I use VCarve a lot, although mostly it's just for basic CAM functions. However, I do find it very easy to use, and the simple 2D CAD built-in is sometimes useful as well. For example, I've just made some drill jigs for kitchen cupboards, and laying out holes and so on is very easy. I would have cut the cupboard panels on the router, but it's not quite big enough. Roll on Mk2...

I have used Cut3D as well for some little 3D carving projects. Aspire would be nice to put both of these together, as well as, I believe, enhanced CAD. However, it's pricy enough as it is and I decided that I could manage without another CAD package, and at least you can import Cut3D output into VCarve to place it into a larger piece.