Do you think that a TM-3P would be more ridgid than a TM1-P based on the fact that there is more machine mass to dampen vibration or the 1-p being more ridgid because there is less legnth of castings for "flex" to act on. Does any one know if the ways are at a wider stance on the 3-p or did they just make them longer for more travel. I have the 1-p now and I am going to get another machine, I am thinking of a tm-3. Just wondering about these issues though.

I would expect them to be the same because they have the same Z travel and I think most of the flex in a vmc comes from the head assembly.

Unless the part being machined is really tall the distance from the X and Y ways up to where the tool is cutting will always be shorter than the distance from the Z ways out to the spindle centerline.

EDIT;

I read what I wrote and realised I am twisted around; the distance from the Z ways to the spindle centerline has to be increased for a longer Y travel so the 3 could be more flexible.