This group, Cerebral Meltdown, has created a very similar project, and it is up and running. Great source to informatuin and feedback through the forum's users!
Similarities:
1. 4 kWatts on a tower with 2 axis of motion.
2. Microcontroller controlled, with an RTC tor time keeping.
Differences:
1. Uses variable speed stepmotors and drivers. I use 72 RPM synchronous motors.