Hi Barrie
I've just seen your post. If you are going to get into CNC routing etc. you will need the following skillset
1) Be comfortable using a 2D/3D CAD package (something like TurboCAD)
2) Be comfortable using CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) software - this generates the cut path Gcode for your CNC to cut the parts
There is no substitutes for 1) or 2) It is a pre-requisite for using a CNC machine. This is the workflow CAD->Drawing->CAM->Gcode->CNC-Finished Parts
The package I use (Turbocad pro platinum 2019) has a trace facility, but I have never got good results from it. I insert the pdf file as a "layer" into the drawing, scale it to the correct size, then manually trace the lines using the CAD tools of lines and splines. I have had good results from this for the CAD manufacture of ply parts for an RC multi-racer boat from magazine plan.
Hope this helps
Mike