Wow! Thank you guys! You're the best!
Never thought I'll get so many good suggestions in so very short time! We'll, this proves what I already knew. This is the best place for a CNC visionary (read: novice) like me!
I'll check out the links you posted. However, if you stumble over some more useful links/addresses, don't hesitate to post them here later on. I'll be watching!
Another idéa I just got was to attend the Teknikmässa (Technical trade fair) in Älvsjö in October. It might be a nice place for breaking new ground. Maybe I'll see you all there!
/Matz