I too started with CADKEY back when Windows 95 was the operating system. Stayed with them even after Kubotek bought them and changed the name to KeyCreator now at version 15. Truly a geometry based system like paper/pencil. It allows you to move your design to a 3D solid. Please look at http://www.docwalt.com/index.html for books to learn the program. Kubotek has an on line university for you to read/ watch how the programs work. The last I heard it was $3,500.00 a seat/ownership. It can run CNC simulations to test out your tool path before running a machine.
As others have stated, your hands to your head will take some time. Like most, I did paper and pencil for 20 years before the computer came along. Computer pictures (CAD) are just that lines like on paper but microns more accurate. You still have to put dimensions to the object for someone to see the sizes and then someone that makes parts to tell the CAD operator if it can be make. Take the saved file (pick a format) that the CNC machine programming software can read and let it run the simulation to see if there are problems. Remember the machine operator will still have to tweak the speeds and feeds, tooling and all the tolerances that will allow the end product to meet standards for the actual usage. CAD files can be saved/changed more easily than starting from scratch on paper. Printing with out ammonia and sending files on the internet vs mailing, all much better.
You will have to want to for any of this to happen.
DBQ49er
As others have stated, your hands to your head will take some time. Like most, I did paper and pencil for 20 years before the computer came along. Computer pictures (CAD) are just that lines like on paper but microns more accurate. You still have to put dimensions to the object for someone to see the sizes and then someone that makes parts to tell the CAD operator if it can be make. Take the saved file (pick a format) that the CNC machine programming software can read and let it run the simulation to see if there are problems. Remember the machine operator will still have to tweak the speeds and feeds, tooling and all the tolerances that will allow the end product to meet standards for the actual usage. CAD files can be saved/changed more easily than starting from scratch on paper. Printing with out ammonia and sending files on the internet vs mailing, all much better.
You will have to want to for any of this to happen.
DBQ49er