Guys, if you've never done any sort of machine work, you may have the wrong idea about what is needed. I know that CNC is nice, in that you can draw something out and they just feed it into the machine, but I've done lots of work on a cheapie $350, made in China milling machine. Most of what we might do for our own purposes and one shot deals. We might make one or two of them. Most things are so simple to turn out that they don't need drawing up.

I do most of my work on the fly. When I start, I have a pretty good idea of what I need in my head, and I just mount the stock and remove everything that I don't need to be there.

Most of the smaller manual machines are really easy to operate and tooling for them is relatively inexpensive. Go and check out and be sure to also follow the link to minimill.com

You also have to take a look at littlemachineshop.com

My point is this. With what we spend on batteries, speed controllers, and motors, a mill is a small investment. If you are at all mechanically inclined, you should get a mill and just get rolling. I believe people doing this could only promote the hobby. It also gives you a feeling of self satisfaction when you do it yourself.