SolidWorks Training Diary--Intro

Readers may think CAD insiders are CAD experts. Some actually are. Lynn Allen and David Cohen can both show even veteran CAD users a trick or two.  Another example is Ralph Grabowski, who can fill a book (several, actually) about using CAD products. Then there's me. Years of covering the industry from a "higher level" have taken a toll. I wasn't sure I could model even a simple part any more -- the kind I used to assign to one of my first semester students. I used to teach CAD to college students. That seems like such a long time ago.

In an attempt to relive those glory days, I snatched a demo copy of SolidWorks off my shelf. I was going to dive in and get dirty. I felt like the football hero cliché, playing days long over, after years of watching the game from the couch, getting up to play with the kids.

What will follow is a diary of my day to day experiences trying to learn the SolidWorks program. As I will steal time from my day job (the aforementioned "higher level" coverage), I plan on run through the tutorials, do a little self-teaching -- maybe even model something significant. In doing so, I hope not only to rekindle an interest but to get back in touch my readers. For those considering buying an MCAD program, this may actually be useful. And maybe I can even make use out of an expensive -- and long neglected --engineering education.

Comments

[Richard Williams]

It might not be fair to you but if you get stuck on anything tell us about it. We are all friends out here. SolidProfessor and SolidWorks are a great combo for starters. Even the update program that SolidProfessor sells is a knockout. I teach a different class of people. My people are not yet teenagers and they do so well so there is hope for us older users. Enjoy.

[Ricky Jordan]

Roopinder,

I look forward to reading your SolidWorks Training Diary. If there is anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to ask.

Best Regards,

Ricky Jordan
http://www.rickyjordan.net

[Lynn Allen]

Thanks for the nice mention Roopinder!

[Jeff Mirisola]

If you get stuck, Roopinder, there are plenty of us out here who are willing to help out.

[ralphg]

Heh, hopefully you get beyond Lesson 1...