I need some help making software choice(s).
I'm computer literate but I'm green when it comes to CAD/CAM, pretty lousy at drafting as well but I can design by the seat of my pants so to speak and my poor drawings & notes accomplish the task. I've done my share of manual machining on a Bridgeport as well as large lathes, welding etc. so mechanically speaking I'm on par.
I'm in the process of converting my home mini-mill to CNC as a training aid for CNC. Got all the mechanics of that sorted out, driverboard etc. Have turboCNC spinning the motors.
Now I'm to the point I need some kind of CAD/CAM software so that I can design a few parts and drive the thing. I've played around with the software from ?emachine.com? the on-line you-design-it, we-machine-it company. It's pretty simple and I was able to get the hang of it pretty quick.
Where I'm at now is looking for a decent CAD/CAM package that is affordable, companies that offer a student/academic version would be preferable. I have access to a friends CNC Bridgeport at the moment so I don't want to settle for a simple hobbiest version software but I'm not running a machining center either (not yet anyway).
I'd settle for some shareware program to get me started and to drive my little mill for demo purposes while I learn something more substancial. Looking for direction recommendations from experienced users that have been in my shoes, been reading the various software mfr's forums to get a feel for things. At this point I'm a hobbiest looking to make a few products and maybe grow a little business in the future. Thanks.