[klaymonster]

Can someone explain to me why the Z axis is so limited in a lot of these CNC machines??

I am new at the hobby and am still shopping for my first machine but i cant seem to find a machine with the Z depth that i would need for my desired field. (large part injection moulds for automotives accessories or even bodykits)

I was very near settling for the Romaxx HS-1 (~12"x18"x3") Great price ($2400) decent enough work area, but that 3" Z axis just kills me! It seems so awfully limiting. Being that i am making moulds i figured i could creatively notch and stack plates bringin them to the depth i needed, but its so frustrating not just to have just been given a reasonable Z travel by the manufacturer! Am i looking in the wrong type of machine?

Ideally i would have a machine capable of 3'x6'x1.5' poweful and reliable enough to machine aluminum regularly (hell i'll even add steel since i am speaking IDEALLY) I only have three grand to invest so I am aware that i am S.O.L on that one... (unless you all know of blueprints i could get and build it myself) But I just wonder if you can all tell me

1.why generally these machines have so little Z travel
2.with proper stuctural support and proper software, could one build something with maybe a couple.. even a few feet of Z travel?
3.could it machine aluminum and be built at the 3 thousand budget?
4.what about something more modest?... 2'x3'x1'

I've said a mouthfull and i appreciate anyone thats read it all you guys are great!