Quote Originally Posted by Danielroyal25 View Post
What length overhang would you say?
Depends on other factors like the gantry design, bearing separation and Z axis etc but you don't need much has unless you create an offset gantry then the tool naturely tends to overhang pass the bearings.

Quote Originally Posted by Danielroyal25 View Post
Im debating over the Z axis travel now too. i originally stated 300mm, what is the norm? or will it be best to go with less around 200mm.
I've never needed or built over 200m in any Z axis. Like Jonathan says just enough for your needs and no more. The adjustable bed takes the need for long Z axis away in most cases and Jonathan has quite a long Z axis but I bet he rarely has need for it.? . . Other than being too lazy to lift the Bed.!

Tooling length will be a limiting factor and while you can buy long tooling it often costs a fortune and requires large spindle collets. You'' be hard pressed to find longer than 200mm flute cutters with less than 12.5mm shank sizes that routers or common ER20 spindles take and even then you probably find the price prohibiting.!!