Hello,

I am a total CNC noob (although I did have a little bit of CNC exposure on a Sherline CNC lathe).

I need to fabricate a part, which originates from a 3/16" metal rod (probably stainless steel). I need to have square or rectangular grooves cut out of the metal. The grooves would be perpendicular to the long axis of the rod.

I need help getting started with the CAD program. I believe I used Vector 96 or something like that before. I had to draw the toolpaths as I recall, then save it, then convert it to G-code.

Can someone point me in the right direction? Is there a better/easier to use freeware?

The EMC program that runs the CNC lathe is on Linux. I have no problem with that part.

Thanks for any help or advice.
Mike