Hi guys, thank you for the responses that's really helpful.

OK so on the CAD side I use Autodesk inventor (and have used most other cad packages) proficiently so I'm all good there. I've not used Fusion360 before to create tool paths but I will be fine with that side of things after some practice im sure.

I understand that my desired budget is a bit low, good to know at thr outset and I could raise it if needed to get something that will last me.

I'd like help to know where to go with regards to finding out which diy designs to look into, that would be really helpful. I would need to know what equipment I would need access to.

On the new side, if I reduced my size aspirations a little and looked at off the shelf machines like x-carve and shapeoko are these worth a look or are they not up to much?

Thanks so much for the replies, really cool!
Cheers
Mike