I have just spent 2 days researching small CNC routers for cutting wooden gears (from plywood or hardwood) and am more confused at the end than when I started. Chinese machines are cheap but seem too hit and miss on the quality front. American machines are very expensive given the exchange rate and freight costs, although the Next Wave Automation CNC PIRANHA FX BASE UNIT at $1600 (US) seems pretty reasonable. Has anyone had any experience using CNC routers for such an application (especially this machine - or any machine)? I recently built a device for accurately controlling the 3D motion of a camera and could use the circuitry for controlling the stepper motors in such a machine if I build one. Can anyone suggest a good Australian source for components , especially the linear drive parts? There are dozens of books on building CNC routers - can anyone suggest a good one? One could easily spend a fortune on books alone.

Thanks folks!