CAD for Gears

I'm just getting started with CAD-CAM-CNC stuff and am looking for
advise on which of the various CAD programs might be best at doing
gears and gear trains (think large clock works-not transmissions). I
have a (very) little experience with Solidworks, but it doesn't seem
to do this very well (or I haven't figured out how to get it to do
it). The ideal program would allow me to design and place odd shaped
teeth (escapements etc.) onto the 'gears'. To make it even more
challenging, how about placing gear teeth (involute or other
profiles) onto non-circular (elliptical) paths.

Thanks.
--
-Bob D.
Builder and Pilot of Kinetic Sculpture Vehicle "Killer Tomato"
Visit my web site (http://www.simpleorganicsolutions.com/tomato.html)
for pictures and additional info.