GRIZZLY TOOLS

[EricH]

At this point, I would rate your tool needs as:

1) Chop saw--could use a horizontal bandsaw instead, but a chop saw is easier to use/maintain.
2) Hand drills (emphasis on plural)
3) Plenty of drill bits
4) Other hand tools (hex keys, screwdrivers, files, stuff like that).

Unless, of course, you already have those.

Future: Everything else. Right now, you do NOT have the time to learn the more complicated items. Call that "after build season", unless you absolutely have to spend the money right now right now. If you do, you should stow the items safely until they're needed (read: after build season).

And when you do expand, I would put the order as:
1) Drill press
2) Bandsaw
3) Welder
4a) Lathe
4b) Mill

There's some debate as to whether a mill or lathe is better; I lean towards lathe. Drill press and bandsaw are easier to learn, though, and faster to set up; they come first. The welder has more utility as far as fabricating frames and supports.

I have no experience with Grizzly tools myself that I'm aware of, so I can't comment on that brand. For a mill, though, if you can get a Bridgeport, do it.