Newbie's Input - Software

So, step one for me has been to make a decision on software and the
controller. I have a simple part that I want to "mass" produce. If ti
sells, I'm off to the races and I can act like a "Pro". Ha! Two axis
would do it, but I'd like three for the next thing.

Here are my thoughts:

If I've offended anyone (like a SW author), sorry, just telling it
like I see it. Take it as free market survey input. BTW - I really DO
appreciate what it takes to write these systems. I am impressed with
them all. I just need to make a call for my needs.

Visio – Able to save to DXF. I am 99% sure that I can do my part in
this with some creative applications of tools and drilling, etc. I
REALLY want Corel. So this might be the excuse to get it……..:-)

DeskKAM – Seems to be able to process files like what I need to do
the part. Will not import crap from TurboCad8's DXF. But then again I
know that their DXF sucks.

DeskWinNC – Seemed to take the DNC files from DesKAM. Not sure what
else to say about that one.

DeskCNC - integrates DesKAM and DeskWinNC – It's better, smoother
with built in tools in the contour and pocket generators. $350.00 –w-
the controller. So I think I'm out the door for about $2300.00 with
this one INCLUDING MOTORS. Still need cables and other stuff.

Mach2 - looks pretty rough still. Messed up my Windows. Hung bad
importing a .BMP. Hung during it's own regen of g-codes on my big
Dell. Give it about another year. But the inteface is sexy!

EMC – CNC only I think. Still need a CAM program to gen the G-Codes.
Then I am not at all sure I am up to the whole Linux thing. I hate
Bill Gates too but how much work is that really worth?

Simple G has a nice simulator. I'm having trouble figuring out what
it uses as a driver.
Sent them an e-mail about that. But I still need a CAM package.
DeskCNC has both.
http://www.datapulsesoftware.com/

Ahha! – Artisan CNC – DOS based. Boy will that fly on my 2 ghz Dell
server! It looks fine. The graphics are less than ideal, but what do
you expect from a DOS program. I still want a Windows based CAM
program to gen the G-Code files and paths. Ahha sells the whole deal.
Software and the final controller. $984 for the software and the
controller card. Then I still need the Geckos & stuff. Final
controller/driver from Ahha is $1975 + $575 for the 3rd Axis. That's
$984+$9175+$575 = $3534.00 PLUS MOTORS. WOW! Too much for me.
http://www.ahha.com/index.htm


Supertech – They have SuperCAM CNC software which drive that
parallel port and they have a controller. Cheapest bundle for the
software and controller is $1495.00 for servo control, $1695.00 for
stepper control.

So the SuperCam demo won't run under XP…………………Want '95 / '98.

After reading their poop sheet I see that it does not generate G-
Codes. Not sure I like that. G-Codes, as funky as they may be, are
standard. If I decide to go have something done at a shop having a G-
Code file might be handy.
http://www.super-tech.com/

So it looks like DeskCNC……………here we go. Probably going to go with
the Gecko's as I see them around a lot.

If I'm being dumb, please let me know.

Thanks,
-jd