james,
We use a macro written by Lenny Kikstra and available for download from his site called AssemblyBOM. This should get you what you want. http://www.lennyworks.com/solidworks/default.asp?ID=20.
Reaper.
Up until the first of the year, when we switched over to SWx2006, we had a subscription to GearTrax. We let it expire and now we create all of our power transmission parts out of Toolbox.
Reaper.
Dan,
I used nothing but a mouse and keyboard for the first year, so I know the discomfort you are refering to. I then connected a Spaceball 2003 and would only give up this antique for a SpacePilot. I tried a SpaceTraveler and couldn't get used to its roundness. I used a tablet for 2D ACad, but...
Phadreus,
I occasionally use the move component command. Under options, I check collision detection and stop at collision, and then I move the part. When the part hits the proverbial walls, I measure. Probably not what you are after, but a close, fairly easy work-around.
Reaper.