You mentioned that if it worked for you, you might want to upgrade........????
"My question-what type of machine would you recommend to start out on, and later, to "upgrade" to if it's worthwhile."
I would find someone local that would take on your project for a reasonable price and see if this is really an area you want to get into. Do you need a centering vise, how large a table will you need next year 12 x 12 , 15 x 15 , 24 + the machine I pointed out on Ebay is win 98, xp, 7, compatible. G-Code controller (APEX) software is available to run....... not an area you just want to throw money at until you lock down your requirements.......
Mark
In the Great Northwest!
Trotec Speedy C25, Newing-Hall 350 (AMC I & HPGL), NH-CG-30 (Carbide Cutter Sharpener)
Sawgrass 400 Gel Ink Printer, CS5, 5/9/x6 CorelDraw