Advise Wanted on CNC System

I am going to start off with a stepper sytem. They seem to be less
expensive.

My question is it worth my time to collect the hardware myself, or
purchase a complete system?

Which "Turn-Key" stepper systems do you all recommend?

I just bought a small lathe and mill from Harbor Freight for my
first attempt of a CNC conversion.

The idea is to learn what and what not to do. Soon I would like to
convert all of my machines in my shop to CNC, but I use them
regularly so I can't go experimenting on them, yet.

I fix all of the electrical dilemmas on my other machine, so I can
read a schematic. I'm not sure it would be a wise investment in time
to buy the Geckos, a power supply, all the connectors, and put it in
a box. When all is done hope that I don't have any "magic-smoke".

Daniel T. Medlin