and gmoccapy for 2.8.x. Will start here and update this thread.