David, I'm sure this will be an interesting journey. I "get" the software side and learn that kind of thing quickly, but as you clearly state and many others have said, the application, thereof, doesn't always result in what is expected action...including, um...tool longevity. LOL
Brad, I actually do have a Gast vacuum pump that I plan on using with the CNC at some point. I originally bought it for vacuum chuck work at the lathe and later also used it for vacuum bag veneer work on a few projects. So I appreciate the reference you provided for the gasket material. I'm sure that the tooling thing will be a real trip...it's like a menu at one of the old-fashioned diners that is about 20 pages long...so many choices.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...