AutoCAD for 3D?

I'm curious what everyone's experiences are out there with modeling in 3D. I know most of the designated 3D modeling programs out there (Inventor, SolidWorks, Catia, etc) all work in pretty much the same general way. I know that using AutoCAD to model solids is reasonably different, some may say more difficult (or at least less intuitive).

How many of you out there use AutoCAD as your primary 3D modeling and/or drafting program? If not, what is your program of choice for this purpose?

this was asked relatively recently in chat

http://www.cadtutor.net/forum/showthread.php?t=32323

Heavily customized, I've been working in 3d with AutoCAD since release 10 and continue to use r14 to do my solid modeling.

I'm sure the more recent CAD offerings are more efficient than AutoCAD out of the box but plain AutoCAD is very capable. I do admit I am envious of some of the new features of the later releases.

Again, my setup is customized and I believe I am at least if not more proficient than Inventor or SolidWorks, etc.

I started off doing all my drawings in 2d AutoCAD, then I worked with a company that used Solidworks. It was such an easy program to learn. Then I left that company to go back to 2D.

Now im learning 3d in AutoCAD. Still a beginner, i only know basic stuff, but ive anaged to draw a stair as my 1st playtime project.

Dont ask me how to render it though. I haven't got a clue

Thats great.

Thank you.

I had actually done the job in 2d. this gets me through my lunchtimes. A kind of motivational project to help me learn 3d.

Ha, nice stairway! That's pretty neat, way beyond what I can do at this point, but I just started really learning the 3d... yesterday

That's a pretty good effort for just starting out. I too used ACAD in 2D and thought why not move over to 3D. It's been a great learning process, but I can tell you this:

3D is of value to presentation work and doing renderings. There is great value in this don't get me wrong. And to get some clients to understand your concept there is nothing like it.

But in the real world, that is the shop that is going to fabricate this stair and the field crew who will install it, and the GC and/or Architect who will review the drawings, 2D will be the only thing they are interested in. I love the effects one can get with 3D but in my job at least, 2D is what feeds the beast of productivity.

Keep your hand in it. When the day comes, and it will, that you need these skills, you'll be glad you took the time to move out onto the Z axis.

Good luck.