If you'd like to build it yourself, another site to check out is Patrick Hood-Daniel's machine at
http://buildyourcnc.com/default.aspx I ordered the 4x8 kit and I'm almost done. I didn't know one darn thing about CNC before I started and this was a good route for me to go because:
1) I don't have a lot of money to spend
2) building from a kit is a great way to learn about the machine
3) I have a garage, some tools and some woodworking experience
4) Patrick's a GREAT resource for all those "dumb" questions that arise during the process
I would agree with the folks who say there's a lot of work and studying to do if you're just starting out. I'd say the effort is quite comparable to the effort required to do well in college. There's just so many aspects of CNC'ing that all have to come together before you can even cut your first part. But that's what makes it fun and why you can charge good money for your work.
-BrianB
< Yeah doc, I'm having trouble sleeping. See, I'm building a CNC router in my garage and every time I try to relax, another new idea just pops into my head... >