Help - AutoCAD

[martinl]

AutoCAD - just got a trial version of autocad 2007. How the hell do you use it?

Ive tried reading a guide and i can't work it out.
Completely confaffled any tips or advice how to use it?

Cheers Martin

[mopple]

Try searching "autocad tutorial" on youtube.

[CTWV50]

Try searching "autocad tutorial" on youtube.

Or download google sketchup. Really good videos on using it and there is a part drawn haynes chassis on the google sketchup components database.:)

[alga]

There is a subtle difference between CAD programs and Google Sketchup. CAD operates on exact measurements, (mathematical solids in 3D) whereas Sketchup operates on 3d meshes, that are inexact by definition. For example, in a CAD a sphere is recorded as an ideal sphere (center point + radius), whereas in Sketchup it is a surface made up of lots of little triangles. For some applications that is OK, for others not.

[robo]

AutoCAD - just got a trial version of autocad 2007. How the hell do you use it?

Ive tried reading a guide and i can't work it out.
Completely confaffled any tips or advice how to use it?

Cheers Martin

I had a second hand pc with autocad installed, i messed about for hours on it to no avail. I found the whole thing a total head f@@k. :confused:

Bob

[martinl]

Its cad i want to learn but as robo says its a complete head ****. Ive googled the commands, help, and advice and i still haven't got any idea although i managed to make a box but the box weren't the measurements. I just think that learning this might help me in the future when/if i get into fabricating

[robo]

This might be an option. Discounts for students.

http://www.autocadtraining.co.uk/

Bob

[martinl]

cheers bob. ill have a good look tomorrow when the brains all fresh because that stupid programs burnt me out

[voucht]

There is also now an Open Source CAD Software which is 100% free (price and licence, as you trial version of Auto CAD will not last for ever). It is still in development, but with the last stable version, you can do a lot. There are also a lot of tutorials, video available on the net to start with it.
http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/free-cad/index.php?title=Main_Page

[mopple]

Good alternative for AutoCAD is DraftSigt from Dassault Systèmes. Requires only activation by e-mail. Can be downloaded from http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/overview/