thanks Dave,
i was thinking a tile tool might be a better idea, that way if something goes horribly wrong atleast i have a second blank to have a go at.
im not sure i understand fully what you mean with the octagonal tools though.
i haven't recieved a reply to my email yet but as soon as i get everything on the way i'll send you a PM, many thanks for the help
btw i have been doing a LOT of reading and can highly recommend this website for anyone else thats thinking about giving it a go:
http://stellafane.org/misc/links.html