[l u k e]

How much overhead clearance (Clearance for running the mill) do I need on a VF2 with the spindle sitting on the shipping block?

I have a vaulted ceiling, so when the machine arrives with the spindle bolted to the table I need to know how much over head space I need from "that point". I need to make sure it is set with enough head room before the jacks are removed.

It's a used machine, so I don’t want to rely on the riggers knowledge of the VF2 when placing the mill. I don't want to be stuck having to move the machine because of head clearance after they leave. With the hourly rate they charge I want them back on the road ASAP.

[Pondo]

For a Minimill it's almost exactly 2" more than the rafters in my garage would fit. A sawzall fixed the problem.

To be safe, leave at least the Z travel distance above the head. So 20" in your case. I don't know if that takes into account the 4.5" it moves up in a tool change, so I'd go 24.5" minimum myself.