[FallingGirl]

This is my first post in this forum and I desperately need your advice. I just bought a Bob’s CNC and I’m a complete newb. I own an old MacBook Pro but want to invest in a very inexpensive (it would be great if I could get something under $300) but capable Windows laptop to just run CNC software. The first software that I’m going to buy will be Cut2D Pro by Vetrix. I want to eventually move up to Easel. Would someone please do me a huge favor and possibly send me an Amazon link to the least expensive but perfectly capable Windows laptop that will run most CNC software but definitely the two programs I mentioned without crashing or making the process miserably slow? I haven’t touched a Windows computer in about 15 years. I don’t even remember how the file system works so just turning the laptop on is going yo be an adventure. But I’ve been contemplating the purchase of a Windows machine for a few years as many industrial software applications are Windows only and I don’t want to run a dual boot system on my Mac. I can’t wait until I can control my Bob‘s CNC with my iPad Pro.

I bought my new Bob’s CNC off of Facebook Marketplace and the seller is delivering it to me today. I’m worse than a child and want to get started using it NOW. So please please please reply to me with Amazon links. You can even send me a sponsor link so that Amazon gives you a commission for the referral.

Anyway, I truly look forward to engaging in the forum as I begin my CNC quest.

Cristina 🙏🏻❤

 

[FallingGirl]

Welcome to the forum, Cristina. First of all, we fully understand the emotional journey of a new tool !!!
Once you get it set up, send us a few photos just to get us aquainted with what you have.
2nd - we don't do Amazon commissions here. And, we don't support members that do. It is in our Terms of Service agreement and our Forum Community Rules.
Other than that, we can recommend "potential sources" for any parts that may be appropriate to your situation.

Thanks so much and I’m sorry about the sponsor thing. I just saw how some instructors on YouTube list those sponsor links in their tutorial videos and thought that including that suggestion would speed up the replies I am desperately hoping to get. Can I still receive a link to an Amazon recommendation or should they just tell me the name and specifications of the laptop I should order?
I have pictures of the CNC that will be arriving today as they were included in the Facebook advertisement. I even had a workshop built two months ago in my backyard in expectation of my eventual cnc machine purchase. Right now the building houses my Ender 5 Plus 3D printer, my Roland vinyl cutter and my two Lincoln welders (one fluxcore 110 mig and a 220 50 watt arc Tombstone). This workshop which features two floors has been a dream come true. I gave one floor to make a mess in (welding, metal fabrication and soon a cnc cutter) and the second floor has a gasketed trap door isolating completely from any debris that might float upwards. I build laser projectors and Eurorack synth modules as a little hobby and dust is a no no, especially when etching.

[UPDATE] the seller respectfully removed the advertisement from Facebook Marketplace because it has been sold to me so I couldn’t snag the pics. BUT I DO HAVE PUCS OF MY WORKSHOP 👇👇👇👇

 

[FallingGirl]

The best computer I've had so far is a "refurbished" model from my local family owned computer shop. And before I picked it up, I had them put in a very high RAM just for art programs. So you might want to check that out before a "new" purchase. Plus - they may be able to load any operating programs you might need for your CNC.

That’s a good idea. I’m trying to think if my town even has a computer repair business other than a big box store like Best Buy. When I searched our local Facebook Marketplace for the cnc machine I had to expand the search area by 100 miles as there wasn’t a single machine within 75 miles of me. I’m paying the seller $200 to deliver the CNC machine to me because I absolutely had to have it. The reason why I wanted to get a used Bob’s CNC over just getting a new one is to avoid having to build the thing. My 3D printer languished in its box for months before I finally summonsed the attention span to assemble it 😂. Plus the guy selling me the CNC machine is actually a really nice sounding guy. He owned a sign company that he recently sold and is giving me a bunch of extras that he still has laying around like bits and whatnot.

Now I need to impulsively search Marketplace for an assembled plasma cutting cnc table unit. I have great plans for that thing. I hope to show you all my art some day. I’m very proud of it.