Im looking to buy a good solid vertical mill, preferably easy to convert to cnc. It needs to be solid enough to cut aluminum, and thinner steel. Not deep heavy hogging, just hobby stuff, but would need to be able to keep precision. Larger than a sherline. I would consider older models too. There are so many out there, and many look the exact same with a different color or brand.  Plus would be including a DRO and power feed on 1 or more axis. Another plus would be taper tool holders so tools could be built to a spec, and changed without hassle.

What do you guys recommend?

I have had luck with this, its a Grizzly http://grizzly.com/products/Mill-Drill/G0463

with some retro fit kits http://www.probotix.com/X3_CNC_Conversion_Stepper_Motor_Driver_Kit

and a ball screw kit http://www.cncfusion.com/smallmill1.html

this makes a fairly good little part maker

I would look out for a used benchtop denford cnc mill, a novamill or triac would be ideal. You won't get a mill and conversion for the cost of these mills, and not get the quality either.

I can't help but be impressed with the Tormach machines and tooling. They are a bed mill design with a large Z axis running Mach 3. I have looked at them carefully at trade shows and the fit and finish looks very good. I also own a bunch of their TTS tooling for my homebuilt machine and inexpensive and works well.  I have their Aloris style tool post and tooling and it is really nice for the price too. I built my own machine from scratch and got some really good deals on precision ways, ballscrews, electrical parts, control cabinets, a PLC, and aluminum framing. I still spent almost 10K!

ofg, where are you located? I know of a nice Bridgeport series 1 cnc coming up for sale shortly, it already runs Mach though, and  it is the in UK.
Hood