Free Software

[CNCRob]

Here's some AutoCad stuff I found.
http://www.dotsoft.com/freestuff.htm

[geomagnet]

Check out http://www.moi3d.com
Super intuitive NURBS modeller absolutely FREE!!! I use intellicad and bryce but have never been able to model organic shapes until I downloaded MoI.
I then found a free plug-in for intellicad to import / export *.obj files so now
I can make really interesting shapes. All I need now is a free/cheap G-code path maker and I'm good to go.

I've been debating Rhino, OneCNC, VX, MasterCam...but I really don't know what I'm doing (yes another run of the mill newbie - no pun intented) so I figure if I can learn for free/cheap then I can appreciate spending a couple of grand on a professional industry grade program.

[VigilanteDesign]

From UGS you can get now their SolidEdge 2D Drafting package for free, you just need to register once...

http://www.solidedge.com/free2d/default.htm

have fun...

[ADucci]

I am busy installing the Free operating System Suse from Linux..

This LinuxCNC progam looks promising. although i will give some feedback when i have used it. what is nice, is you can see the source code and modify the program. (open source)

Does anyone have any experience with it?
http://www.linuxcnc.org/

[Hlynur]

Does anyone know where i can get alphalink 2.1

Recards.
Hlynur

[Hawkercnc]

CNC simulator a great way to practice writing G code - needs petrol fill ups
Mach 3 ? 3000 lines limit - but a full licence is quite cheap - thousands of dollars cheaper than some - very helpful people - on my second version now - attaching a cam to digitise objects - also has a DXFHPGL import to G code facility - more 'tails to wag' than I can cope with as a beginner

cncsimulator.com (microtech)
artofcnc.ca

John

[Hawkercnc]

www.freeserifsoftware.com free graphics software - full version costs c $20.00 will trace photos - then loose the photo - good for copying. DXF output unknown - may need the 20buck version.
Regards
John

[Hawkercnc]

If you get DRO struts of standard type from an old machine and no control box - then remember that Mach3 software can be used to read them on a old laptop or desktop. Not Haidenhain or super accurate Mitutoyos. I have AccuRites running on Mach 3
Regards
John

[camster]

Not sure where I got this link but it has been very useful.

http://www.thewarfields.com/cnccookb...sourcesSup.htm

[maxima.jonathan]

Hmm, I don't really have any CAD software for free, however recently we released a Free Board Optimiser, designed for the windows environment.

you can get it at http://www.maxcut.co.za/

I only mention it here because I am sure some people working with CNC Machines may also know board merchants ect who might like to try out a free board optimiser.