Z axis amplitude

[Tom Brown]

How much Z-axis amplitude do you suppose is reasonable? I've been looking at 48"x24"x6" as a goal but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if I will ever use more than 2" of z-axis. I'm pretty sure I don't need that much X & Y, either.

I assume these machines spend their lives working on flat stock of 3/4" dimension and less.

Why would you ever want more than 2" of z-axis travel?

[CurtisU]

Changing bits or loading material is easier if its higher, I have to be able to pull off my dust collecting hood to access the collet. I had a goal like yours but ended up with 18"x32"x5" work area, footprint dictated the size in the end.

To have 6" of usable Z travel along the whole table you'll need to keep an eye on your carriage height.