Re: Help picking a new CNC mill
If the Pocket NC has the work envelope you need then that seems like a pretty good deal.
The next step up is Tormach machines. But only the 440 starter machine in in your budget range.
Don't discount buying used machines, even one with dead controls. If you can find a EMCO Concept 50 or 55 mill, that would be a nice machine in your size range. There are a few good deals on larger commercial machines, a controls retrofit is pretty easy and relatively inexpensive.
For CAM software, CamBam is one of my favorites, 2.5D only, but it works well and a forever license is $150. I used it for a number of years. The hobby version of Fusion 360 is still free, but somewhat broken compared to the full subscription version.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA