current state of Cad/Cam software 2022, what works LinuxCNC etc

I am considering abandoning Autodesk, cloud based buggy, inefficient,  beta/vaporware. Features are constantly being ripped out and prices increased for what once was a included feature. I am over it. What I am wondering about is what to move forward with. I am evaluating professional class software, and I need to have operatability with outside vendors. 

Is the right way to go solidwork/mastercam ? 

I need a high quality, useable piece of software, I would love to use Freecad, I'd even donate to it's development, but it is not software that is anywhere near professional grade. 

I know and agree with your statement about fusion 360. I have seen many use this and I have also. It is not the best option but has it's following of users on a budget seeking full features. So many features and options it is just - well - just - well???
I have used many cadcam systems and they all have pitfalls. Like solidworks/mastercam is nice with many tools but both are not fast to adopt and require a larger budget to get involved and keep current.

I have been using freecad and I like what is happening there but the options for cutting are still under construction. I continue to update and use.

For every day mill - wire - lathe support I currently use Onecnc. Last year I finally bought for myself to replace an outdated couple of early 3d capable systems from the 90's. I caught Onecnc sales force at a good time and was able to buy Mill 3d Expert for a 50% discount and includes tech support and updates for 2 years. This is not a perfect system but after using Onecnc and many others this is best for my needs. I can program wire and lathe cutter paths with out the wire or lathe modules. The posts included are mostly complete and very easy to change within the software. They are adding some basic design detailing functions but this system is really for Cam and drawing solids. They will do a 30 day evaluation just for asking. This is not same as my all time favorite (now unavailable) Strim100 had some of the best tools for cutting around. I do not represent Onecnc at all other than I have used this on and off since 2003. Their phone: (877)-626-1262 - Tip of the day videos will get you going and throw away all the useless 360 over options to start cutting fast. Talk to Tech support guy (option 2) and he can explain all the fusion systems they are replacing. No cloud !!! forever yours - tied to usb key. Can transfer to another user.

Also check out Sharpcam. - has fully working demo version you can download - good cam for milling but little cad support. Very low cost.

Good luck on your testing.

I am evaluating bobCad/cam, pricing is reasonable and they have a lot of tool pathing I need. I will check out OneCNC and Sharpcam

I have need for CAD and CAM

I'm not to big on bobcad, the solid . modeling isn't that great, I've got a trial for mastercam lined up

I have the current version of Onecnc - XR8 - v63.55.
I used Bobcad version 19 and liked the ability to read any file but that was all.
Did not care for toolpath verification. My old boss have several seats and gave me one I still have running on an old amd 1st 64bit w/crappy vista. I keep it around because it has some other stuff on it I sometimes use.
Onecnc has a nice new feature for design layout - is basic now but useful.
I did the demo of sharpcam and really like it for some 3d cutting functions but I bought Onecnc because of cad tools and ability to import Solidworks models.
Dxf translator and Pdf support is also handy.

Mastercam is a great software. I do not like the cad much but I used it for years and I can cut any shape with that. My old boss is really mad now because they charge so much for updates. He has 1 seat of fusion and does not like it much but keeps it around for 5 axis cutting. He loved bobcad so much he bought many seats but no one would use it. Onecnc is similar to Mastercam with out all the choices and endless menus. Mastercam is very good if you need to find people who can run it. Onecnc is less known but much easier to learn and start cutting. Having a good model is best in any system so reading a step or XT file is key. I still make some of my cad in an older system and import if I have trouble making it fast in Onecnc or Solidworks. I am cheating maybe.
I hope you can find a system to work for you. Is not easy to get one to do all but Mastercam is mature software and most widely used.

I'm probably going to end up with SOLIDWORKS and mastercam

Yes that is very good idea. I have used Camworks running inside Solidworks and it takes over Solidworks and works on a floating network license prone to fail - then you have to re-boot and point to the license folder again. Really?

A company I work with forgot to turn off windows update or accidently clicked yes to install windows 11 and now the custom programs we made do not work. I had every nice automatic feature working on all the similar products able to update designs and automatically make lathe output. The design end is screwed now and no more custom anything. Thanks windows and user saying yes to destroy hours and hours of work.

Keeping cad and cam separate make life more simple I have learned. Camworks is very stout even on 4th and 5th axis but inside another software is just kind of touchy.

your direction with 2 separate in my experience is good.