Just ordered a Shapeoko 2 kit, can’t wait to receive it! What cad and cam software does everyone use? And what about gcode senders? I’ve read about universal gcode sender and chilipeppr.
Go get a brand new Raspberry Pi 2. Load Serial Port JSON Server on it and run ChiliPeppr. You should also look at running @Ben_Delarre 's GPIO server on it and rigging up a vacuum, lighting, fans, etc. all controllable from ChiliPeppr. You’ll have to get some solid state relays for the GPIO part.
Would the original raspberry pi B model work? I already have one of those sitting around.
It would, but I do think the original Raspi is a bit slow. It’ll work though.
For your gCode go with cut2d easy to use and gets the gob done 
Have you tried CamBam? It seems to be a good price for all the features it has.
I use CamBam, pretty happy with it. Great for 2D. Does some basic 3D stuff which I’m hoping will get more functions eventually. Good luck!
Design spark mechanical-> cam Bam->ChiliPeppr
@Brian_Beebe glad to see I’m not the only design spark mechanical user. @Dave_Lee I definitely need 3d, are there any limitations to what it can do?
@Jacob_Vadnais take a look at MeshCam for 3D… Not free, but easy to use
Are there any good free alternatives for vcarving? V carve pro is pretty expensive.
f-carve works pretty well
Is f-carve text only or can you do dxf and svg?
I use vcarve pro and it is totally worth every penny.
@jlauer this is great thanks for this. I’m half way through a build.
@Jacob_Vadnais I’ve only used f-carve for txt but I watched a Tutorial that used an image
Also vcarve pro does a ton more then just vcarving. Again very well worth the money.