CAD Newbee seeks path to enlightenment

Hi, I've recently completed a 2d/3d course on AutoCAD, unfortunately
the course was only geared to learning how to pass the AutoCAD exams.
I'd like to know if there are any resources about the practical everyday
use of CAD.

I have in mind scenarios to do with types of cad use, useful strategies
when working in cad [creating new models, interrogating old], Dimensioning
standards [in-house & international], 10 things you should know... A day
in the life of... etc

Does anyone here have a favourite site along those lines, or any tips
for they would like to pass on to this newbee...

 

Try http://www.solidworks.com/swexpress/index.cfm and check out the archive
link in the upper right hand corner.

Matt B.

 

yes, a degree in architecture.
In architecture, cad is simply the pencil and paper.
How you draw something depends on what you are drawing.
If you kwon architecture, I can teach you cad in 20 hours.
If you know cad, I can teach you architecture in 20 years.
jo

 

I don't think the OP made any reference to anything other than CAD, unless I
missed something along the way.
--


MichaelB
www.michaelbulatovich.com

 

yes, but a day in the life of a cad operator depends on the discipline, does
it not?
an engineers day would be different from and architects day.
Dimensioning a floor plans and dimensions a circuit board are two different
animals.
Even dimensioning styles differ from architect to architect.

to the OP...10 things you should know...
save
save
save
save
save
save
save
save
save
save

;-)

jo

 

Bloody good advice too

Bigjobs

 

Where on the web can I find a tutorial on writing scripts?

Thanks,
jo

 

Always start with F1 on the path to CAD enlightenment.

 

You shouldn't need a "tutorial" ... script files are simply text files
containing a list of AutoCAD commands entered exactly as if you were typing
them directly from the keyboard. You should find all you need to know to get
started in AutoCAD's HELP system.
___

 

Hello RK,

An excellent beginners tutorial giving an overview of AutoCAD from a
blank drawing to a completed dimensioned MS/PS Drawing is available
at:
http://www.e-technikon.com

Greetings
Dave

 

These things tend to vary with the industry, and even individual
shops. The best resource is working under an experienced guy. Perhaps
as an intern.

For someone without those opportunities, I imagine there might be
books focused on a specific industry, but I don't know where to point
you.

Joe

 

As some of the other responses suggest, CAD is just a MEDIUM for
drawing/designing some other engineered system. If you want to learn
CAD, you should pick SOME design discipline, be it something broad
like architecture, or more specific like pipe design. Otherwise, you
end up using a powerful tool to aim at nothing. "Knowing what to do
is the key to knowing how to do it." [paraphrase from Louis Kahn] By
focusing on what you are actually making, you'll learn the tool way
more efficiently. Have fun.

-james

 

.... plus knowing what you will do also helps to choose the kind of CAD-program
you need to be able to handle this. If the aim is designing houses then a
program that is excellent in sheetmetal will bring you little help. If the
intention is to design machines then you'll find little in a program that is an
excellent draft tool.

Alex

 

blowing your boss might also help.