I have a 6x6 workshop and I started out a few years ago with mostly Hafco and some Carbatec but all Chinese made gear. Every machine in my workshop except the drill press is on wheels. Five years on and the only remaining original items are a Carbatec 6x9 belt and disc sander, which I find very useful and a Hafco floor standing drill press, which does not get much use but is very handy/essential for some tasks. I now have a European multi-function combination machine (Hammer) in the centre of the room (but on wheels) and a European 20inch 4 hp bandsaw. My limits now are not set by my equipment but by room to move (a fair bit of timber and other gear including a big lathe in here!) and time (my skill level too of course).

I recommend buying only very good quality machines as I found the cheaper stuff can be very limiting. Because it is expensive it is a good idea to look for second hand equipment. Very good quality combo machines (Hammer, MiniMax etc.) can go for very little in auctions when businesses close down and other 'distressed' sales. An example was listed in the marketplace 'for sale elsewhere' section by forums member Wynterplace recently https://www.dominiongroup.net.au/auc...n=dai&aid=1006

These forums' marketplace also have some great gear come available and most sellers are pretty realistic, asking around 50% of new prices.

My other advice is to take your time, don't rush in, and don't forget the hand tools. A good, solid bench is essential and could be your first project, achieved with fairly basic gear and handwork. There is a thread here on benches and well worth a read.

Here in Brisbane there is a workshop where you can hire the use of big machinery when needed (and see how well it works). There may be one near you, or at least a men's shed where you can talk to users and see how well some gear works before you purchase anything.

Also, I didn't know what quality equipment was, or what I needed to look for, until I did some classes with a master craftsman. Just using his equipment made me realise how inadequate the machines that I had were, and what to look for. Maybe there is somewhere near you for such tuition?

Good luck

David