I bought one (2007 APQS milli) and had the same feelings as you are having right now. I upgraded my machine in 2014 to a newer machine and table. I have not regretted the purchase. I didn't have any experience when I bought mine at all. I just went for it. I quickly decided I was not good at freehanding so I added an IQ computer to the first machine in 2008. I say go for it if you can.