Thanks for the kind words guys.
The machine is currently awaiting new stepper drivers which will operate at a higher voltage and tests have shown that this will hopefully (32 x sq. rt. of inductance and all that) double the winding speed.
The significant difference (visually) between these 'custom strings' and 'store bought strings' is that they are finished both ends to a defined length. This initially caused problems as the actual number of turns of wrap can differ considerably from the theoretical (calculated) number but, on the plus side, it can use a round, cross section, music wire core instead of the hex / oct sections usually used.
Development of the machine and the controlling software will no doubt continue way into the future (a bit like a CNC machine never being totally finished) and when the time is right I will try to get some video's made of it in action.
Tweakie.