Simple Tutorials for my Son?

Howdy Folks,

My son has expressed some interest in doing CAD work, and I've been trying
to dig up some simple tutorials to help him get started.

My version of AutoCad is a little older (version 12 for Windows), but it's
legit, and I could afford it at the time. When it comes to the actual
drawing, I figure it's not too far out of date.

Anyway, if anyone knows some simple drawing exercises posted somewhere,
I'd appreciate a pointer. I've been working through the basics, of
traversing the menus, and drawing lines, circles, etc. We started on
dimensioning last night, and now I'm hoping to find a simple project or
two that he can stab away at on his own.

TIA
Steve

 

Why not draw the table the computer is on?
(Plans, sections, elevations)

 

...after that, move on to a 3D model of it, then render it. I taught myself
3d by drawing my bathroom: shower curtain, toilet, faucet, sink stopper,
venetian blinds, medicine cabinet full of bottles etc, all in 3d...

 

I learned from an excellent book called Inside AutoCad. The
publisher was something like Rider Publishers. It is a step
by step guide to learing cad drafting and there was specifically
a version for Rel 12.

It was very clear with great illustrations and examples. I would
start there. I can track down my copy for more details if necessary

PK Morris, P.E. Illinois

 

I second Michael's recommendations. Learning how to use CAD isn't hard.
Learning how to put together a drawing that actually shows what you intend
to build is. The best CAD drafters often are those who learned to draw
with pencil and paper, or as Michael indicates with ink and mylar --
mistakes are correctable, but not easily.

--
Bob Morrison, PE, SE
R L Morrison Engineering Co
Structural & Civil Engineering
Poulsbo WA
bob at rlmorrisonengr dot com

 

Hi Again Everyone,

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. I found that just letting him
go at it on his own was a great start, as he already loved drawing. He
would come ask me a question or two, then head back to the computer and
figure stuff out.

We _did_ find a great first project to work on as well, and started laying
out our new fence in Autocad on the weekend. It's almost done, and I'm
having him do as much of it as possible.

Thanks again.
Steve

 

Great idea....he's making money at it already!