Eric, I've been using SketchUp since 2005 for my cabinetmaking drawings. I use it almost daily. I draw ANYTHING I'm going to manufacture in the workshop, as it allows accurate design to be seen in scale, and shows potential problems before they might be encountered in the workshop. When doing quotes for the generous ladies' wall sized bookcase units, I draw the room to be outfitted with the cabinets in place, allowing them to get a 'real idea' of what it will look like.
As for ease of use, it is really very intuitive, but will require you to practice. I suggest firstly learning the 'tools' and what they do. Then draw simple 2 dimensional shapes and 'push/pull' them into 3 dimensions. The included tutorials are excellent. I have only ever used the free version, currently called SketchUp 'Make'. It will do 90% of ANYTHING that you would fabricate, be it metal, wood, plastic et al.
Check out Mathias Wandel's excellent work at 'WoodGears' woodgears.ca . He uses Sketchup for all of his work, and watching some of his drawings can aid in understanding the workings of the program.
Beware, though, once you get a handle on it, it can be a real time consumer...Cheers
Jim 33 yr retired timber merchant expat in AUS