Cut 2d to Mach3?

[avirostick]

I am so new to this, I have yet to get the computer or the programs yet for my cnc router. My question is, do all I need to basically get started is one computer and 2  programs ( say Cut 2d and Mach3)? I used to draw up the part, print it, and use the coordinates to program the cnc mill where I worked. Will I be able to draw up the part on Cut 2d and enter the data directly to Mach 3 on the same computer? Or would I be drawing it up, printing it, closing the Cut 2d program, opening Mach3 and entering the data needed? How does this work? Thank you for your help.

[ger21]

Ususally you draw in a CAD program, open in Cut2D, generate toolpaths and g-code, then open Mach3 and load g-code. Cut2D may have some drawing tools, so you may be able to skip the CAD part. Not sure as I've never used Cut2D.

[avirostick]

Oh. I was to the impression that cut2d was what was used to draw the part. Because all I want to do is draw up some diamond shapes, and then mill them. What would be a good cad software that would be the most user friendly and easy to use with Mach 3? Thank you.

[ger21]

Looks like you can only draw rectangles, ovals (ellipses?) and circles in Cut 2D. But you may be able to manipulate a rectangle into the shape you want.

Easy to use is relative, but there are plenty of free CAD programs out there.

A9CAD
ProgeCAD Smart
SolidEdge 2D

[FirstLook37]

You can make diamond shapes in Cut2D. You would basically make a box then highlight the line and right click...then at the bottom you'll see edit node mode. You'll have to add a note at the midpoint of each line then delete the 4 original points.  But to answer your question you don't really need a drawing program other than 2D if you are planning on doing very simple and basic shapes.