forgot to say to Jazz what is " the TB based drives i bought"? ( i did mention i have only just started on this pastime) you also mentioned that Mach3 can do 3D printing i had not come across that i noticed in one forum that Mach 3 can do laser cutting/engraving so maybe i can get away with just one lot of software to do all three things it could be funny to see it trying to do all 3 at the same time a little bit of milling wood then 3D printing bumpers on the end and then etch a design on it (if i could get it to do that it would make a great you tube video just for laughs)

again thanks for your advice.
regards Poppy Ann.