The Space Needs Your Old Windows PC!

Tags: #<Tag:0x00007fa495483dc0> #<Tag:0x00007fa495483c58>
#1

Hi SLMS!

As we have been expanding our CAD/CAM capabilities, specifically adding 2 CNC machines, the time has come where we need a dedicated PC for the CAD part of the process. Until now we have been doubling up on the laser PC out of convenience, but this is not going to work much longer…

We need a running Windows PC to run VCarve Pro and Fusion 360, this will be used for the 2x CNC machines and also 3D printing and other tools.

Here are the min specs we need for this use case (Windows 10+ ideally!):

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If anyone has one kicking about and could donate it to the Space for this purpose that would be amazing! I will take care of cleaning off personal data and configuration as needed. I will hit up eBay if needed, but thought we may as well start here!

Thanks in advance!
@CNCtechs

1 Like
#2

I have some laptops - i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 13.5 inch screens

5 Likes
#3

Yah! Well take one! Thanks @Brendon_Hatcher!

#4

Let me know if you need more ram, should have something around.

1 Like
#5

How soon do you need it?
I do have another laptop with a 15 inch screen if that would be better?

#6

Either one is good! I will probably hook up an external monitor to have a bigger screen anyways… i am off on holiday next week, so no hurry, week of 21st would be great!

Thanks so much! This will boost the usability of our CNCs!

Cheers,
Andy

#7

I’ll bring in the 15.6 inch laptop today at around 6:30

2 Likes
#8

That’s great, thanks @Brendon_Hatcher!

1 Like
#9

On the shelf under the miniCNC.
Let me know if the space needs more - I have lots!

2 Likes
#10

Awesome! Thank you!!!

CAD / CAM Computer
#11

All setup and ready to go! Here is the tool page:

@CNCers - Please use this machine for your CAD/CAM needs and not the Laser PC.

Thanks @Brendon_Hatcher!!

4 Likes
#12

Are we still using the old linux one to control the cnc? I guess the keyboard/mouse/monitor are shared between the laptop and the linux server?

#13

Hi Amit!

No these are separate - exact same process as before, just replace using the Laser PC with this new dedicated CAD/CAM one.

You still need Windows to design and generate the GCode, LinuxCNC runs the machine(s) themselves.

Cheers,
Andy

1 Like
#14

Heya! @Brendon_Hatcher! Soooo we need another Windows PC for the Big CNC!

This is because:
a. Running between arches to make design changes is a huge hassle
b. They both use different settings and tool libraries, so having each set appropriately will help a lot!
c. This will allow completley independent use of the CNC machines as the space/membership grows!

Got anything for us!? :slight_smile:
Cheers,
Andy

1 Like
#15

You want to use the iMac ? Can boot Windows, is compact and is not used.

#16

I do have more laptops available.

2 Likes
#17

Amazing! Pop one by the Big CNC when you can and I will setup!
Thank you so much!

1 Like
#18

I have put iMovie 10 on the iMac (not supported but there’s a workaround) and started editing induction videos on it. I think it’s great having a workstation setup that can outlive any particular inductor. We can put the cnc induction project on there too.

Btw, Mac fan control has the fans spinning at max all the time. I experimented with running them at 2.2k while editing and it made way less noise and kept cpu and gpu temps reasonable.

#19

Yea I def want to keep the Mac as a general workstation…

#20

Yeah, but it need to be moved out of the electronic benches