Since I'm new to machining, and a brand spankin' new, top-of-the-line model is not in my future, I figured I'd ask what model you guys recommend. From what I gather, I'd love to have a V2XT but if I can't find one for the right price I guess I'm going to have to convert a standard manual model.

Is there a particular model I should "be on the lookout" for? Basically I want a good "all around" machine that can do heavy work if needed. Sure, all the bells and whistles would be nice, but in reality it's main use would probably be for milling large knives and the occasional firearms parts... because I'm so green with this, I'm not even sure what questions I should be asking!

I have a very good condition V2XT that may/will be going on the market, complete with tooling. A change in business plans may make require that I sell the machine as well as some others in my shop (IE: 2 NC lathes and and an Excello manual mill).

I can't/won't sacrifice any of the equipment.but all will be fairly priced consideraing condition (V2XT is cherry) and age and options (XT already fitted with 4th axis servo amp) which is/was an option.

A good inbetween CNC is the Eztrak. Make sure you get one with 3rd axis and prefer one with 3rd axis fitted servo encoder. May be tough to do true 3D work but for 2D, it can be made deadly accurate...

Yeah, unfortunately I can't swing more than 5k right now (thanks to my house being robbed & having to replace a bunch of crap), so I don't want to insult you with an offer you'll probably think is low. I'm just trying to figure out what the hell I should even be looking for when buying a used mill. I do know I'm going to be doing some 3D contouring so a 2.5D mill is out...