Hey Allison,
We’re building a big ass router sled right now, using a 5hp electric motor, variable frequency drive (to allow speed up/down of the motor (not to mention 110v power) and a 6" wide flycutter (think giant router bit). That 6" flycutter will also double as a 6" sander with an attachment plate. None of it will be automated, a person will always be operating it, there’s too much that could go wrong with that sort of power. We’re essentially building something akin to the Aussie WoodWizz or Slabmaster.
http://yasengineering.com/slabmaster/
I’ve got some block bearings and rail, and some CNC slide tables (to manually control the Z-axis) ordered from ebay. Once they arrive we’ll head to our machinist and put it all together.
In about 2 weeks, I’ll let you know how it all works out. It sounds like you’ve got a number of slabs to surface just like me.
Thanks
Dan