Sorry I'm replying to Carl, not Timothy
AutoCAD can export to postscript, you can convert postscript to just 
about anything with the right tools.
I'm not sure how you'd do the drill file though.
For the future, you may want to check into Eagle like Tim was saying. 
The free version would probably be quicker than using AutoCAD to make  
PCB, due to it's having schematic capture and "rats nest" generation. 
You don't have to think quite as hard about what trace connects what to 
what.
I recently used Futurlec.com to get a circuit board made. The prices are 
pretty much unbeatable unless you do it yourself. They accept Eagle 
files directly, or Gerbers.
They are not in the USA (if you care)
--
Martin K

Timothy J. Weber wrote:
> Carl Denk wrote:
>   
>> I will have 3 boards, 2 sided, to be etched and drilled, will be looking 
>> for 3 or 4 copies of each board. I have Autocad
>> that I have been working on the prototype boards which I have etched 
>> with moderate results using the laser printer iron on method. I would 
>> like to try having the boards fabricated out. Maximum size is 4" square. 
>> This is in the USA.
>>
>> 1: Suggestions on software to either convert the Autocad to Gerber and 
>> drill files, or use some other software to start with.
>>     
>
> I like Eagle; it can do 4" square in the free version, is not too hard 
> to learn, and is popular among hobbyists.
>
> ViewMate is a free Gerber viewer from pentalogix.com that might be 
> useful in doing a direct conversion.  It imports from a lot of different 
> file types, including BMP; I don't see DXF listed, but maybe it can use 
> something that Autocad can export.
>
>   
>> 2: Suggestions on a house to fabricated the boards, including ones to 
>> stay away from.
>>     
>
> I use Advanced Circuits.  They're not the cheapest, but they're high 
> quality, very reliable, excellent service, made in the USA, and fast. 
> (Plus they include free popcorn.)  Their weak point is ordering, from a 
> hobbyist perspective - there are several different "front door" web 
> sites you have to choose from if you want to get the best price on a 
> small quantity.  If you don't need silk screen or solder mask, their 
> barebonespcb.com site is cheapest and very fast.  If you do, their "3 
> for $33" at 33each.com is the cheapest.  For more than 3 or 4, their 
> standard prototype service may start to be cheaper.  I wish they would 
> just roll this all together into one form, but there it is.
>
> Hope that helps.
>   

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