Well, we all have different goals and desires. If 3D printing is a strong enough goal for you, then I'm sure you can get there. If it's a business move, you can probably even deduct your expense, but that may not lessen the headache of learning the new technology.
Everyone here loves to promote Linux every chance we get, but the game of 3D printing may be best played with Windows or Mac. A big reason for this is that many hardware manufacturers fail to provide Linux drivers for their devices... they don't seem to care about the small market share of Linux users. This happens with all kinds of computer hardware and is a never-ending problem. Many smart Linux developers will create their own drivers and share them, but there is a time delay with this, and some hardware may not be "popular" enough (or is too expensive) to even get someone to attempt to create a driver.
Good luck, Gary! Ask away if you have more questions.... many people here on the forums have much more knowledge that me, and maybe some have personal experience with 3D printing/scanning.
Cheers