Great thanks for the replies. I was thinking more along the lines of using the press just in z direction taking little bits of material at a time, but that x,y table sounds like the way to go. Is that what you used on those blocks morphling1 because those came out alot more presice than I was planning on. Do you guys have links where to get a good x,y table? Thanks again.
Edit: Fixittt, thanks for the concern and heads up

I have worked in the construction field for a number of years and am experienced in tools, but machining, I'm sure will be a whole different deal. I will try and keep all my filangies (sp?) intact

I haven't lost one yet.