John,
What sort of projects did you have in mind and in which materials? Have you read my review of the Shapeoko router in MEW311? A bit pricey, but it might give you a few pointers. Also there are a number of youtube videos, my early experiments with mdf and aluminium start with this video.
The link in your post took me to what looks like a glorified drafting machine. It is big, though. I'll grant you that!
John