New Modern System

A friend has acquired a 1990's industrial router without any documentation that seems functional.

It is very robust, about 600 x 400 mm, has DOS 6.2, a floppy drive and a Hp style plotter language files operating on bespoke hardware.
Steppers are about size 17 (from memory of a cursory glance).
We have not yet got it to do an actual job, but I have confidence we will.

We are starting to speculate on how we will upgrade it.
I have seen numerous threads discussing various aspects of a 'modern' system.
The budget is moderately flexible and we have no hardware on hand.

I have LCNC operating on a desktop through a BOB to Leadshine drivers to a turret mill.
So, my thoughts turn to LCNC, but on current hardware.

Could one of our members please describe for us a minimal system.
For instance, is a Raspberry Pi with Mesa ethernet cards the 'best' way.

Are there any tutorials on how to put a new system together ?

Thanks in advance,
John.

the main Question shoudt be what are you willing to invest into
use a MINIPC and mesa that is a real good start
Use 57 steppers Nema23 at that Mashine Size
use 48V Power

if you got MONEY use Hybrid system 2Nm

My mate has decided to acquire an Arduino system through Bangood, could be less than AUD 25.
This will be interesting !

Thanks for all the good advice, none of it is lost on me,
John

He'll soon finding the short comings of an Arduino (grbl) system.

Plus I'd be a bit worried about anything from china at the moment, dunno what "extras" you'd be bringing back home........might be worth soaking it in a few litres of Bundy Rum.

I'd rather use HPGL rather than grbl hahahaha