I know some here have asked about the free versions of cad software before. In this month's issue of CADALYST magazine (covering the CAD industry) there was a news item that Solidedge is offering their 2D package free for download. The item was accompanied by the quote: "We are talking top-notch 2D drafting here; not the weak teasers the industry has seen offered free in the past."
I have no affiliation with them nor have I checked it out for the details or worthiness of the software as I have access to AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor. I just thought I would pass this along for anyone who doesn't have something else. The link given is