
So far I have only worked with MakerCam so I'll use that to illustrate my question.
In MakerCam I would create 2 separate 2.5D profiles (one with a pocket to receive the second part) something like this:

...and glue them together after milling.
Ideally I would like to layer the shapes one on top of the other:

...and exclude the topmost from a pocket operation something like this (the image below has been retouched for illustrative purposes):

What is the suggested CAD CAM workflow for newcomers to this field that would allow me to do this? Or am I on the wrong track thinking that this kind of operation is only do-able in MakerCam by creating two parts?
Thanks for any input.
-d