I would like to draw something to be cut on a plasma cutter, but I have zero idea where to even start.
I need a program that is simple to use or learn and preferably cheap or free.
Any suggestions or advice?
Inkscape is free and drawings can be saved as DXF files. It's also dead easy to use, there are plenty of YouTube tutorials to view and learn with. I find Logos by Nick one of the best (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEQXp_fcqwPcqrzNtWJ1w9w/videos). EMachineShop used to be free and brilliant but they started charging for the ability to export DXF files so unless you can get an old version or fancy paying $199 a year it's a none starter.
DXF is the industry standard. If you draw something in millimetres, make sure all the lines are joined up, and save as dxf then most people will be able to work with that.
Also don’t worry about kerf width, Sheetcam or similar will take care of that so draw stuff the actual size you want. Take care that you don’t have “islands” that will drop out when cut. For example if you draw an O, R, A the centre bit will be cut first but then when the plasma cuts the outside of the letter the whol thing falls out. Use some type of stencil font to eliminate this. Inkscape has these fonts included.