Lots of people build small machines with Size17 motors, especially if they are the new high-torque ones.

But you will probably be restricted to using threaded rods for leadscrews with lots of turns per inch, so that means slowish speeds.

If this is your first machine then you could just build it and get it cutting (even if a bit slow) then use it to start building your "dream machine". Then a working small machine can always be sold for more than what you paid for the plywood and steppers etc.