Hello All

I am very new to DraftSight.  While I have used drafting software in the past, the program I was using was not AutoCad or Cad like in any way.  The name escapes me, but it was designed to build cable television systems, it could draft, install equipment, run simulated test, etc...  Anyway here is what I am trying to accomplish

1:  very easy HVAC duct layout

2: needs to print on 11x17 paper to 1/4"=1' scale. Also an option to print on same paper at 3/16"=1' scale

3: I would like the grid to have 6" spacing between points

4: I'm not sure what to set the boundary to

5: I would like to draw a line and as i am drawing it, see how long it is, but I do not need to see the length on the plan

6: of course snapping to grid

7: is there someway to precreate a couple of shapes and insert them easily when ever needed?

This may seem very easy to most of you, and I can get it to work on some of the points listed, but not all of them.  I have read the paperwork that I can find online, but there is so much information and so much of it I will never use, that I just end up getting more confused than what I was.  I would really appreciate any help anybody could give me.