I'll compile successful CAD->G-Code->HW strategies

re: CAD -> GCode strategies (for milling)

Problem: After having spent a lot of time & cash buying
& learning a general CAD package (ie pick one: AutoCad, Microstation,
TurboCad, etc etc), I don't want to buy & learn a machining-specific
CAD package (BobCad, Vector, etc).

I merely want to export (in preferential order) Parasolid, IGES or DXF
files from my generalized CAD package (which knows nothing about
tool compensation, roughing passes, minimum surface finish, etc etc).

I'd naturally like automatic roughing, tool path optimization, etc.
I can buy this from a number of people for $5K+, but I'm a hobbiest
looking for something inexpensive.

Presumably, some of you people out there have things working to
a lessor or greater degree of success. I'd like to gather this info
(might as well expand it to include hardware behind the computer too).

If you write me (pentam@...) I'll compile a list of successful
strategies (CAD->??->GCode -> ??driver software -> ?? hardware driver
-> ?? motors -> ?? machine and misc comments and optional email) and
I'll post them on my website for everyone to see.

A typical listing might be:

AutoCad12 -> DXF http://www.autocad.com
DXF -> Gcode Bonzo's DG translator $75 http://......
Gcode -> EMC http://www.isd.cme.nist.gov/projects/emc free
EMC -> freds board call fred at (123) 456-7890 $150
freds -> cheapie steppers http://www.mpja.com/product.asp?product=4640+MS
steppers -> MiniLathe http://www.busybeetools.com/itm00227.htm $500
"Misc comments here about things" email burt@...

(BTW, I am not associated with any of the above, although I am on the EMC list)

Doug Fortune
pentam@...