[gkas]

I am probably at where many of you started - looking for my 1st CNC router. My problem is that my judgment may be a bit clouded because I have fallen in love with the big Powermatic PM-2X4SPK CNC MACHINE. I can't even look at other CNC routers without feeling guilty.

Look at the AXIOM AR8 PRO+. It's the same machine.
https://www.axiomprecision.com/pro-plus-series.html