I don't have a bench top mill but have read most everything on them here that I could (just in case :-) )
If you are serious about getting to work on those plates I would purchase a Syil SX3. You could program directly from Mach 3 (comes with it) or use software such as FreeMill.
I would highly recomend building/buying some sort of high speed spindle (10 - 15K RPM) for using small cutters in aluminum.
You will be able to fly through making these plates with this setup.
www.integratedmechanical.ca