Hi Everyone.

Just need a little advice on software. I appreciate this question has been asked hundreds of times before, so please forgive me for this.

I am now sorted with the hardware for my CNC, milling machine conversion, like i said, I am now onto the software side of things, but confusion still reigns.

Looking at other threads, most members seem to favor Mach3 to control the machine.
Then working back towards the computer I need CAM software to convert drawing files into a G Code.
The drawing files are created on CAD software then transferred into the CAM program for creating the G Code.

If I have this right, can members recommend a free, or relatively cheap CAD & CAM software packages i could download to practice on. I am not in the Budget for AUTOCAD but eventually, I hope to have a budget of £200.00, if this will buy me anything.

I understand the principal of program writing, as I used to write programs for my last employer on Mitsubishi and Siemans PLC's but i have no experience of CAD / CAM, but i am sure i could pick it up quickly.

All recommendations would be appreciated.


Regards

Ray