I am looking for a 3D CAD program to design some simple mechanical parts. Most of my 3D "experience" has been in the GFX side, with Blender and Anim8tor. The only true 3D CAD program I have used has been Pro/E Wildfire edition. I enjoyed the simple way to sketch a part, then use dimensions to "refine" and correct the shape of the part to actual values.

Of the varions 3d programs out there, what one would you recommend for a hobbist use? Cost would be a large factor, I woudn't want to spend over a couple hundred U$D on the package at most I would also want simple parts creation such as the Pro/E feature mentioned above. My output files would then be sent to a machining house who would be responsible for creating actual parts from the model. (IE I wouldn't be doing molding/casting work, etc.)