Try to use the most easy linux for cnc . Linuxcnc from the LinuxCNC.org.
It is a Ubuntu 10.04 LTS (long term suppert) with the RTAI patched kernel, needed to run the linuxcnc (EMC2) stepper control.
There is a lot of supported hardware and software. The linux world is big, only closed mind people look out of a window but not out of a barn door.