Work tools such as a printhead, platen, and/or cutting head are spaced normally with respect to a media path based on a location of one or more objects carried by the media, and the position of the media with respect to the work tool. Additionally or alternatively the work tools are selectively operated based on a location of one or more objects carried by the media, and the position of the media with respect to the work tool. The approaches are suitable for the manufacture and use of RFID tags and labels.