Paul -
Download the free version of SketchUp. I'm not doing it justice with my description. You could do most of what I've shown with copy / rotate / etc. using standard components. The self adjusting / updating is what the newest release gives one the power to create - entities that can change parametrically vs. graphically.
I was born and raised in the timber frame world on HSB / AutoCAD. I've played with Dietrich's and prior to all this with FormZ. Part of why I'm working with the new features and with SketchUp is because the entry barrier is so low... $500 can be spent by smaller shops and designers - esp ones that do not do CNC - to produce and develop sophisticated drawings.
I've posted a current project here:
www.mikebeganyi.com/webimages/timber/schnell-1-20-09-presentation-V6.skpUse SketchUp 6or7 (free or pro) and click through the tabs at the top of the drawing window. I'm just now starting to detail the floorplans, sections, elevations, and frame.
