I'm New here

Hello all, I have just subscribed to the site. So far from what I have
seen, this is the place I have been searching for sometime now. As I
mentioned I am new to some areas of my new project, which I will
describe later on to you, but first let me give you some background.

I was a toolmaker/journeyman machinist on conventional Ex-Cello vertical
mills. CNC was just making it's debut when I left the trade to take up
commercial aviation. Now, my project I want to do I to assemble a laser
cutter of approx. 40-50 watts, CO2 powered laser. I am doing this from
scratch and as most people in this forum have portrayed, expense is a
big issue here, so I will be attempting to do this as inexpensively as
possible.

I will be utilizing the CNC for the cutting operations, so I will need
to rely on many of you here to guide me along if it will not be a
problem to any of you. From what to use as my PC interface to what will
control the laser and axis of the machine, I will need to refresh myself
on, and this is where I will need your assistance.

I am also interested in a homebrew milling machine to do some machining
of molds for fiberglass lay-ups. All of this equipment will be to cut
model aircraft kits and parts for myself and my friends.

Thanks to all in advance, and look forward to a long life here in this
forum talking with most all of you.

Regards,
Don Hughes