Michael, wow, thx sooo much for your added input.
Yes, I always realized this was more of a CAM battle than a CAD battle, although I am not capable of yet of producing the model u provided, so thx for the jump start. I also realize there will be some experimentation in the cutting process for sure.
I am not delusional ;)

More importantly, I am very curious about your comment:
> Maybe it could be easier if you worked with a dedicated CNC lathe rather than an additional indexer?

could u pls elaborate on this? I have been doing my best talking to everyone before committing to the proper hardware and software. I have learned the flatbed xyz work seems to be fully understood by the hardware and software makers, but this type of indexing work knowledge is not commonplace...and the comments I often get...., "not sure, I think, maybe, probably" etc. I realize its a very tiny niche of CNC, so any thoughts on why u mention a dedicated CNC would be appreciated, then I would pursue them.

My thought was, on a flatbed CNC w indexer, I get the benefits of a flatbed cnc, indexer and ATC. vs. a CNC lathe only, which is about the same price with no ATC and no XYZ flatbed capability. But its possible, I am overlooking something....