Giving up on Vector CADCAM .. alternatives?

I've been struggling with the dreadful documentation provided when I purchased version 11 of Vector CADCAM (clearly written for an earlier .. and different .. version of the program). I upgraded to version 12 in the spring, hoping that some better docs might be forthcoming.

Sadly, six months later, I'm still running with a demo license and there's no sign of any new documentation.


Vector appears to be extremely powerful and full featured software, but no matter how methodically I try to follow the tutorials, I soon find myself reaching for a good stiff drink!

(Even the instructions for how to draw a line are incorrect!)

In fact, more than two years in, I still haven't created any GCode with Vector, relying instead on my ancient AutoCAD for DOS and ACE converter.


I guess it's time to cut my losses and move on, but the problem is that I haven't been following what's available for a few years now (_trying_ to use what I've already purchased).

So what's out there for a 2.5D or 3D CADCAM program for a home hobbyist budget?

(Clearly, documentation is important to me; I'd really rather not spend months learning how to get to first base).


All opinions appreciated.



Alan

--
Alan Rothenbush
Client and Research Services
IT Services
Simon Fraser University