NOT O/T ...Autocad software????

Go to his site: http://discussion.autodesk.com/thread.jspa?threadID=543852
Scroll down to the post by Ed and note the attachement [Attachment: SH31W32.zip] . I tried this and it works fine with my HP laptop running Vista. Didn't need the other registry tweaks mentioned.

 

I agree 101% Brian.

I work with just about every kind of engineer there is to offer. One Electric, one Substation, one Civil (land), one Civil(water), D.O.T. etc....
Some are the typical "everything that anyone else does is inferior to my genius" types, while others are completely cool and are willing to see things from other folks' perspectives. Personalities decide what kind of a person they are to work with - not education.

Ths logic applies to all aspects of a project - including the execution of the plan (read machine operator in this case). If he's a dickweed - you get what you'd expect to get from any dickweed...
..but if he is a guy who want to take pride in his craft - you could give him a bag 'o shit and he'll make you some incredible parts.

 

I was a consulting engineer for an AutoCAD seller for a little while, and I'll give you a little hint. Number one, most ACAD programs are playing catch-up to other programs, kind of like the Microsoft of of design programs. AND they are cheaper but it does come at a cost. Unstable and can unbalance you machine depending on what else you are using it for. Number two there can be licensing loop holes you can get through for all programs, that you can get it cheaper as a single user. (By the way I quit working for them because I couldn't stand the company, and really got sick of dealing with the software.)

Depending on what you really want to do. I'd look into Solidworks really. Bigger learning curve. I do freelance engineering on the side, and use Solidworks and Pro/E and started getting into CATIA. Each has its advantage, but for your application. I'd say Solidworks - easier user interface, and doesn't recquire the resource. And I know where you can get a good, legal copy inexpensively. (Ask)

You should keep in mind that CNC uses different input languages, and you need to be able to provide your friend the right format, and make it easier on him.

Of course I'll plug myself, and would be willing to help you out cheaply. I negotiate with budget and et al in mind.

 

And for the record I'm with Brianangus. I've been through the gamut, and seen enough, that it simply comes down to the person.

 

One thing to remember is that any Autocad or Illustrator software that can save your drawings in dxf. or dwg. file is only the beginning to making a part either with a plama cutter, laser,water jet or mill and lathe. You have to have some sort of CAM software, especially with a mill or lathe to convert those dxf. or dwg. files into a usable G-code to make the part. Don't assume that all CNC shops have a CAM software package to do this. Some CAM software like Mastercam costs over $20K, If you ever watch American Chopper, or American Hot Rod that is the type of software that is used to create many of the custom parts they make. Even Foose uses it to create his wheel designs.