I thought as much. Being overly optimistic, but that's often the case when you dive into a new rabbit hole.

I'd rather not go down CNC'ing an RF45 or similar mill. I don't have the spare time and can do 90% of what I need to do Manually.

I think I may wait for a few more paychecks, increase the budget by a grand or so, read up, look at other options, and very possibly take up JAZZCNC's offer to build something that will have a fighting chance at cutting Aluminium properly.

In any case. Thanks all so much for the advice. Food for thought indeed.