Please recommend free software

[justCNCit]

Hi, a friend of mine wants to get into CAD/CAM as a side thing while he takes a break from the industry and upgrades his skill set a bit.

He was asking me for suggestions for software. I was sold on Rhino & MadCAM a while back and the package works well for me, $500 for both as a student.

He's looking at ViaCAD for a hundred bucks. I know when I first started in CNC there were free software advertised everywhere and it looked at least functional.

I know there are some easier to find programs that will allow you to design 2d and produce G-code, but it sounds like he wants 3d capability also.

From experience, if he wants really good moulding toolpaths, he's gonna pay. So maybe the question is what free software offers the best 3d ability also?

or even not so free, for a hundred bucks. thanks for the input

[jalessi]

http://cnc4free.org/

[dertsap]

this is in development and is coming along well http://code.google.com/p/heekscnc/

[TOTALLYRC]

I use Viacad and I am very happy with it. If he really wants to get into 3d, which Viacad does well, he can always upgrade to Viacad pro for $250 but the standard 3d for $99 works very well. Staples just had a sale for $69 and I think they are selling it for $79, down from $99. The Pro version is still $250.

Mike

[justCNCit]

thanks i am letting him know.