Hi I'm new here and pretty new to CAD. Unfortunately for me I learned to do everything in Sketchup and now I'm having problems as I try to cut parts. I used my 3D printer to mock up the pieces, so this is why I was using .stl files at all.

When it came time to cut aluminum parts I used PROTO LABS - and they have been able to cut parts from the .stl file so far. However right now I need to convert an .stl file to a .dwg file. because the .stl file is causing strange milling marks.

I used the convertor found here on the forum and it gave me a .dxf file instead of a .dwg. Why does the .stl to .dwg convertor give a .dxf file instead of a .dwg file?  Am I missing something?

PROTOLABS couldn't quote the part using the .dxf file so I asked them to see if they can try loading the .dxf file into Solidworks and converting it. I'll find out if they were able to do this.

My question is this - aside from going all the way back to square one and learning a whole new software package like AutoCAD or Solidworks - is there ANY easy way to go from an .stl file to a .dwg file or other widely used file format?

Sorry to pop in with these newbie questions but I could really use some guidance..

Thanks!