I've installed EMC2 inside VirtualBox so I can have a dabble. I also installed QCAD and downloaded dxf2gcode. Never used CAD before but managed to draw a plate with radiused corners and 4 holes, convert it to g-code and run a simulation in EMC2. Quite pleased with that to be honest.

My only question at the moment is regarding CAD software. QCAD seems fairly easy to use but is 2-D only. Forgive my ignorance, but can basic 3-D objects be drawn in 2-D using multiple views and then converted to runnable g-code? Can't see any reason why not - I most likely need to learn how to use QCAD first?!

Thanks for your help so far.