Getting started with Linux, LinuxCNC and CNC

Hi
As the topic says, I am totaly new to this. Linux as an os, CNC operating at all and LinuxCNC as a software to drive my machines.
For now I am concentrating on my Emco Compact 5PC lathe (I also have a mill but that has yet to be conquered).
After a bit of fiddling, I got the 5PC to listen to emc2 commands, using the configuration that Sam made for his. Machine is using genuine steppers and electronics.
I have no limit/home switches set, and its most likley to stay that way in the future.
Now, I am here at baby steps. What is the next step I should do?
I ve spent hours reading, but I am pretty much clueless what to do next?
Tooltable would be a logic thing to do? From what I could find and read about, I didnt get what is that I am supposed to do.
So could you help me out here , step by step, like explaining everything to some empty brainer
All the parts that I intend to produce are drawn/modeled in Solidworks, but we will get to that point of generating g code and making it usable in production.
Thank to all of you in advance, for the help I am sure I will get here
Stefan

Well, I intend to use several tools for one job, so I guess i do need a tool table set? Touching off is the correct method when you start a part for a t1, and from defined offsets the rest should know where they are? Is there a simple explanation how to do that?
Homing and stop switches are good thing I know, I might add them in the near future.
I tried cutting air for bishop, and then made the actual part from acetal (tried to make a video too but something wasnt cooperating in that process ). I used totaly wrong insert, but the bishop came out nicely after all And thank youdor touching off advice, I could of easily make the same mistake
As for interface, I use axis.
After tool setup, I should move on to getting usefull gcode from the parts drawings...

Got it on master tool and following. Just to figure out how
Also, any suggestions on easy to use cad cam programs? Basicly, I will be making simple ball shapes, and threads, on a previosly prepeed stock.

The more I read about all this, and not having anyone to explain me the basics, I am about to toss everything. I did have good intentions and willingnes to learn, but all of this is either too hard for me to undersrand (and I believe I am clever enough to understand and learn a lot) or is it basicly poorly described. Online tutorials, video tutorials, everything is, in my point of view, "explained" in a way that someone without the quite good previous knowledge couldnt understand almost nothing.
Plus no one that I know personally that is operating machinery is using this software, and that makes thing even harder.
Thank you gents for your effort, but I have to pull the plug on this.

Sorry you feel this way. It seemed like you were most of the way there, but most or the info here and elsewhere, assumes that the user has a basic knowledge of general cnc and machining operations. Truly good and basic beginner tutorials are few and far between. Add on top of that a machine build/conversion, and it is indeed a very steep and long learning curve. Sometimes a step back and take time to regather composer (take a break for a while) can make a big difference in times of greatest despair.

Good luck, Sorry we haven't been better help.