Very interested in your project. I myself am a machinist, having worked for last 50 years on lathes, milling machines etc. in tool and die building work. Never worked with cnc though.

I've been thinking of building a cnc router for quite a while but ended up purchasing a router from auction. It's a Rye model MG2420. with a bed big enough to take on a full size 8x4 or 1x2 meter board

I'm in South East Kent, near Margate. CT10 area. What parts are you in?