Question for any CAD users

[freakitchen]

Hi folks,

For proof that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, my old Dad has expressed a desire to learn the process of 'solid modeling'. He already uses AutoCAD 2005 to create 2-D drawings - now he wants to expand on this.

I've been looking into picking up a tutorial book for him. A search for 'solid modeling' on amazon.co.uk brings up a few hits...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_...0&Go.y=0&Go=Go

...but most of these seem to be designed for the 'SolidWorks' program, and not AutoCAD.

I wondered if anyone had any suggestions on how I could help him with this.

Cheers,

FK

[Extremerc12]

I guess as you can see, doing solid modeling with Autocad is a getting a more and more scarce. Solidworks is beginning to take over as the leading 3d solid modeling program. I work for an engineering firm where I live, and I used Autocad to design for example, septic systems and drainage systems. Now we also use Solid Works to create 3d images of major retaining walls we design and buildings. You may need to give Autodesk a call as that is where we bought our solid modeling books from. Also between Autocad 2004-2006 there isn't much difference in the way the programs work. Actually if go back to Autocad 2000i you would see that the commands are relatively all the same and they can all perform the solid modeling. If you were to use a 2004 Autodesk autocad book for Solid modeling you should have too much trouble. Again, you can always call Autodesk and see what they have to offer you. One other thing is, is your dads Autocad 2005 Lt or the normal? If it is lt, light can't do 3d modeling. Not sure if this really helps, but I thought I would give it a shot.

Extreme

[freakitchen]

Thankyou for the response. I figured with the amount of literature devoted to Solid Modeling and Solidworks that it was the 'standard' program. His concern with diverting to Solidworks is that he often sends completed drawings to other architects who rely on AutoCAD's '.dwg' format to be able to open the drawings.

It's good to know that 2005 isn't far removed from the more recent versions - as far as getting hold of books goes. I'll advise him to give AutoDesk a call for advice. He has the full version of the program.

FK

[StykFacE]

Originally Posted by Freakitchen Thankyou for the response. I figured with the amount of literature devoted to Solid Modeling and Solidworks that it was the 'standard' program. His concern with diverting to Solidworks is that he often sends completed drawings to other architects who rely on AutoCAD's '.dwg' format to be able to open the drawings. It's good to know that 2005 isn't far removed from the more recent versions - as far as getting hold of books goes. I'll advise him to give AutoDesk a call for advice. He has the full version of the program. FK

well first off, what exactly is he trying to "model"? is it for work, or for fun? Solid Works is VERY expensive, and has a huge learning curve to do major 3D work. does your father have any experience in 3D at all?

i agree with Extreme about using AutoCAD for 3D Solid Modeling. the new AutoCAD 2007 is definitely the way to go for using plain jane AutoCAD for 3D - they revamped it bigtime, and has the same Rendering engine as 3D Studio MAX.

anyways, back on track.... AutoCAD 2005 is MORE than capable of doing 3D Solid Modeling - and it's actually quite easy once you get the hang of the UCS. the downfall, is HOW COMPLICATED you can make a Solid Model. the program just simply doesn't offer the variety of functions and tools that others provide, such as Solid Works or Inventor or Pro/E. for a "fun and free" program to get started in using general 3D, i would suggest using Google SketchUp for beginners. and here's the kicker - it flows VERY easily with AutoCAD. this can be a great oppurtunity to get started in 3D Sold Modeling with a little help from this freebie program.

so what exactly is he wanting to do? machinery parts? 3D architectual design? fun stuff as a hobby? i'm curious to find what he's wanting to do to further help your father's interest. i'm an AutoCAD designer myself and i deal with lots of 3D Solid Modeling.

[freakitchen]

Basically, he's a free-lance CAD designer, who at the moment designs for an architectural firm that designs and sells art-stone exterior detailing for larger projects. His designs vary from, say, heads and sills for windows, to stone brickwork for bridges, offices, and houses. So basically, it's 3D architectural design he'd be looking at, but more often in terms of smaller, complex stone pieces.

I'm no expert by any means, but from what I can tell, he's a skilled 2D designer, and seems pretty serious about getting into the world of 3D. I get the impression he's interested in Solidworks, but given the expense of the AutoCAD 2005 that he has, I'm sure he'd rather be able to complete the work in that program.

I've advised him to take a look at Google Sketchup - I'd heard of it, but figured it was a world away from 'real' CAD design. Obviously I was doing Google a disservice!

Thanks for your input,

FK

[StykFacE]

Oh man, Google SketchUP would be exactly what he needed to offer very nice 3D Design for Stonework. he wouldn't even have to use AutoCAD. SketchUP offers a good variety of Brick/Stone/Concrete materials already, and you can import as many as you can find of any type. you can buy CD Library's FULL of *.bmp or *.jpg materials that slide right into SketchUP.

i'm tellin' ya, with my experience that's what he's looking for.

EDIT: tell your father to go over and sign up in this forum.... www.cadtutor.net/forum - that place is mindblowing with the amount of resources for any type of CAD Designer. i'm a regular over there myself, some of the nicest guys around the globe too. he'll fit right in.