recommended 3d model software for cnc cutting?

[routercnc]

I use Autocad to create 3d solid drawings and then rotate each component into a single plane and extract the edges. I save this 2D outline as a dxf that my CAM program can use (Cut2d by Vectric).
Solid works is also popular but depends on your budget. Google sketchup is free and can apparently create 3d drawings but reading about it you need to buy the pro version to export dxf and dwg. You therefore need to check that the cad program you choose can export the file type required by your cam program.
There is a learning curve for 3d but it certainly makes life easier for complex drawings.

[NB70]

Google sketchup is free and can apparently create 3d drawings but reading about it you need to buy the pro version to export dxf and dwg.

There is always my free DXF export plugin for sketchup - I would urge anyone to try it before buying the pro version - lots of people use it as part of their CNC software tool chain.

Link: Free export plugin Sketchup to DXF or STL files

As far as the original topic goes - it might be possible to do something like this in Sketchup - if its a basic box shape you could model the 3D cabinet and then unfold it flat using something like the Sketchup flattery plugin -, then perhaps explode the panels to space them ready for cutting then export the DXF.

But I think it would be easier just to do the whole thing in a 2D cad program from the start.

Nathan