3D Cam?

[SmokyRick]

Is anyone else trying to use PyCAM? I have tried over and over to install this and run it, but it will not load the default svg files in the main window. Each time I try it tells me I needed something else. First, Inkscape, then pstoedit, and now it simply says to re-install the pycam program that something is wrong. When I try to re-install, it can't seem to do that either. Almost ready to give up on this program. What other 3D freeware options do I have that work well with the ShapeOko? (I am too cheap to pay big bucks for a program that is commercial.)

Any ideas, anyone?
Thanks
Smoky Rick

EDIT::: By the way, I have a copy of ProgeCAD that I bought a few years ago and it makes dwg or dxf files just like AutoCAD does. Don't mind paying a reasonable price for software but thousands of dollars is just not going to happen.

[WillAdams]

I've listed all the free / opensource 3D CAM programs I could find here: http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAM#3D

[SmokyRick]

Thanks I was really looking more for personal experience with a program.

I had Gsimple on the computer for a while but it will not do 3d. Nice program for milling steel and metals but not so much for the shapeoko. You would need to post process any code from it quite seriously. Maybe there are other programs for that but I was really looking for 3d so gave up on it.

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[WillAdams]

I did use pycam for one project --- the pre-compiled Windows version. It worked after a fashion once I got it onto my son's Windows gaming machine.

[dougal]

I'd like to use PyCam because i have a fear and loathing of all things java based, but it's so slow!

[WillAdams]

Apparently HeeksCNC was recently up-dated and is markedly improved: http://code.google.com/p/heekscnc/

[Woodworker]

This open sourced 3D CAD/CAM is getting to be like playing wack A mole. Just when I think I know which direction to turn, something else improves or changes. sigh.