Z Axis DRO on The head vs Spindle

I have to admit that I have the same question. Precision Matthews mills such as the PM25 have a quill DRO not to mention the number of people mounting digital calipers on the mill quills.
 
I had always moved the Head pretty close to the work. I probably extended the quill .25 or .5 inch as well. So that I can clear the work when or if I needed to move the work. Using the quill for end mill work, typically never exceeded more than an inch. If moving the spindle/quill that much would result in a poor operation, then that is a machine problem. Head was always moved in a manner to take out any backlash and then locked down.
The handle on a column mill is to me, an awkward location as well... as opposed to a Knee Mill. I may just save up a bit more so I can consider a knee mill. Hard to justify the extra money.. it's a hobby lol.
Wish I knew someone with one so I could get first person experience. :)
 
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