Need suggestion for 3D Autocad book!

[manyee]

Hi,

I'm looking for a good book to learn more about Autocad 2009 3D.
Can anybody suggest a good book to buy?
So far, I've only seen this 2 books on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/3D-AutoCAD-200...1878483&sr=8-1

and

http://www.amazon.com/AutoCAD-2009-T...878507&sr=8-14

Thanks,

[ReMark]

The first book you listed is one that I actually just bought. I found it to be pretty good. However, although I know the year in the title of the book I am going to recommend next might scare you off, I would highly recommend it.

AutoCAD 2007 3-D Modeling A Visual Approach by Alan J. Kalameja. It comes with a CD of sample drawings keyed to the chapters.

[manyee]

The first book you listed is one that I actually just bought. I found it to be pretty good. However, although I know the year in the title of the book I am going to recommend next might scare you off, I would highly recommend it.

AutoCAD 2007 3-D Modeling A Visual Approach by Alan J. Kalameja. It comes with a CD of sample drawings keyed to the chapters.

Hi ReMark,

Thanks for the suggestion.
Why do you think that the 2007 book is better than the 2009 3D One Step A Time?
Do you think that I should learn this 2007 book first?

[ReMark]

I thought the book by Kalameja was a bit more concise and I liked having the sample drawings. The other difference is that the 3D One Step book's author sneaks in some religion along with his CAD. It's an odd combination to say the least. It is not pervasive by any means, more subtle, but it is supposed to be a book about CAD. Right?

Each book has its strong points so that is why both are included in my library of AutoCAD related books.

[manyee]

I thought the book by Kalameja was a bit more concise and I liked having the sample drawings. The other difference is that the 3D One Step book's author sneaks in some religion along with his CAD. It's an odd combination to say the least. It is not pervasive by any means, more subtle, but it is supposed to be a book about CAD. Right?

Each book has its strong points so that is why both are included in my library of AutoCAD related books.

Thanks for the opinion, ReMark.
It's good to hear review from end user since I can't find enough review for these books.
Just want to let you know that I read somewhere last time that the 2009 3D actually also has sample drawings but I'm not sure whether it's included in the book CD or you have to download it.

So if I'm using ACAD 2009 right now and assuming that I know nothing about 3D, which book should I get first?

[ReMark]

I believe your right about the 3D One Step book that examples can be downloaded from the Internet.

I would recommend that you get the 3D One Step book primarily because the commands you use and the illustrations you see are all tied into AutoCAD 2009. Later on, if money is available, I'd recommend buying the other book. You can do what I did after my first copy got water logged due to a burst pipe and buy a "used but in good condition" copy. I think I paid about half what the new one cost. Now I have two CDs.

[spittle]

Though not a book - this site is an excellent place to learn CAD:

http://www.we-r-here.com/cad/tutorials/index.htm

[manyee]

Though not a book - this site is an excellent place to learn CAD:

http://www.we-r-here.com/cad/tutorials/index.htm

Hehehe..I know this site very well. Since I learn my 2007 exactly from this site.
A wonderful site truly to learn Autocad from beginning.
Thanks for the reminder.
Spittle, do you have any recommendation for a good book for ACAD 2009 3D?

Thanks,

[spittle]

No I don't unfortunately. I would say the site suggested is a good start for 3D even though it's not 2009. I've been getting used to 2009 just by using it but the shortcuts are still the same as previous versions - there is also the option to set the interface up to be 'AutoCAD Classic' or similar.

I think if you want to get good at modelling in 3D maybe pick some objects on your desk and try modelling them - and use this forum when you hit a wall.

My first models after doing a load of tutorials included a Rollon deoderant bottle with lid, and a money box. I then moved onto a water treatments works etc etc.