Hi and Welcome Tom:seeya:
A thead that may be helpful is this one... "Inexpensive way to give it a try":
http://www.engravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=4
Rod's post about "cash strapped beginners" is good
http://www.engravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=1476
Also the Resources page:
http://www.engravingforum.com/showthread.php?t=419
Steve