Brent,
My first mill was an Atlas (benchtop horizontal spindle) with a shopmade vertical spindle conversion. It works for small "stuff" and has power feed, which is pretty rare in a small mill. I was able to get it because I had to make a lot of the "set up" to get it running. The price depends on condition and what else comes with it. BTW, the taper on a drill press spindle is not made for a "side load". Don't ask how I know that. You can get a Bridgeport or Index later, but you will want a lathe first.
Mike
