Dennis,
I use MeshCam and will admit I'm no expert on it. You can use it to generate code for 3D or 2D parts. The code generation is good and the learning curve is rather easy. Also use CutViewer Mill along with it. A stl file of the 3D part is created in CAD and then used by MeshCam to generate the code. Haven't used it for 2d cutting as I have other options, but it can use a dxf. Like any software one needs to play with it.
Watch the videos on the site to get a flavor of how it can be used.
Don't recall if V5 made more import files available. Should be able to find that on the site .
BTW, how did you make out with Dolphin Lathe?
RICH