Control Software Recommendation?

[dgoddard]

I'm new to CNC. My goal is to convert my RF 31 mill/drill to CNC and to build a CNC plasma table from scratch. Question: Which software seems to fit the average homeshop machinist best for function and value? Recommendations/comments welcome.
Doug

[austin.mn]

like a lot of cheap guy's out there i started with turbocnc, then i bought the deskcnc controller (because it only needed windows 98). i never really got comfortable with it, and finally bit the bullet and bought a newer computer for my wife so i could steal hers and use it and as the machine controller. (it is an xp computer with 2ghz) now i run Mach 3. at the momment my brother is getting started with cnc and i told him to go straight for mach.

[Bubba]

Hi,
When I converted my RF-31, I chose TurboCNC ( www.dakeng.com) for various reasons that I have stated in various threads previously.

However for plasma, I am not sure this would be the best choice. (I don't do plasma at this time), so you may want to look at Machx to handle that situation.

[dgoddard]

Thanks, I seem to find good comments about the Mach 3 as I look at different sites. I'll take a close look at it for my projects.
Doug

[motomitch1]

Mach 3

[MoonlightMedia]

Another vote for Mach 3 if you please. I don't normally post but
this was to good to pass up.