Hello!
My dad was a machinist for a long time, but left the field long ago. He went on to become an engineer, but machining was always his passion.
His birthday is coming up, and I would very much like to surprise him with a milling machine. I don't know where to start as far as looking for one goes, however.
It doesn't need to be very big, something large enough to work, say, 8"x4"x4" or so (arbitrary), and I would much prefer to buy new, but I would like to get one as inexpensive as possible, as I am a college student. Max budget of around $800 or thereabouts.
Can anyone help me with suggestions? Pointing me in the direction of reliable media through which I could learn more about the field would also be great. I am relatively experienced in woodworking and I think I would like to use the mill and would enjoy machining as well.
TL;DR: ex-machinist dad's birthday coming up, want to surprise him with relatively inexpensive, small milling machine
Thanks a lot in advance!