I'm of the opinion that every home shop machinist can benefit from solid modeling. One of the major benefits of solid modeling is the ability to create assemblies/use mating.

The problem is cost. What are the alternatives available to expensive mid-range modelers like SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Solid Edge, etc. that offer assembly modeling functionality? It seems like $2,0000 is the entry level price for a product that has assembly/mating.

Suggestions for CAD solid modeling that has assembly functionality that's more affordable?