I strongly considered this mill at one point for the same reasons you are. For me, the main weakness is the spindle to table measurement. Put on a vise and a 1/2" drill chuck and you really dont have much z to work with. It all depends on what type work you will be doing though. I decided not to buy this in favor of a square column mill-drill (see
http://lathemaster.com/HEAVYDUTYMILL...E%207045FG.htm) and all but had the order placed when I found an old mill/drill (not the typical import variety) in great condition for $100 locally.. So I bought that and spent the extra money on tooling.
Good luck.