Using multibody parts seems like quite a good way to go, because you get the option to make a cutting list. Perfect! However, making notch templates requires saving each tube in another file, and creating a flat template from that (hassle, mess of files averywhere).

Another way I've tried is to use an assembly. Draw the wireframe in the assembly and then create virtual parts for each tube. That works ok, modelling is a bit more fiddly than a multibody solid. Flat templates can be created directly from the subcomponents so no extra files are needed. As far as I can tell, no cutting list option.

It seems like SW could do with being a lot more slick for these types of parts. Another example is profiles for structural members - something you're likely to be changing very often, feels like a complete hack and isnt really intuitive at all.

Am I actually doing it wrong or is that as good as it gets?