3d cad software

[GlenR]

Have a look at fusion 360 - it's quite close to inventor but free if you can put up with the cloud based file management. The integrated CAM is really nice and straight fowards too.

I prefer SW over inventor personally. They are basically the same thing though with slightly different workflow. Kinda like the difference in IOS and Android. I'd be happy with either given the option.

Alex - Solidworks has HSMworks which is a free plug in - its the precusor to fusions cam and more or less the same things. Works really really well.