Converion based upon my old Deckel Mill

[Doddy]

I'm a big fan of Fusion (especially as I hate Windows machines), but you'd be running into a wall of learning curves. CamBam allows you to go from a single point to a machine drill operation, through basic primitives (lines, circles) to more complex machining operations (pocketing, etc). It's a really useful and pretty capable.

Fusion et all are great but not an easy-in on CAM. Get the basics understood first, learn to walk before you try running.

...or maybe that's just me

[routercnc]

I think you’ve made a good point Doddy and I agree. I have used CAD and CAM packages for years so when F360 came out it was an easy transition.
But if you are starting from very little experience it could be too much.

Coming from the other end I think starting with the gcode is equally challenging and I think you are better off letting the CAM software generate the magic code leaving you free to concentrate on what you actually want to make.

Are you familiar with the steps that are required in the whole process as there are actually quite a few?

Have an idea
Draw it in CAD
Export the file out as something like .IGES format (assuming CAM is a separate program)
Load the file into a CAM program
Select the lines and circles and tell the software which tool you want to use and how you want it to be cut (inside the line , outside the line, or drill a hole etc)
This generates the toolpaths
Export out these toolpaths as gcode (.txt format)
If you like you can view these in an editor as see what code it created
Load the gcode file into your control software (Mach3) or whatever
Assuming machine is homed and ready then hit cycle start

When you write it out in a list like this there is a lot to step through so start simple and get practising. There will be set backs and frustrations but it will start to become clear.