help needed, on computer spec

[paulkane1]

hello , i am very new to this forum, and to cnc affairs in gereral. so i am a complete novice, but slowly building up my knowledge, on all things cnc. could someone give me some good advice, on what computer , i would need, i hope to built a cnc router machine, for wood engraving, on soft woods and some hard wood. i am hoping to have a working area of 24'' x 18''. i want to start buying in some parts and pieces , so as to built up my kit over a period of time , money being the reason. could some one tell me what is the basic computer set up that i will need, to run a standard 3 axis machine, and where would be the cheapest place, to buy the computer ? i know this is a slightly different point, what would be the best BOB, to acquire for a standard 3 axis cnc machine ? going back to the question on the computer, i need advice on cables,and other relevant material to set up the computer system. my name is paul , i live in belfast, ireland. i would greatly appreciate any advice and help that any one on this forum could give me , please bear in mind , that i am at the basic level, on terminology on cnc affairs , so please try and keep it basic , for this novice.

yours kindly paul

[quazga]

You'll be using a software called Mach3 most likely. Just about any desktop and most laptops manufactured in the last 5 years will work fine. The best deals for used computers are found on eBay and craigslist. As for the BOB, I don't know anymore. I once used Axxus BOBs, but they are no longer in business.

To get better answers, ask this question in the Mach related part of the forum found here: Mach Software (ArtSoft software) - CNCzone.com-The Largest Machinist Community on the net!

[ger21]

I use a 1Ghz PIII from Ebay for $20.

But I'd recommend something closer to 2Ghz, Pentium 4. Should be around $100-$150 used.
Best is a matter of opinion. PMDX makes a very, very nice bob. PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications

[paulkane1]

thanks a lot for help. greatly appreciated.

yours kindly

[paulkane1]

hello quazga, thanks a lot , for your help , the information is greatly appreciated.

yours kindly paul

[trevis1st]

Another source for older pc's
PC Motherboards | Used Cheap Laptops | Sata DVD Burners | Gateway Replacement Parts | Intel Motherboards | PCPartsohio.com

[paulkane1]

trevis1st, thanks a lot for kindly responding to my post, greatly appreciated.

yours kindly paul

[paulkane1]

I use a 1Ghz PIII from Ebay for $20.

But I'd recommend something closer to 2Ghz, Pentium 4. Should be around $100-$150 used.
Best is a matter of opinion. PMDX makes a very, very nice bob. PMDX.COM - Products for CNC and motion control applications

hello ger21, this is paul , from ireland. i seen this ad, in one of our local community papers, here in belfast, it is a company selling reconditioned computers, could you tell me if this spec is ideal for my first set up , for my first cnc machine, this is the spec.PENTINUM 4, 2.8 GHZ. 1024 MB MEMORY.
40 GB HARD DRIVE. 17 '' FLAT SCREEN.WITH GENUINE WINDOWS XP PRO. is there anything else that i need ? cables etc. could you tell me if that is good enough spec , ? to start of with. the price is 130 pounds, about 200 dollars ,i think. yours kindly paul

[ger21]

It should be fine.

However.

I'm not going to guarantee that it will work perfectly with Mach3. The vast majority of PC's have no problems with Mach3, but from what I've heard, 2%-3% of PC's have trouble with Mach3.But more than likely, it should work well for you.

One thing to consider is that, ideally, you want a clean install of Windows, with no other software installed. If it's not a clean install, you may want to remove and re-install XP. If so, make sure you have the OS CD.

[paulkane1]

thanks a lot for your quick response , but can you please clarify 2 points for me , what do you mean by a clean install ? what will i asked the seller of the computer, and why is it important to have the OS CD ?. i am sorry if i am sounding not very bright on these matters, but i hope that you will be patient with me , i just want to get it right first time.

yours kindly paul

[ger21]

If there's a lot of software on the machine, there could be things that can interfere with Mach3 operation. Quicktime is a notorious one. Many programs leave processes running in the background.
Ideally, you want a clean installation of windows. Meaning re-format the drive, put the CD in, and install XP from scratch.

[paulkane1]

your a gentleman, thanks a lot , for your quick response.


yours kindly paulkane1