thanks fro the input TP. there is a competent fellow helping me with the old 486, it just seems everytime we make a step forward something else pops up. i have done a little looking via google for the new isa boards you mentioned, found some in the $250-$300 range, if i was sure that would be the cure i would buy two just to have a spare. i believe the dos 6.22 constraint for hard drives is 2gb, id gladly buy a couple new hard drives and do a < 2gb partition, rather than fooling with old finicky ones.
im not sure of your statement "may not do everything....", the software the cncauto people use in my machine is pretty basic, runs fanuc gcode, has a few conversational helpers for pockets, bolt circles etc, from my looking at mach3 a bit, if anything mach3 looks more capable, and has a nicer interface, better graphics, and links to the motor and machine setup that are not available now in my current software. i do need a bunch of help getting set up, but i hope to be a lot more knowledgeable about my machine after going thru the setup process. i am flying a little blind now, i am hoping to get some guidance here, im a machinist not a technician. when it comes to saving a little money by buying the smaller less complicated breakout board, etc, etc. that is not an issue, i will buy what is needed. if i get the feel here that the Machmotion complete kit is the way to go, i will do it. id just like to get some opinions first, of course id rather spend $2000 to get going rather than $6000. if i need to pay someone for help, its not a problem, or to offer machining time on the machines once i am back running.
and yes i said machines. my 20 year old nardini fasttrace lathe has also been cranky for a while. and with fanucs out of sight pricing for parts and technical help, that control is likely being replaced with the lathe version of whatever i come up with on the mill, to keep them both the same, to make parts and working on them as identical as possible. i made my living in my garage for 12 years with these machines. i had to take a real job in a shop 2 years ago when the economy went to sh**. nice having insurance, other bennies again, but i will retire from there in 5 years. i need my garage shop in good shape again for that day.
so thanks TP, everybody chime in please!