ProgeCAD LT 2006 is was free for personal use. Was very popular on Tucows. (Link now broken)

"This AutoCAD alternative works with DWG version from 2.5 to 2006, and it can export and import to DXF and DWF. Based on IntelliCAD 6 source code, is a complete 2D and 3D CAD system with all the main functionalities"

Anybody have experience with it?

(copy of post from elsewhere)

If you have a full copy of AutoCAD 2002 or newer, I have a macro that exports Mach3 compatible g-code from within AutoCAD.
No need to offset toolpaths, as it does cutter comp. Just draw all your parts as a single polyline, and include a leadin and leadout, and the code will include the cutter comp. You can also ramp into the cut. There are quite a few options, and it's easy to use.

http://home.comcast.net/~cncwoodwork.../AC2GCv039.zip

If I had the time and money, I'd like to get a copy of ProgeCAD (AutoCAD clone, $350) and port the macro over to that to make it accessible to more people. Unfortunately, it's not an option right now.
http://www.progesoft.com/eng_index.p...tml&MAXITEMS=4

Ger21, any update on the ProgeCAD situation - have you had a chance to see if your macros work with it?

Gerald,

It may be moot - the download link at the ProgeSoft site is broken, giving the dreaded "404" error.

I'll try again later.

Brian

The free LT2006 version was apparently stopped recently. However, you may find a "freeware" site that is still distributing it, without realising it is no longer supposed to be distributed.

At the beginning of this year, it was announced that ProgeCAD SMART would replace LT2006 as their free version.....but it hasn't happened yet.

The full versions are very much alive. Here is a review:
http://www.kickstartnews.com/reviews...fessional.html

Don't know how long it will last but this link has it right now.

http://www.softsea.com/download/ProgeCAD-LT-2006.html

Greg

thanx for the link, Greolt, it's ok

Proge CAD LT doesnt work with the new Vista software. Is there a patch for this?

Thanks,

Curt

Yes, replace Vista with XP. :)

Gerald,
Does that mean you prefer XP over Vista? A lot of people say that Windows 2000 is better than XP for CAM applications. What do you think?

I am completely unqualified to venture an opinion on this.

I cant replace Vista with XP now since I have so much stuff on this computer and I dont want to have to reload everything again.
I will see what I can do with the other computer, might have to blow the dust off again and fire it up again.

Thanks,

Curt

This works with Vista and it is free and powerful. http://www.free2design.org/

No, and won't have time any time soon. Also, it would require the full version of ProgeCAD, not the free one.

I upgraded my new laptop from Vista to XP and it now runs faster and all of my programs work.

Looks like Progecad have released their new version.

The free one is called Progecad 2008 Smart for private non commercial use.

Greg