In article ,
"Leon" wrote:

"Robatoy" wrote in message
...
AutoCAD is handy for designing aeroplanes. Too big and bulky and
[snip]

By any
chance did you have a drafting back ground before taking AutoCAD courses?
IMHO knowing all the short cuts and rules to drawing in the first place
makes moving up to a CAD program much simpler.

Yes I did, insofar as 'drafting' per se is required in electrical
engineering. I wouldn't consider myself a 'draftsman' by 1970's
standards, as those guys have always amazed me. I managed enough to get
a credit though... and yes it is very helpful when going to a CAD
program.
It also explains why AutoCAD has so many ways to draw a simple line as
many of the metaphors are from the drafting trade.

I found that AutoCAD fell flat on it's face in 3D solid modelling
compared to more 3D oriented programs. Even though I received
certification in 3D modelling from AutoDesk, I found it very cumbersome
and virtually useless from a creative standpoint. NURBS were available
to me elsewhere as was the ability to intersect, subtract, add and
section solids... without having to know what Boole had for breakfast on
Oct 12 1858. (Oatmeal and apple sauce?)

CAD programs do not teach
you to draw correctly they simply speed the process up. With out the basic
fundamentals of drafting, CAD programs and as you put it the more complex
AutoCAD program can be quite intimidating.

Couldn't agree more. NO CAD program will teach you to think either on a
flat plane or in 3D space. All that **** happens in the brain first,
then CAD will help you put it on paper/file. If one can't visualize a 6"
x 12" x 12' beam with a 45-degree 2" chamfer running the length of the
beam, you'll never know whether or not what you drew was correct.

A friend of mine teaches manufacturing technology at a local high school
and some of his students take to CAD like ducks to water, and some, even
though bright in other areas, cannot get to first base with the simple
programs.

One thing that ****es me off in a big way, is those clowns at the local
kitchen stores drag-n-dropping library items on a plan and 'creating'
kitchen lay-outs. (Never mind the 3" and 4" spacers all over, because
the library doesn't HAVE a 19 1/2" wide cabinet)/.... but I
digress...ALMOST got into a rant there, there, didn't I?

I can open *MY* drawers in a drawing of a cabinet.....G