Always a pleasure happymacer - play it forward, as you've done
Yes, WD Hearn has a site, which has changed a little since I last visited :
http://www.wdhearn.co.za/contactus.asp
I'll definitely enquire about the spring and keep you posted - no problemo.
Err . before I tackle the CNC conversion, let me get the hang of doing things manually! I'll also be satisfied with just X-Y ... one day ... but there's lots to learn (and lots to save the pennies for). Of course, I'll post pics!