winding transformer coils (lathe mode)

I am trying to use linuxCNC for making an automated transformer winder.
I have a 5 axis chinese tb6560 based system.

The X-axis will control the bobbin rotation, picking up the wire from a tensioner.
The Y will scan LtoR feeding the wire on.
The Z will control a tape spool to wrap an insulating layer every N turns.
The A will drop the tape down and pick it up
The B will cut the tape.

I'm coming up to speed on LinuxCNC.
Any pointers for how to set the feed axis position based on wire diameter and X-axis spool distance travelled.
(The windings will use more wire as the bobbin grows in diameter and therefore feed rate must slow).
I'm making LOPT secondaries - flat wound vertically stacked.
The lathe mode seems essential. Also thread-cutting has similarities.

Should I be using Ladder, precalculated gcode, something else ?
How would you do it ?

Thanks for your advice, Mark...

Thanks Andy - well straight into the deep end then

Summary:
- Skip using GladeVCP inside Axis (or Touchy) and instead make a standalone UI using Python and Glade.
sample tut here: gnipsel.com/linuxcnc/gui/index.html
- Use HAL and stepgen to control the steppers algorithmically with python code.
- Custom UI to start, stop, sequence through the process of winding on a coil.

Starting example here: linuxcnc.org/index.php/english/forum/48-...gladevcp-from-halrun
and git example of hal and glade standalone git.mah.priv.at/gitweb/emc2-dev.git/comm...d8cf6804933b7dfd1f82