Welcome to group @Lee McClure. I started my CNC journey as a hobby when I knew I wasn going to retire, several years ago. But, I became consumed with it and it is a bit more than a hobby for me these days. I enjoy what I can do and helping others and it has become something that helps me get my juices running and make the days go by quickly. Wiahing you the best.

@Lee McClure I live in Temecula, CA. Just got back from a road trip to Austin, TX where I went for the Vectric UIGM. I also visited several woodworkers while on my road trip. Spent 1/2 day with Ryan in his business - he was so generous with his time and did a great presentation at the UserGroup Meeting.

@Jim Granfor that can be so rewarding and help keep us young. Giving things away works for me, I do a great deal of that.

Marcus each of us have our own thoughts about buying used or buying new. I'll share a couple of my thoughts (for what they are worth}. These are just some thoughts based on my journey. Clearly if you buy used and find a machine that has been maintained and in good shape (as @Slim Mab discussed) then it can be a good way to get started. But here are some thoughts from my personal journey. When I first started into woodworking I bought several used machines but didn't have enough knowledge to check that the machines were in good shape and ask the right questions. Didn't have a clear idea about how to use the machines and what I wanted to do with them. All I knew. was I wanted to make cool stuff. This resulted in some frustrations in my startup journey. The frustrations were that I had to fiddle with the used machines m- mopre than new machines - to get them tuned up and work like they should. Also, as my skills progressed I would get frustrated because the machine couldn't do what I wanted them to do - I would stretch them past their original design limitations. After that, I committed to the following ideas when buying: First I was going to think about the next step in my woodworking journey by doing some research - just like you are doing now. I would go to forums, wacth YT videos, etc. etc. I also committed to buying new machines or machines that I could get a complete Maintenance History on (like @Slim Mab ). I tended to buy new so that I had the manufacturer's warranty and support until I knew enough about what I should check to ensure the machine I was buying would meet my needs. With that said we each have different levels of financial support - I had good income at the time so the buy new and pay more was less impotant than havin a machine I knew would be supported by warranty. Many people don't have this luxury and therefore the used option to earn money first and save up for the next machine works better for them.

These projects look good. Are these for you to try and sell or personal use gifts for family and friends?

Josh...good luck with your business. I believe you are in the right forum to try and take your business to a level that will be able to feel good about your decisions. Ryan has lots of good insights having built his business to date. Keep learning and hustling and the rewards will come.