download hfworks
As for the CAD side, it depends a lot on a model complexity.
Simple 2-D models can be drawn using any program that supports DXF format, like VISO, AutoSketch, or similar.
A complex 3-D structure could be drawn with programs like
- AutoCAD
- MicroStation
- Solid works
and so on.
If there are any problems iimporting the DXF file, try using SAT or IGES file format.
As for the learning a CAD package, try anything simple 2-D, and than move to, say, AutoCAD, because there are many tutorials ans learning materials on the web. I would not try learning CATIA for this purpose , due to complexity.