Thanks for the advice guys, I'm liking the look of Fusion 360 and will definitely be downloading the free trial version.

I've just started using Autodesk Fusion 360. It's a very capable parametric/solid modelling system that includes all the tools you would need. The best part is that it's free for start-ups and hobbyists. Fusion 360 overview



Marcos Mantula blog

There's a free program called 123d make that is very good.

you could draw them by hand using vector drawing in illustrator as well

Matthieu Libeert
Founder MAT2 Composites X Sports
website: www.mat2composites.com

you can take 2d slices from 3d cad shapes in most CAD programmes, Im lucky enough to use catia v5/v6. But i use solidworks at home, even the free ones like google sketchup are good and might be able to do what you need?

I would like to make a plug from a CAD programme; the EC video on plug making features an impressive piece of software that allows you to print outlines for cardboard formers - does anyone know what software the guys use?