Best DAM CAM

[Fabio1]

This opens up great discusion in this area,but now that I have the attention of all the right people.I have a question,we have a limited budget at our shop and have no CAD or CAM software.I am aware there are free ones out there and for now we would just like to view files (pdf.'s for example) for quotes and hole locations,legally.
WHAT IS THE BEST FREE CAD SOFTWARE OUT THERE in your opinion?
Thanks for your time
Cheers

[universalfab]

Whats the machine? 2d, 3d, or both? In my opinion I wouldn't mess around with the free stuff. You might find some that work ok, but I wouldn't waste the time learning them or looking for them.

[Fabio1]

I'm pushing for a fadal center we do fab work aswell and a large mill would be nice but with the detail and die work we do the sooner we get something 3D cnc the bettter.I am quite experienced with the big names Mastercam, edgecam ect.Just curious as to others findings
Cheers

[cnc_toad]

This opens up great discusion in this area,but now that I have the attention of all the right people.I have a question,we have a limited budget at our shop and have no CAD or CAM software.I am aware there are free ones out there and for now we would just like to view files (pdf.'s for example) for quotes and hole locations,legally.
WHAT IS THE BEST FREE CAD SOFTWARE OUT THERE in your opinion?
Thanks for your time
Cheers

What he said

[Fabio1]

OK!
How about under $500?

[Kingjamez]

For CAD, Alibre PE is pretty hard to beat @ $99.00. I use Alibre 11.2 Standard and can do everything I want to do with it.

For CAM at your ultra low price range, I'd look at CamBam it has pretty decent 2D, and some basic 3D (although it's not very robust). The next step up is well worth it in my opinion: Vectric V-Carve Pro and Cut 3D combo makes a nice setup that is very powerful for around $1K.

If you were not a business, I'd suggest DeskProto 5.0 Hobby edition @$300.00 it's the most bang for your buck 3D CAM deal out there that I'm aware of right now.

[Fabio1]

Has anyone tried power shape e online,aparently you can pay as u go???

[mcphill]

I bet you could get a seat of BobCAD v23 for $500.

[Fabio1]

I bet you could get a seat of BobCAD v23 for $500.

It looks like Rhino and bobCad are the top 2.Going to give autocad a try this week $500.Then going to check BobCad me thinks.

[Rally]

AutoCAD? That is high end CAD compared to some of the more reasonable CAD's out there.
Besides, to start out why not stick with CAM? It will do just fine for basic drawing. I prefer VisualMill over BobCAD any day of the week, and the and the underlying VisualCAM is Free.