Cad software?

[fryerfighter94]

brokenbimer533 im still in hs but interested in engineering so i wanted to get a head start on learning CAD.

Thanks for all the advice!

[blitz355]

Do a class definetly. You will never learn it yourself unless you really go hard at it.

[fryerfighter94]

right now im using sketchup, and from there probably going to watch youtube tutorials for blender. reason for not taking a class is that i can not take it next year, and to take the class with cad you must be in computer classes for 1+ years, which i have not done.

thank you all for the great advice, however!

[Justin B]

sent you a pm..

[Slangbox]

You could also try starting with some online tutorials. And for the record I think most basic engineering classes (like mine) start with autocad and then solidworks.

[Justin B]

Yup. Solidworks is the shit, even it is covered well with SW09 in online tutorials from beginner to advanced. I'm learning it now (again, I used to use it some years ago).

[fryerfighter94]

sent you a pm..

pm received. how much?

[Philo]

I wouldn't waste my time in anything other than Autodesk or solidworks. It's all about knowing a program and knowing it well. If you want to teach yourself how to draft, pull out a drafting board and a t-square.

[fryerfighter94]

I'm doing this because it interests me and to learn techniques and how to use this software before college. I want to attend either Cal Poly San Luis Obispo or Stanford (I do 2 sports and get over 4.0) and so therefore my question is, which cad programs do they use?

Most likely Im going to stick with sketchup and blender before college, however, just so that I have a basic knowledge.

[Philo]

They will most likely use Autodesk (AKA autocad, inventor, revit, ect) as most schools do.

Using a program that is not the same as the school's will not provide any gains or give you any edge. If anything it will put you back because you are use to doing it a different way.

What kind of drafting are you wanting to do, and have you ever taken ANY drafting class before? If not, the first class you need to take has nothing to do with computers. Board drafting is where the true skill and basics are learned.

[freeski27]

Alright... finally something I can seriously help in.

Here is the deal. Don't waste your time with a T-square. I grew up drafting by hand, and don't get me wrong, I actually prefer it, but it will serve no purpose for you these days. Other than impressing people of course.

AutoCAD sucks IMO. It is the worst program to learn in; it is not user friendly, and the command shortcuts are dumb as hell.

Solidworks and Inventor are both good programs. And if there is any program to try to learn in, it is Inventor (by Autodesk) hands down. Even better is you can get it for FREE! Go to the Autodesk website and create a student account. Once you have created a verified student account you can download almost all of their programs for free. Not only that, there are tutorials and forums there.

Now. When you really want to start some serious 3d modeling, it's all about Rhino3d IMO. That you will have to find a Torrent for. UNLESS you have a MAC, like me. There is currently an OSX version of RHINO in beta testing, and they gave me a free version to test :D. No bugs either! Gotta love OSX...

Hope all this helps. O yeah, sketchup is a neat little bit of freeware, but it is very limited. Make the switch to Inventor ASAP.

YouTube tutorials can be good.

If you really want some help, PM me. We can work something out.

[Philo]

It depends on what he will be doing mechanical or architectural. I wouldn't want to draw a floor plan in Inventor. I've used both programs and Inventor is definitely THE BEEZ-NEEZ when it come to mechanical drafting. So effortless and easy to use. If he is wanting architectural, you're stuck with autocad - not bad when you get use to it.

From the sound of it though, I think he is looking Mechanical.

[fryerfighter94]

yes, mechanical is what I am interested in. Architecture sounds cool, but I'm more into designing things and want to compete in formula sae, for those of you who dont know what it is, its a collegiate racing competition in which teams (schools) design their own MARKETABLE race car, and build it, are judged on it, and drive it. Cars in competition range from this...

to the more common looking



This is the kinda stuff im into after 15 years of watching Formula 1 and Nascar

[Philo]

Ok, well you want to look into Inventor by Autodesk. It is one hell of a program.

Contact the school(s) you are looking to go to, and see what program they use. Also, student versions from autodesk usually run from $99-$120 for a timed usage. It's a good deal all things considered.

[freeski27]

It depends on what he will be doing mechanical or architectural. I wouldn't want to draw a floor plan in Inventor. I've used both programs and Inventor is definitely THE BEEZ-NEEZ when it come to mechanical drafting. So effortless and easy to use. If he is wanting architectural, you're stuck with autocad - not bad when you get use to it.

From the sound of it though, I think he is looking Mechanical.

touche. you make a good point. Sorry, maybe i was a bit hash on autoCAD. I do still use it here and there for layouts. Although, it is the last program that you want to learn on, particularly if you want to end up in 3D (which we now know that he will).

lol here is what is currently on my screen (my most recent work for power boat design class :D). I am a Naval Architecture Major (ship/boat design). We do just about all types of engineering because we have to know most of it; mech, structures (civil), electrical, and then out Naval Arch stuff! (hydrostatics...).

But here is the engine/drive setup for my powerboat :D. The engines are pretty much done. But the drives are still pretty rough. They are similar to volvo ips drives (they spin all the way around for maneuverability at low speed.)