List of CAD/CAM Software

[EddyCurrent]

Thanks and I agree with your thinking, there is a section in this forum called 'source' that could be better utilised. For example the same questions keep coming up like, which CAD/CAM software, proximity switches, belts & pulleys, etc.
If there was an index to various topics for information without the discussion posts it would be great.

[birchy]

Don't forget Draftsight - probably the best free 2D CAD package available at present.

[C_Bubba]

For a CAM, I use Sheetcam and service is fantastic. True this is only 2 1/2D, but has served me well. It is kept up to date and new features are promised.

[Robin Hewitt]

I searched for the perfect program to cut my .dxf files but couldn't find one. Eventually I gave up and wrote my own. It is wonderfully simple, does lovely graphics and I wouldn't use anything else...
.
Anyone thinking about doing the same, don't

[EddyCurrent]

Just a quick search, it's knowing when to stop.

InventorCAM - http://www.inventorcam.com/
Sketchup - http://sketchucam.jimdo.com/
FreeMill - http://mecsoft.com/freemill/
Links to quite a few free & cheap - http://www.eland.org.uk/pages/Misc/cadnotes.html

[John S]

No one mentioned Vectric yet ?

Ideal program for routers and similar work, good and helpful user base.

[Ulsterman]

MasterCam would be the best and most used in the world for CNC software -------2D/3D/5 axis/Router/RobotMaster for 6 axis machining -But its not cheap -----Most of the other ones you mentioned are used for drawing and some don't have machining capabilities/G code processing