[lm317t]

I am currently building a CNC from a Harbor Freight Mini Mill. It will be controlled with 3 steppers and an Ubuntu Linux box running EMC. (I am kind of a CNC hobbyist, but I do have things at work I could use it for)

I would like to create fairly simple items such as push-buttons, panels, and PCB cutting/drilling at first.

What CAD software is easy for beginners? I hate Auto-Cad (it does way too much and has a huge learning curve) and I need something simple to create the DXF files. I have a copy of TurboCAD that I have not tried yet. Is TurboCAD overkill? Is it easier to use than AutoCAD? Or should I use something simpler?

I have been noticing that some people use the Open Source Inkscape to vectorize Bitmaps, then convert those to g-code. Does it just use 2-colors to vectorize (black and white) or do different colors/shades correspond to different cutting depths?

Also what open-source/free-ware programs, if any, convert DXF to g-code? I have found Ace, which is freeware, but I hear it won't tell you the specific cuts it will make. I believe EMC would tell me what the g-code would do.

I would like to hear what other folks think on the software end of things so that I can narrow down the programs I will try.

-Brian

[dertsap]

http://gcam.js.cx/index.php/Main_Page

try this little cad\cam program ,it's still under developement but works pretty good once you get the hang of it
best of all it s free

try this one out , i ve never seen it before but it looks ok
http://www.cnczone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33861

[skibbey]

I have TurboCAD Professional 12, the third version I've owned. I recently purchased RhinoCAD 3.0, and find it far easier to use. The learning curve for RhinoCAD was not anywhere near as steep, and I was able to create an .STL file for a very complex part in relatively short order.

In defense of TurboCAD, I am still a relative novice, though I've received a lot of valuable help and input from far more experienced users through their forums. Those more experienced users are able to do amazing things with the software, but I find RhinoCAD's interface to be far more intuitive. In fact, I still haven't been able to create the part mentioned above in TurboCAD, even with help and instructions from some very talented and experienced users.

[ger21]

A good inexpensive program is DesignCAD. Easier to learn that TurboCAD, and pretty cheap.

ACE will convert any lines or circles into g-code. If there's a line or circle, it will cut it. You can assign cut order and depth by layers, and turn layers on and off.

[tobyaxis]

This one is Free and Upgrades are Reasonable. They send out Deals via Email all the time.

http://www.alibre.com/:rainfro:

[lm317t]

I downloaded gcam, compiled it (very few requirements, very easy to do) and it works great on Ubuntu Edgy (I run Linux, they have a WinXP installer but I have to run that in a Virtual Machine). Its a pretty intuitive program and makes g-code. It also shows the cuts it will make. When I need more advanced features I will try DesignCAD (only $100) or Alibre Design Express which is free. As long as my needs are simple I will use gcam so that I don't have to fire up my WinXP VM. Thanks everyone for your responses.

-Brian