Thanks for the welcome.

I am currently using Autodesk Inventor and am hoping to use the free CAM bolt on, Inventor HSM Express to get me started on 2 axis before looking at adding software for 3D profiling.
From what I have read Mach 3 seems to be the controller software of choice and I know HSM express has a Mach 2 export option. (I am assuming that 3 is backwards compatible).

I am looking for as close to a turn key solution as possible.
(I love the idea of a self build but finding the time to see it through to completion would be extremely difficult.)

I am considering Stoney CNC's JBEC 1065123 STONEYCNC · JBEC-106512 Professional CNC router as it appears to give me the flexibility I am looking for. I particularly liked the ability to increase the throat access for machining larger items.
However, I have read with interest the threads on the forum regarding these machines and value for money, machining aluminium etc.
So that option is on pause for the moment.

New, second hand or a bespoke build are all options I would certainly consider and I welcome any advice.

Thanks