Michael Press wrote:
I'm looking for opinions/suggestions for a 2D CAD program
that's inexpensive (yeah, that's vague, but figure $100) and
useful for designing furniture. This is purely weekend hobby
work, but I'd like precise drawings of my designs. I also
imagine that it would be useful to generate a bill of
materials, a cutting list, maybe a "map" of cuts on a sheet of
plywood.

I'd also appreciate links to CAD reviews from a hobbyist
woodworking point of view. (This article is what got me
thinging - http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/cad.shtml)

I'm a computer programmer, so I'm not afraid of a steep
learning curve.

Given Mike Hide's suggestion, you may be able to find a bargain
price for a professional-level package.

I use DesignCAD (a 3D package) for my woodworking. I export DXF
files that are, in turn, imported into my CNC control software so
that I can make the drawing and produce the parts more or less
seamlessly.

Unless you're planning to use the package only for tables and
boxes (drawers, kitchen cabinets, and all things with
rectangular, flat sides) you would do well to consider a 3D
capability and features to deal with curved surfaces.

--
Morris Dovey
West Des Moines, Iowa USA
C links at http://www.iedu.com/c
Read my lips: The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.