I'm in the learning/pre-planning stage and am trying to get my head round what to buy for my first machine.
First of all its best to keep all your posts in one place as the thread will be easier to follow. Wal this is his blog https://wrbl.tumblr.com/mill-build has built a small mill with a fixed gantry.

Do you have a budget in mind? What ever you do don't buy any kits as they are never matched and ask plenty of questions.