True. Widening the table in the Y-direction does not increase the Y-travel.
However, currently the 5.5" Y-travel does exceed the 3.5" table size. Without a larger workplate, the plate won't be under the extremes of Z-travel. Which, technically you can often mount the work in the center and let it hang off the table.
I personally REQUIRE that the table not be any larger. I have stock I need to machine which is thin but nearly 6" tall. When I mount an L-bracket on the table, I can clamp it onto the side of the table and get an extra inch before the work touches the XY saddle. There is still 2" of Y-travel past the table to use. The only problem is that darn post in the middle of the saddle.
If the table were larger, I would not be able to use this mill. So I'd say get a work holding matrix plate and not widen the table in the Y-direction. |