new711 Posted November 24, 2008 Posted November 24, 2008 Hello, I am completely new to AutoCAD and wondering if it's right for me. I work for a small general contracting company and we do EVERYTHING by hand. All drawing measurements, calculations, etc. I know this is very inefficient so I'm trying to find what will be most effective for us. I know that AutoCAD is a great software, but when I was playing around with it, I was totally lost. I realize there will be a high learning curve, but I don't want to spend the time if it's not what I need. Any suggestions?? THANK YOU! Quote
GhostRider Posted November 24, 2008 Posted November 24, 2008 That is a broad question, hard to answer well, without knowing what type of contracting /construction you do. Autocad is so versitile I believe it can be tailored to meet any need, if your willing to put in the time and effort needed, with custom lisp and automation autocad does alot more than just draw lines and dimensions.. If your wanting something more automated one of the vertical autodesk like architectural or even revit, with those programs I think it's like modeling more than drawing. I hope maybe this is a litttle help Quote
new711 Posted November 24, 2008 Author Posted November 24, 2008 Well we are general contractors who mostly build shopping centers and restaurants. My main goal is finding a software to help calculate quantities so I don't have to do it all by hand. Quote
Tankman Posted November 24, 2008 Posted November 24, 2008 Well we are general contractors who mostly build shopping centers and restaurants. My main goal is finding a software to help calculate quantities so I don't have to do it all by hand. Learn AutoCAD! Even for enjoyment, the education'll be worth it. As far a calculating quantities, I do a lot of plumbing drawings and, with an add on fittings, pipe, valves, etc., I can then view the list of items in my drawings; quantity of each and the weights of each, along with a printable list. Very nice. Perhaps your vendors can help out in this matter. Quote
wannabe Posted November 24, 2008 Posted November 24, 2008 Well we are general contractors who mostly build shopping centers and restaurants. My main goal is finding a software to help calculate quantities so I don't have to do it all by hand. I think, yes, mate. As soon as possible would by my advice and learn about having the weekends off Quote
BOB'27T Posted November 24, 2008 Posted November 24, 2008 AutoCad will definitely make your life easier. The biggest advantage is the increased speed and accuracy over drawing by hand. With all the books, online tutorials and of course, this site you will have no problem learning the program. Even a moron like myself picked it up very quickly! Quote
nocturne00 Posted November 24, 2008 Posted November 24, 2008 CAD is a a thing of the future, neglecting a chance to learn it will prove disadvantageous, everything involved in construction and project management greatly relies on this software coz it gives them the competitive edge. There was once a time where drafting of a large scale project requires an entire building floor composed of about 50-100 draftsmen just to get the drawings done by hand,,, now it will only take 5-10 CAD operators to get it done with increased efficiency. Learn it, enjoy while your at it , if problems arise there is always cadtutor here Quote
Tankman Posted November 25, 2008 Posted November 25, 2008 Coming from the "paper age", I resisted movin' on to AutoCAD. Sure glad I moved along, drawing only in AutoCAD nowadays! Make the move! Sooner the better! Have fun! Quote
succu8us Posted November 25, 2008 Posted November 25, 2008 try and learn AutoCAD because if ever you will search for better opportunities or suitable place to work with, for sure you'll be get hired easily! now a days AutoCAD is a must for any contracting companies. Quote
ReMark Posted November 25, 2008 Posted November 25, 2008 AutoCAD or one of its vertical products (emphasis on architecture) would benefit both you and the company. You'll want to learn about the use of blocks and linking AutoCAD with Excel (to generate a spreadsheet). No knowledge of CAD puts you behind the eight ball so to speak. To get up and running quickly consider taking a basic AutoCAD course at your local community college (about as cheap as it gets). Quote
smorales02 Posted November 25, 2008 Posted November 25, 2008 Learn AutoCAD! Even for enjoyment, the education'll be worth it. As far a calculating quantities, I do a lot of plumbing drawings and, with an add on fittings, pipe, valves, etc., I can then view the list of items in my drawings; quantity of each and the weights of each, along with a printable list. Very nice. Perhaps your vendors can help out in this matter. Do you mean you have an add-on for acad that populates your quantities list???If so do you mind sharing? Quote
CadKid Posted November 27, 2008 Posted November 27, 2008 i think you should learn AutoCAD, it's definetly a handy tool to learn....its really not hard to understand....i learned cad when i was only 17 years old, Quote
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