Hi and welcome to the forum. As Blackrat says you don't need the PP anymore, im using a CS Labs CSMIO IP/M which used ether net connection.

I think you'll struggle to make a DIY machine for under a grad that'll cut stainless steel, for that you need a milling machine which is probably the way you might bed to go...buy a small mill and cnc it. You'll be able to engrave on it and cut brass, steel and stainless.