First post in the software dept. Free cnc software?

[runinbymdnt]

I have purchased an unfinished machine and am in the steep learning curve most of you have allready been through.

I was discussing my servo vs stepper motor needs with a shop neighbor who rebuilds cnc machines. He talks way over my head sometimes, but was excited to tell me about some free software for my new router. Lenux was mentioned, parallel printer port and it runs stepper motors. He presented it as free and simple, but still untested by him.

Is this enough information for one of you to fill me in on this software?

If not I will have to wait till I see him again to get more info.

Thanks
Jim

[ger21]

www.linuxcnc.org

Mach3 is free for up to 1000 lines of g-code, and runs in Windows. $159 to remove 1000 line limit. www.machsupport.com

[runinbymdnt]

Originally Posted by ger21 www.linuxcnc.org Mach3 is free for up to 1000 lines of g-code, and runs in Windows. $159 to remove 1000 line limit. www.machsupport.com

Thanks Ger, does mach3 do what the linuxcnc would do? I have no problem with $159, and have been to the mach3 site and watched the videos. I am very impressed.
But, what would I know?