Tips on beginning AutoCAD?

[dbroada]

I'm just being lazy here as my first search didn't reveal much of use.

Can anybody recommend how to start learning AutoCAD - preferably free.

We have a number of graduates in the company and it has now been decided to sent them through the design office (my department) to learn AutoCAD. Some of them are good enough already but some have probably never seen it before. AutoCAD (R14?) used to come with a "get you started" CD but this is no longer offered. Is the "e-learning" for absolute beginners or can anybody recomment a better/alternative way to get them started.

We have 4 very competant AutoCAD men here so they won't be absolutely blind but we don't have time (as usual) to hold their hands all day long.

TIA

[pennylove]

Autocad for Dummbies maybe? The learning curve might be a long one, but if you bought the book, made them share, and made a rule to consult the book before asking any questions, perhaps that would help solve your problem. What autocad are you using? I have noticed that my 2007 has built in tutorials.

[dbroada]

We are using 2006.

I hadn't thought of checking to see if it comes with a tutorial mode until I saw your suggestion. It didn't really matter though, it doesn't.

I'll suggest a book once the boss gets back into the office and see whos budget we can buy one with.

I wasn't going to ask for book suggestions as the UK market is usually limited but a couple of our engineers are currently in Houston. They could maybe bring one back with them... Any book suggestions/reviews for total newbies?

[rkmcswain]

Can anybody recommend how to start learning AutoCAD - preferably free.

Take a look at http://www.dgcad.com/

[dbroada]

Take a look at http://www.dgcad.com/

thanks. Looks interesting - I might just bring some headphones in tomorrow to check if it sounds interesting too.

[ReMark]

Also consider the tutorials offered at via the AUGI Training Program. Look in the current and archived ATP course listings. Archived courses are zipped files that can be downloaded and studied at any time. However, you must register as an AUGI member which is free. Check it out.

[Starkey]

AutoCAD Bible (it's a book)

[Antisthenes]

the best tip i think is to type toolbar make your own new toolbar(s) and drag and drop all the commands you will use to it and close the other ones.

get familiar with the commands and their options that you will use. (there is not much)

i have given 1 day crash courses in autocad and the persons came productive the next day.
it's not that complicated if you learn proper technique and you will only become faster until you have past the program to one that can do for you what you want even faster more simple and more powerfully

[StykFacE]

the best tip i think is to type toolbar make your own new toolbar(s) and drag and drop all the commands you will use to it and close the other ones.

not trying to criticize here, but the only problem i see with this, is people usually get used to a new program from how it was originally set up. this could cripple the learning curve in the future, always "wanting" or "needing" that Toolbar(s) they started with before going any further.

personally, i think it's best to use the defaults first and with 'hints & tips' learned on the way, they will get better and faster like the rest - then they can customize later on their own. no matter what, there will be a learning curve, especially in a program such as AutoCAD. it doesn't have to be painful, but it won't be painless at the same time.

[dbroada]

the best tip i think is to type toolbar make your own new toolbar(s) and drag and drop all the commands you will use to it and close the other ones.

Its funny that. The two guys in the office who can produce drawings quicker than anybody else don't use toolbars at all. We both know how to drive it properly.