Tubing Notcher

I am interested in developing a tubing notcher based on CNC plasma
cutting with a rotational and linear drive mechanism. Such a
machine would be used to prepare pipes or tubes for joining (by
welding) at various angles.

There was some discussion of such a machine on this forum back in
2000. (Refer message number 5920 and it's thread)
Unfortunately, I am unable to contact Joe Vicars who started that
thread and was developing a similar machine which he refers to as
his R-theta tubing notcher. Joe's email address from this bulletin
board is non-valid - does anyone know his current address?

Since that posting back in 2000 there appears to have been no
further discussion on this subject. My search for "notcher" returns
no relevant results.

The sort of machine that I am talking about can be seen at
www.cypressweld.com/saddle.htm

The intention is that the new machine to be developed will be more
versatile and much cheaper than the available product from that
company!

I should much appreciate any guidance and ideas that anybody can
offer. In particular, ideas for the system design and components
that could be used.
eg.,
Rotary and linear drive mechanisms
Workpiece holder (tube diameter will be a maximum of about 2in/ wall
thickness 0.125in and maximum length of tubes about 6ft)

It seems that the ultimate machine should offer control of the
cutting angle relative to the surface of the tube to optimise the
fit of the tubes for subsequent welding. Also, how should I control
the plasma cutting torch stop/ start, gas supply etc.?

I have a background in electronics so developing the machine control
and software for the system should not be a great difficulty whilst
the mechanical aspects of the machine will be more challenging for
me. Nevertheless, I should also be interested to learn details of
suggested electronic control systems and software that could be used
in the implementation.

Thanks in advance,

Douglas Reid