Re: emc really needs a copyleft cad/cam package

I was just wondering if rather than reinventing the wheel, any of the
GNU, shareware or low cost CAD programs are extensible via plugins or
scripts.
For instance, I'm using 3D Studio MAX to output HPGL code to my
Roland machine via scripting, although I'm not suggesting for anyone
to use this program due to it's cost.
But say 50% to 90% of the work has already been done in terms of
interface, file I/O, etc. in any existing CAD program, is there none
that can be used as a starting point ?

Also, as a matter of interest, how much more difficult is it to
output 4 and 5-axis toolpaths than 3, and why? Can G code be used
regardless of number of axis ?

Would post-processors have to be written for each machine to be used
with the program ?

It would be nice to see this project get somewhere,

Rab
Rainnea Graphics