Noobie Alert-questions inbound

Good evening, I've just signed up after lurking for a while. I'm in the process of setting up my workshop and ready to take the plunge into LinuxCNC (thanks Clive S for the advice so far).

I have no experience in Linux so I will be starting from scratch. first stupid question is can LinxCNC be used for all machine types? first priority is the mill and lathe but it would be good to have the same programme for all machines and hope to upgrade the laser and build 3d printer.

Thanks in advance

First answer then
Yes, LinuxCNC can drive all of the machines you listed.

Mill, Lathe, Laser and 3D printer.
Each configuration is generally stand alone in a separate folder under the config directory so it is possible to use one PC to drive them all.

I'll mention the laser yes a laser :/

You can control anything that has +-10v analog voltage.

If it uses pwm signals and analog voltage it makes it easy.

You just have to figure out what you want and what the current controls are. Many people use linuxcnc control all sorts of machines.

Edit: Rodw beat me to the laser

Thanks for the replies. that's good to know.

So next question. Which is the best version to start with? looking to use one of the mesa Ethernet cards.

Think I need the pre-empt RT version, but some pointers would be good.
Thanks again

Yes, you need the Preemptive Real time version. This means there is a different installation path. You might as well then install a more recent version of Linux. With that done, you might as well then compile LinuxCNC from source.

So I would suggest you start here with cncnoobs excellent tutorial on installing Linux Mint.
forum.linuxcnc.org/9-installing-linuxcnc...h-rip-install-or-deb

If you are running a mill, I would go with V 2.7
If you are running a gantry, you probably will want to use the joint axis homing that is only in master.
Once you have the source, it is very easy to swap between versions using git.checkout commands.

Thanks, that looks quite daunting.....

Would I be better using the live install and practicing with the parallel port first?

So if I did go with Mint, would I need to follow post 2? is that what you meant by compiling linuxCNC at source?

Yes you would want post 2.

Thanks. I'll get Mint installed and probably be back asking more questions :0)

Ross77 wrote:

Thanks. I'll get Mint installed and probably be back asking more questions :0)

With cncnoob looking over your shoulder, it will be a breeze

I only wish he had put that thread together before I tackled the install. I'm still at a loss to understand why he credits me for helping to show him the way..

We might be both cnc noobs, but he is way over the top with his knowledge of Linux than I am. The only thing in my favour is that I am old enough to remember the DOS prompt....