Please give some advice on a first CNC

[sfsdiy]

Hi i have $1,000 and i want to make synth panels. The panels I currently diy are .032" aluminum. I would like to be able to engrave and cut up to 1/8" aluminum. I would also like to use the CNC for PCB engraving.

I need to be able to cut panels 7"x 17" x1/8" / cutting space for a panel that big.

There is a guy in san jose who makes super cheap intro machines. He seems cool and offers help setting them up. He says as long as you have Adobe Illustrator you can design for it, I have Illustrator. He also says he can build a machine to a custom size. I will need to use it via a desk top computer.

The only other affordable option I have found is the Fireball v90. After all the needed options The fireball rig will cost $1500 to $2000 after /router purchase.
The fire ball has the cutting size i need, has USB capability and a yahoo group...

Can some one here please give some advice ?
I think I'm about to get that fireball v90. probably spend all my money on it and still need to wait for another check to come before i can get it working...

any other options for what i need ? I do have a friend here who has used some cnc machines before so he will help set it up. I don't mind building a kit if that is my option but I don't want to build it from scratch. I have synths to build

I went on the synth forums and the dudes there were trying to scare me out of it so i wouldn't give them competition telling me to get a 15,000 machine or else its junk lol