you can use the create 3D option from the draft environment. This command can be found under the Tools pull down menu.
The command asks for a view. Select it (window select to make it easy). Then click next view, select a view to the side or above the first one.
Select as many view as you need. Then click finish. Select the template you want to use. Solid Edge will put the view into the template as sketches. These sketches can be used in features to get the desired 3D model.
One function I really find usefull when using Create 3D is the fold line option. This option allows you to tell the computer where you want to center the 2D sketches.
Say you have a simple motor. you would want the side sketch to fall directly in the middle of the top sketch. To do this, after hitting new view and selecting the lines you want in the sketch, click "fold line" button and draw a line on the currently selected face to indicate where you want to center it.
The Create 3D is a pretty slick tool, but beware of the condition of the 2D data you are using. I have run across numerous situations over the years where the 2D data is garbage either because of the way it was originally created or how it was changed at some point during its life.
Too many times lazy people go in and change dimensions without changing the geometry. My advice would be that if it is something very important, take some time to check out the geometry to make sure it is accurate. It is the old garbage in, garbage out thing.
I have been burned enough times that I am very wary of any 2D geometry, unless I created it personally, and then I am still not sure I trust it! ;-)
