Do You Need A Separate Laptop/Computer For A CNC Router or Laser [CNC software]

This video explains why you need a dedicated laptop for your CNC router. Without a separate laptop, you run the risk of causing conflicts while running the router. The good thing is a separate computer does not require a lot of processing power for your CNC machine. Older windows versions or inexpensive computers work very well.

2 laptop selections from Amazon with 4-star and better ratings will work for your CNC router:

MAC is typically not supported by G-code software. Check with your specific software system requirements to check.

NOTE: Some CNC routers have a box where you put in the USB flash drive and hit a single button. These machines have no read-out displays so you don't know what is going on. I strongly recommend using a laptop so you have pause, stop, e-stop, jog, and other controls in one place all laid out on a display.

CNC G-code software (or CAM), does not require a lot of processing powers since it is only directing a machine, not doing a lot of calculating. If you have an old one lying around with Windows operating system on it, you'll likely do just fine. Of course, you want to check the software requirements.

Universal G-code Sender is very easy on a computer and is open source (free). It is also quite flexible.

Mach3 is a software you purchase.

2 reasons you want a stand-alone computer or laptop for your CNC router:
→ It displays the CNC operation at all times
→ You don't have to be there while the CNC is running
→ The CNC can be at any distance. All you have to do is plug the flash drive into the computer and load your G-code.

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ROUTER BITS FOR CNC ROUTERS
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IDC Woodcraft Mobile App (FREE)
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OTHER ‘MUST HAVES’ FOR CNC ROUTERS
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RECOMMENDED DESIGN SOFTWARE
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CNC RESOURCES
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RECOMMENDED CNC ROUTERS
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#cnc #cncrouters #cncforbeginners #idcwoodcraft #vcarvetutorials #vectric

[danmccurry]

Thanks for sharing your wealth of Technical expertise!

[tommelinn]

Very helpful video and information as I am reviewing CNC units now to add to my small home shop.

[BasilMeadows]

I have my design software on both my office laptop and an old work laptop in the shop that is connected to the cnc. Lot of times I'll come up with an idea at the house and can work on it there, load the file onto a thumb drive and add it to the shop laptop. If it needs tweaked, I can go in and make the correction and regenerate the g-code.

[nickrooney]

I use raspberry Pi(s) for all of my 3d printers and cnc. They take about an our to set up if youre following a video, but their $40 a piece. And you can access each one like a website on any computer or device. It lets me manage everything and see whats going on because I have camera hooked up to them without having to hover over the machines all the time. Keep up the great content!

[mikegrenier]

Can a tablet with keyboard work. Is it that software wont work on one or cant communicate with the cnc

[fifo]

Do you know why I do not want to move the engines on newer laptops?I have an arduino uno and cnc schield v3.On a desktop i5 pc, this goes well on win 10.Normally both connects and loads grbl.I Motion simulates, but the engines do not go.And on the old single-core or dual-core with win 7 it goes beautifully.I just would like to put a more powerful laptop, but it does not work.Where or what is wrong?

[jeromeherron]

A decade PC for your CNC is a must have. A Windows PC operates on process interrupts. You should use a dedicated PC and reloaded windows and only the CNC Control software loaded, know antivirus software or CAD software. Set your CNC software for the high priority process. You can purchase a new windows 10 fan-less mini PC for $200

[photosbyjf]

Is that a laminate over MDF piece for the sign for Eiros?

[gautmor]

Can we operate small cnc router with a loptop?

[harryfatcat]

The router bit set link doesn't seem to work.

[machregistry]

I just bought a Raspberry Pi400 ($99) to control my Evo4 and I got it to run UGS, Opens builds and now Gsender. works really good. I just design on my laptop, copy gcode files to memory stick and transfer to the pi.

[larrydavenport]

What computer size as far as ram memory and so forth

[Tony-eenm]

Hello sir, thanks for the helpful information. We have a 1300mm by 2500mm CNC 3D router which we previously controlled using an A11E Richauto hand-held controller. However we would like to control it with a windows laptop. I've gotten the Universal g-code sender program on my laptop and the blue USB cable for physically connecting the laptop to the CNC machine to control it. The challenge I'm facing is finding where to connect the other end of the cable on the CNC machine or do I need a different cable for it. I would really appreciate assistance regarding this, thank you.

[larryschmitt]

Garrett do you have a video on universal g-code sender?

[daygomagicdancer]

Great video, and good advice. Thank you.

[Mtbeaver]

Garrett, I have a MacBook Pro. Can I write my programs on that and then load them on a flash drive and use them on window laptop for the garage? I don’ want to buy 2 laptops. Can I just use Carbide software and would you do a series on that?

[raptormaxx]

i have a hp g72 with windows7 would it work ?

[davearmentrout]

Thank you for the helpful information!

[ppouncey]

Garrett would you recommend using all windows PC's or are mac's ok?

[amonus-air]

great info, thanks for sharing. Maybe I missed it, but why 2 usb ports needed?
Thanks! 😎👍