How difficult is Linux CNC to wrap your head around for a beginner?

lot of people here are less then 6month in and are SemiPRO Mod's

you will not believe how quick you will get into and benefit all your thinking on Linux
most here wont go back to MS as they feel the world can be different and open source without frearing Hacks

7i84’s are out of stock. On hold for a couple of weeks.

Here’s another basic question, what pendant options are there for Linuxcnc/Mesa setups?

SPH wrote:

Here’s another basic question, what pendant options are there for Linuxcnc/Mesa setups?

Well I think that the 433 Mhz wireless pendant I use on my plasma table is by far the best solution out there. See page 15 of my build thread forum.linuxcnc.org/show-your-stuff/32029...uild?start=140#93124







It has a relay/receiver box which wires in as if its a hard wired pendant. It wasn't cheap at around AUD $500 (maybe more the way the Aussie Peso is trading) but for a machine your size you don't want to risk control to a USB pendant ( I didn't).

You can contact me here and I'll share some details www.vehiclemods.net.au/contact-us
I was possibly going to order another one soon, so maybe we can get two....

I'm curious why China thinks that pendant is worth 2-3 times more than the equivalent USB pendant.

SPH wrote:

I'm curious why China thinks that pendant is worth 2-3 times more than the equivalent USB pendant.

Becasue its industrial quality

I think the main difference is that this one is hardwired in so nothing can go wrong and therefore there is no software drivers to fail. Maybe Linux does a better job of USB but I have never trusted USB..... On this pendant, the MPG is wired in direct to the Mesa MPG inputs. The batteries last a few months. (2 x AA)

Fair enough. I’ll be wanting a pendant for sure on a machine this big and reliability is paramount. Cost isn’t really that important in the scheme of things.

I’m going to setup a pc tonight. Should I use the newest version of linuxcnc?

V 2.8 added better homing and squaring on gantry machines. I think you need that.
V 2.9 added the reverse run branch that allows easier backing up for error recovery. I don't think that is needed for a router.
So I think V2.8 is probably the way to go for you as it will become the release version before too long.