Hello EEVblog,
The topic about sums it up. I am looking for a small scale CNC machine to do some precise drilling/engraving. 15x15cm square work area is enough for my purposes. I am not looking for top end equipment. Something with a reasonable price and acceptable performance. Let's call it a starter kit. I have to point out my complete lack of experience and knowledge with such machines. Most likely I left out a good portion of important parameters and things to consider. Like the maximum possible height of an object that the machine can accept. I would appreciate any information, suggestions or links to clear up my ignorance just a little bit. I know the 'reasonable price' is relative until I see the range of possibilities.
I have experiance building a 3d printer, and for your purpose, I would get the linear drives out of flatbed scanners. This will get your X/Y movement, and perhaps a disk drive stepper assembly for the z movement. Not sure what controller to use.
A good starting point might be the CNC 3040 machines you'll see on eBay. Yes, the electronics are known to be a bit dodgy and might need some attention. For a typical eevblog member that shouldn't be a problem.