Newbie needs CNC advice

[Steel]

THANKS for the info Dave, it's much appreciated
We are mainly wanting a cnc for engraving HDPE & Plastic (similar to stencils) that we can then use in patterns for casting silicone Moulds, so that we have some txt embossed into the side of the mould, the max size for these is about 50mm x 130mm, also we are would like to be able to engrave wooden pen cases & hopefully cut sections out of wooden & acrylic pen blanks! I.e. a take a acrylic blank approx 20mm diameter x 130-150mm long & cut out (with Valentine's Day coming up I'll say) hearts around the Blank then recast it with red resin so we get the red hearts in the blank when turned, also ideally maybe engraving pens & the bands but that maybe pushing it to far without a dedicated tiny machine? I realise the 30/40 machines I'm now looking at are bigger than required but if possible I'd like the option of being able to do other woodworking projects like plaques & clocks.

I wouldn't say it's for commercial use, but the penturning & moulds etc is a serious hobby that we are turning into a little sideline to boost our income.

I did order one of the parallel port 30/40s of Amazon, but cancelled it when I suddenly realised that my laptop that had been stashed in the cupboard for 6 years didn't even have a parallel port! I started looking on eBay at these two USB ones
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182425912226 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182253604089. I was thinking the 800w looks a lot better quality all round (as far as these Chinese ones go anyway) this is about at the top end of my budget!

So the big question is, Do you recon this 800w should do the job for us?

From what i understand the spindles on the 3020 and 3040 machines are not that good im using a KATSU 3/8" & 1/4" router got it from ebay for 40 pd new on my 3020T machine
Im running a old ibm T42 with that bit of software i mentioned and it runs fine that cost me 18 pds on ebay, the cd didn't work nor the wifi but don't need those for cnc use.
on ebay now there's this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CNC-Engrav...AAAOSw5cNYl4~S
worth buying if you can get it for under 250 pd, i paid 235 for mine and apart from a little slack in the x axis bearings its fine so far.
I think its a good place to start as there's only these 3 and 6 series machines for under a grand that have good ridged alloy structure and you can replace the bearings for under 70 pd for all axis's so really no point buying one new, some people have wiring problems but again if you have to replacing the wiring is not going to cost you more than a trip to the scrap metal yard and a quick look in there wire bin !!
Other points to remember if your using the spindle that comes with the machine you should be fine buying end mills to fit but if like me your using a router with 1/4 chuck you need to get a 1/4 to 1/8th adapter less that 10 pd
what size fonts will you be using on your text ?