When you are first starting in CAD it is a good idea to look at models that have come before. Luckily Pitsco uses SolidWorks and I was able to create "Mantis" with Tetrix parts.
If you are looking for SolidWorks CAD modeling go to
www.solidworks.com/studentsponsorship and register to get your team SolidWorks.
Then go to
http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/...challange.html to download Mantis and learn how to add a file folder in SolidWorks so you have all your library parts directly in SolidWorks - just easier. Review the assembly structure. A good assembly is broken down into smaller subassembies.
Marie