Cogsy... I've never understood people's perspective that AutoDesk is trying to address "industrial machine." It is, frankly, irrelevant. What matters is whether or not you are a commercial entity, not the capabilities of the machine. That my machine is *capable* of being used commercial doesn't mean that it *is* being used that way. And, frankly, it really isn't viable anymore, if that is what concerns you. The machine is from the 1990s, and by an measure of standards today, it is old and not that accurate. If you wanted to do small stuff, a Sherline is probably more accurate.
As for owning software. I feel like you are splitting hairs here. *Technically* you are both right and wrong. In historical terms of use, you are granted the right to use the software (in perpetuity) but not the right to copy the software, (often) resell it, or reverse engineer it. There are generally other terms too, but those are the right ones. You seem to be trying to connect this to a the modern subscription paradigm as being the same thing. Fine. Historically you rent the software in perpetuity, if that makes you feel better.
And, finally, where have I ever said that commercial entities that are making money from Fusion should *ever* have been able to use the free version. I steadfastly *agree* with you that this is not consistent with their licensing.... But, I *am* entitled to an opinion. I *do* feel that AutoDesk dropped the ball on the same community that helped grow the product to the point where it is today. To that end, I feel they failed us. This doesn't, by any stretch of the imagination, mean that they don't have the right to make that decision. They have the right to terminate all licenses and deactivate all usage of the product. Frankly, I am not too sure I really care if they do. OK, that is an exaggeration. I do care, primarily because I think it would hurt a lot of people. I don't think AutoDesk really cares though. They've exercised their right to care about dollars and cents. Again... my opinions which, the last I check, I am free to have.
To address your comment about manually adding tool changes. Yes, that is probably pretty easy to deal with. The bigger concern I have, however, is manually editing files. I have a healthy concern about doing that, particularly the feeds part. But editing in a tool change isn't that big a deal, I agree.
The real reason I'm likely to move away from Fusion is that I don't trust AutoDesk. They've already shown that this is a product that they want to move into larger income generating role within the company's portfolio. I don't believe for a second that the $1335/3 yr license is going to stay that price. And, even if I did, I cannot justify that amount of money. I *could* justify a one-time purchase of the product for about $800, but that is pretty much the top of what I can afford. You can do more? Great! You are a lucky man. Be generous and pay more taxes. In the grand scheme of things, however, that is all I can do. So, yes, a less capable product, but one that I can own (OK... rent in perpetuity) is a better use of those funds, IMHO.
Oh, and I still have Windows XT on a laptop for some applications which work well.... No problem there... And probably 80% of the machines in people's garages are over a decade old. Software doesn't magically become useless just because it is old.... But if it stops working because the developer added that into the licensing, that is another matter.
SomeSailor... Ah, now I understand. It sounds like your usage is similar to what I was talking about. In many ways, 2.5D is probably what you also are using. So, if you do decide that you want to see what other things exist, I'd start with MeshCAM and CamBam. But I don't really know why you would. Fusion is going to be a better fit. You are clearly OK with the subscription rental scheme, so I would suggest that you just stick with that. If it were not for the money thing, that is what I'd do, frankly.
