Need advice on CAD program/s

My desktop CNC machine should be delivered in a day or two. I'm planning to use LinuxCNC even though I am extremely new to Linux.

My intended use for this machine is primarily cutting flat parts out of wood and plastic. However, I also want to use it for PCBs on occasion. Maybe, in the future, the ability to do 3D would come in handy. But it's not a priority at this time though.

What CAD program/s would you suggest? I have experience with AutoCAD (although it's been several years) and very brief experience with FreeCAD. But if there is a better alternative to FreeCAD, I would like to hear about it.

As for doing PCBs, I haven't a clue where to begin with software. I've tinkered with a few freeware design programs on Winblows. But that's as far as it went.

Thanks for your time!

As for PCBs I used FlatCAM a lot and got good results. It takes Gerber files and drill files for example.

Fusion 360 for general 3D milling and turning. There may be better alternatives for 2D cutting though.

for PCB an old eagle install will work nice
and for the rest
Qcad FreeCAd heekscad inkscape Fusion powermill sheetcam
Deskproto .....

depending on part the right cam is somwhere around

pl7i92 wrote: for PCB an old eagle install will work nice
and for the rest
Qcad FreeCAd heekscad inkscape Fusion powermill sheetcam
Deskproto .....

depending on part the right cam is somwhere around

Have to ask, why an old eagle install?

Hakan wrote: As for PCBs I used FlatCAM a lot and got good results. It takes Gerber files and drill files for example.

Fusion 360 for general 3D milling and turning. There may be better alternatives for 2D cutting though.

You knew I was going to be asking about CAM too. Didn't ya?:lol:

hi
the older eagle got the PCB2Gcode inside
so its just a one Click action to the mill

the new versions from 8+
got there own system printing and fail to me on PCB generation a tweeking all the time
i prefer 7.2 and im realy fine on that