New to the group, looking for advice

All,

This is a great group. I'm been busy reading some of the archives but it
might take a month to get thru them. In the meantime, I would like to get
some feedback on the Light Machines Spectralight Mill 0200 w/ a 1/2 HP
10,000 RPM motor. I just bought an unused one that came ready for stepper
motors, but without any CNC gear. Light Machines originally equipped this
with 100 oz NEMA 23 steppers.

I am looking to put together the system and will be buying motors,
controller and software. I am pretty restricted on the money I can spend,
but don't want to buy stuff that won't let me do what I need. MaxNC makes a
kit designed for the Sherline equivalent that seems reasonable at $229, but
I'm sure this must be the bare minimum needed.

Is the big trade off mainly speed with the smaller steppers? What is the
best all around CAM software under $500? Best controller for the $$$? Anyone
know if the Light Machines Controller is worth considering? Someone has
offered me a used one for $400.

I don't need to do extremely complex, high tolerance work. I am making
custom adaptor and mounting brackets for telescope gear.

Thanks,

Bob Parks
Alexandria, Virginia