BobCAD/CAM

I'm in the throws of updating an older Bridgeport Series I CNC to a
modern controller and am looking at CAD/CAM software to go with it.
This will be for home shop use, but I have a few ideas that may be
complex types of milling operations that I'd like to pursue, one
being making odd shaped 'gears' out of aluminum (for decorative low
speed use), ie. superimpose an involute tooth pattern on an arbitrary
shape.
Will BobCAD/CAM allow me to do this?
BobCAD/CAM has surfaced as a cost effective possibility. In reading
this and some other boards I'm skeptical because of trouble folks
have had using the system. What are folks opinions? What other
options (that don't cost an arm and a leg) are there? I want
something that if I don't get out to the shop for a week or more (it
does happen much as I wish it didn't) I won't have to relearn
everything just to knock out something simple.

I haven't decided yet on the rest of the system, but am leaning
toward Gecko's and EMC or Mach to actually control the mill.
--
-Bob D.
Builder and Pilot of Kinetic Sculpture Vehicle "Killer Tomato"
Visit my web site (http://www.simpleorganicsolutions.com/tomato.html)
for pictures and additional info.