Newby questions: How to get started?

[stef_r]

Hello here!

I'm new to AutoCAD (mechanical) but I've seen some intro video's (getting started video's) from AutoCAD and are very exiting to get started!

Since I'm total new with AutoCAD, it's pretty challenging I must say!
Let me give an example...
From the picture attached, I want to make a mechanical drawing.
It's a standard bracket wich I intend to ' copy ' by a local supplier.
But he needs a nice mechanical drawing, with messurements / dimensions etc.

Is there somewhere a tutorial or getting started video on how to approach this?
How do I draw the first lines, do I draw a line / box or can I betetr do it on a different way?
If I start to draw, how do I deside or let AutoCAD know wich view (front / side / etc.) I'm drawing?
And because the bracket is allready bend, how do I meassure the correct dimensions in account for the thickness of the aluminium? Do I measure the inside of the bracket or the outside, or do I need to extract the thickness (2mm) from a certain meassurement?

I have done some electrical CAD drawings with Cadsoft Eagle (for designing electronic designs and Printed Circuit Boards) but this is a whole different story...

Hope someone is willing to help me with this one!

Thanks for the time!

[Tiger]

Hi Stef and welcome to the forum! And welcome to the AutoCAD

There are tutorials on this site that you could start with (Tutorial button at the top left corner). The tutorials on we-r-here.com/cad/tutorials get recommended by users here as well.

If CAD is something you are planning to continue with, there are classes you can take (depends on where in the world you are, where in the world are you?) and there are also books that you can buy. For instance the author Ellen Finkelstein both has a website and books that can help you.

And lastly, you have signed up to the best (*polishes nails on shirt and looks at them*) cad-forum there is. This one that is

Ask as much as you need, it's always best to start a new thread for each new question (or question-group) so that the converstions don't get too convoluted. And remember there is always more than onre way to skin the cat so don't be surprised if you get five different solutions for even the easiest task. Especially for the easy tasks...

Like lines. You can find the button for a LINE. Or the button for a POLYLINE. or the button for a RECTANGLE. They all pretty much get you the same thing. I would recommend that you start with some of the basics tutorials and then play around a bit with AutoCAD and see what you can find. And if you get stuck, come back here and ask questions.

Now, I will shut up and go get some coffee

[MSasu]

Welcome to the Forum, stef_r!
The said picture isn’t visible; did you tried to attach it as a link? Maybe is better to load it directly here.

Regarding your start, I strongly suggest following some of the tutorials from this site prior to start with a real project.

[stef_r]

Sorry, forgot to attach the image
But now the image is there!

[Dadgad]

Sorry, forgot to attach the image
But now the image is there!

Welcome to the team.
I am guessing that you did attach it, and a moderator has taken mercy on you as a newbie, and allowed you to attach it.
I think you are supposed to have a minimum number of posts before you can upload a file.
Likely Tiger has helped you out here.

[Tiger]

Nah, I had nuffink to do with it. I ain't that friendly

For the record, you can upload photos here without a minimum of posts, you can't post more than one link though until you have 10 posts.

[ReMark]

It looks to be a ninety degree bend. Is that correct?

I would draw it in 3D then use the Base View command to extract the 2D views.

What is the thickness of the material?

[Dadgad]

It looks to be a ninety degree bend. Is that correct?

I would draw it in 3D then use the Base View command to extract the 2D views.

In the interest of clarity might you want to say MODEL it in 3D?

[ReMark]

3D_LongBracket.jpg
Semantics. Draw it, model it, create it, construct it.

My version of your bracket. Since you provided no dimensions consider this a rough approximation.

[JD Mather]

Attachment 35741
Semantics. Draw it, model it, create it, construct it.

My version of your bracket. Since you provided no dimensions consider this a rough approximation.

In my world "draw it" means 2D drawing. "Model it" means create 3D CAD model. Create or construct it means go out on the shop floor and, well, create it.

Does your version have a bend? Hard to tell from the picture? In any case, must have a bend to unfold.