Originally Posted by FandZ  I'm looking for the quickest/simplest route from design to gcode to start. But I don't want to go with something too simple like CUT3d where later as my skill grows, and my machine grows to a 4 or 5 axis setup, I'll be limited with what I can do. |
This is my opinion -OK
You are starting out on a small 3-axis router,
Powermill would be overkill, Mastercam may also be too much for the plain simple parts to start off.
We, being an Okuma shop, use the high end software but find it doesn't pay to use these to program a simple rectangular part, drill and tap 4 holes and machine a bore. The cut3D or similar is the one that would be used 75% of the time, programming time would be short, software knowledge and learning is simple, you can concentrate on the machine as that is what makes $$$, not sitting down programming while the machine is stopped
Even when moving up to bigger and better machines and job complexity, this basic 2.5D software would still play a role in part making. So choose wisely, find a shop that uses the software and ask questions, see it in action.
another one to look at is OneCNC
PS Maybe I can give a couple of pointers to get you going in mastercam
or any other problems, post in the mastercam section for better responses ( there is many willing to help )