This is my first post and I hope it will be the first of many. I am very new to the CNC scene, but I am extremely excited about it.
But back to the topic. I am a huge fan of opensource software, because it empowers people like me to enjoy a hobby without breaking the bank. After a very long search and finding out that there is very little choices when it comes to opensource CAD, but at least choices. BRL-CAD and Salome being the the top contenders, with BRL-CAD seeming to be the best choice for designing. After much reading in the forums I found that BRL-CAD does not seem to get used because of its high learning curve and Salome enjoys popularity but it is first and foremost a modeling tool for analysis, not design.
After reading some more on these forums I found that Blender is also used as CAD, but as with Salome it is not geared for design. After using the trusted old search engine some more I found FreeCAD and I am excited yet again as this seems to be the answer for designing. But unfortunately it is still in alpha development. I have stumbled across HeeksCAD/CNC and this will most definitely be my choice for CAM, but for CAD personally I would like to play with something else. (Maybe all of them.)
So what I would like to start with this thread is two things:
1) Give some exposure to FreeCAD, as I know there are people like me who would like to see its continued development and growth.
2) Ask what is your top three opensource/freeware choices for CAD design and why. Even if it is a package not specifically intended for design.
It would be wonderful if some discussion of the different packages could also flow from this.