| Author | Message | ||
     Djkaplan  |
I've just started a project that's using AutoCAD. I've spent the last 20 years using Intergraph, Microstation, Pasce, Catia, and SolidWorks, but I've never used AutoCAD. Can anyone point me to a good online reference? | ||
| Mikej  |
autodesk.com they have a user's forum http://discussion.autodesk.com/index.jspa?DCMP=LEC-DGsc | ||
| Jerseyguy  |
DJ - I've been using AutoCAD since the mid 80s. I think it was version 2.1. I've never used more than the resident help that comes with the program although back in the day you used to get complete hard bound user manuals. I also use SolidWorks which I taught myself about 5 years ago. I feel your pain trying to learn a new CAD system. Its like trying to draw with boxing gloves on. If I can answer any specific questions, I'd be glad to help. | ||
| Steve_mackay  |
Djkaplan, I feel for ya...  Personally, I can't stand autocad, never could. But hey, I use Cad/Cam systems most people haven't heard of at all... VX, and Delcam PowerShape/PowerMill. Both apps are specialized for moldmaking, which is why we use 'em. | ||
| Djkaplan |
Thanks for the help. There's not one users guide here for me to get started and most of the commands are exactly the opposite of Microstations. Even the damn mouse I'm using is freaking me out. Where the hell is my tentative button? Hmmm... | ||
| Mikej |
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ats-query-page/ref=b_tn_bh_bo/102-7992696-9422 504 Click the above link and type Autocad into the title box, tons of hits. Probably your best option if you're starting from scratch. I was using AutoCAD from prior to version 2.something up until version9 was being replaced by version 10, used to have AutoSketch at home and upgraded to AutoCAD-LT several years ago but haven't touched it at home since then. Been using SDRC/EDS I-DEAS since version MS-1.0 (straight from the total software rewrite bugomatic release) up to the current version 10.whateveritis. AutoCAD has exploded into many many variations for specific end industry uses and their functionality has expanded from 2D to 2.5D to 3D, with many ancilliary 3rd party applications available. Too many to keep track of unless you're in a specific industry using it, and almost totally closed to job seekers without the specific industry application experience. If JimWitt is still around the site here then he'd most likely be your most valuable resource due to his indepth background with the software. | ||
| Djkaplan |
It's pissing me off. I'm a professional gun on Microstation and their solid modeling program is basically an extension of my imagination. They don't even use a 3D capable version of AutoCAD at the office I'm at now and the it's killing me that I can't fly. Grrrr... | ||
| Mikej |
Frustrating, isn't it. I'm about to dual-drive I-DEAS and CatiaV5 and eventually migrate fully to CatiaV5. Problem is the rendition of Catia I"ll be on will be in a different data management environment than the rest of the crew here so I'll have to learn to work with two data/library management environments and also learn to exchange data between the two (and the local IT guru we bring in for major snafu adjustments states the dual environment probably won't work - wonderfull). Just pretend you're about to get a new old bike, only it has right-side shifter, left side rear brake, and no electric start. You'll be fine, just give yourself time to wrap your mind around the new-to-you system. Hang in there, it's only software.  | ||
| Steve_mackay |
Mike, good luck with the data management with Catia. in my experience, Catia doesn't play well with others. YMMV. | ||
| Mikej |
Yep, that's what I've been told, and I'm the functional primary portal person to our major/main client/customer. If only the bicycle shop would match my salary, or even get a bit closer. | ||
| Steve_mackay |
It's funny, because I've gotten two Catia files in this week. Catia just has sucky exports. Especially iges. Their step files aren't MUCH better either. | ||
| Jeremyh  |
I use both Acad2005 and Solidworks2005 everyday and personally wish autocad would just go away. Its not hard to use but it's like trying to decied...."do i want to ride in a Ferrari or do i want to ride in a Pinto. Stick with the 3dCadd you will be glad you did in the long run. | ||
| Josh_  |
My wife says there's a book "Autocad for Microstation users" or something like that that's very useful when making the switch. | ||
| Whodom  |
Ahh, the joys of switching CAD programs... I started out on Computervision in the mid-80's, mostly doing big piping layouts. Did some small jobs on Autocad which at least made me familiar with it. Moved to a new job in ~1996, where they were split about 50/50 between Autocad and Microstation (which had just separated from Intergraph). Management makes a "command decision" that we will go 100% Microstation. I spend ~80 hours learning it, at which point Management makes another command decision that we will go 100% Autocad. (Arrrggghhhh!) | ||
| Djkaplan |
I remember learning Catia back in 93 and trying to use the manuals supplied by them. They must have been translated directly from French because I distinctly remember reading the phrase, "Is easy, no?". What I'm wondering is how any engineering department can possibly exist in the 21st century without using a 3D capable CAD system. I'm going to drag these people, kicking and screaming, into another dimension (as soon as this project is finished). |
