3D Free Software

At some point, I need to classify software so that it can be discussed.  I am not a professional in the 3D design arena, so please forgive my classifications if they are not perfect.  I was aiming for a mixture of classifications that broadly covered 3D but could be absorbed fairly quickly by newcomers.  Here is the classification schema for this website:

I use all of this information for milling and can go from concept to finished product.  Since my first thought, prior to being told otherwise by experts, is to use gcode for 3D printing (a machine path is a machine path, correct?), I will at least start here.  Here is a combination of free software that appears workable.  I have not downloaded and tried even half of all the free software listed below.  I may be missing some great free stuff!

I recognize Linux as valuable for a true free experience with EMC, but my needs are such that I currently run Mach3.  As such, here is a list for the noob and a reference for anyone sharing files with me.

2D Image Editor:
Gimp: I recommend this for its free Raster image capabilities.  Tool paths can be generated from Raster images, but the better the image, the better the quality of the tool paths.  The tool paths, btw, are usually created by running the tool back and forth like an inkjet printer while the Z axis goes up and down.  Runs on Linux and Windows.

InkScape:  I recommend this for its free Vector image capabilities:  Tool paths can be generated from Vector images.  Runs on Linux and Windows.

3D Editor / Designer: 
Sketchup: I recommend this for its object repository.  Theoretically, we can all share files this way.  It has good tutorials and is easy to use.  Only runs on Windows, although there is rumors that Linux is in the works and some people have had limited success with wine.  Also, an Ajax version of Sketchup may be in the works for online usage by everyone.

Art Of Illusion: Used by RepRap and has a nice interface.  Runs on a JVM, so it works for Linux or Windows.

Blender: Good GNU software that can convert between dozens of file formats.  It compares well with professional software.  Runs on Windows and Linux.

Convert to Gcode:
CamBam: Nobody seems to have heard about this CAM software?  My only worry is that they say "at the moment it is free."  Runs on Windows.

FreeMill: Free CAM software from the Rhino group.  Runs on Windows. 

LazyCam: Most functionality comes free from the same group that sells Mach3.  Easy for a beginner like me to use, and since I bough Mach3, the integration is a plus.  Runs on Windows.

Profiler6: Hard to find.  Search google and there are about 6 hits, but at least one of them will lead you to the executable.  I think I saved a copy if anyone wants it, I will post it in the files section.  Basically, this is an image to gcode utility.  There are not many free image to gcode routines so I listed it.  Runs on Windows.

Deskengrave: I use this to quickly create text for engraving.  It is quick enough that it is worth listing.  Runs on Windows.

File Conversion / Repair:
PSToEdit: The primary use here is to convert EPS (extended postscript from InkScape) into DXF.  I have seen a dozen forums where people ask how to get InkScape Vector Files into DXF and this is the answer.  Runs on Windows and Linux (Inkscape on Linux may have this incorporated already.)  This may require ghostscript.

MeshLab: Instead of spending $$$ on software for the NextEngine which already cost me a lot of money, I use this to fix up the STL files.  Runs on Windows or Linux.

Scanalyze: Same reasons as Meshlab only with ply files.  Also runs on Windows or Linux.

Deep Publish: For sharing 3D files in Microsoft Office, this is actually a good utility.  I downloaded it as an afterthought, but I am glad I did.  Runs on Windows.

Ogle: This almost falls in a category by itself.  This captures objects from OpenGL.  Many people capture game objects with this.  Theoretically, we could then print it!  Runs on Windows.

Mill / Printer Control:
EMC: I have a disk, but I have not used it.  It controls a mill and runs on Linux.

Mach3: Runs the gcode on my mill (and lathe and soon to be 3d printer...)

Mill / Printer Simulation:
AutoEditNC: I use it more for editing gcode than running simulations, but it does both.  Runs on Windows.

CNCSimulator: Good simulator.  Runs on windows.

The Software List!

I really hope this list helps somebody.  It took a long weekend to compile.