A method of manufacturing an airfoil. The method includes fixing the airfoil in a workpiece space, detecting a position of the airfoil in the workpiece space using a force-sensing element, and removing material from the airfoil to reduce a dimension of the airfoil. In various embodiments, detecting the position of the airfoil includes moving the force-sensing element across a surface of the airfoil. For example, the surface of the airfoil may be a first surface, wherein removing material from the airfoil to reduce the dimension of the airfoil comprises removing material from a second surface of the airfoil opposite the first surface. Removing material from the second surface of the airfoil may be performed without moving the force-sensing element across the second surface of the airfoil.