Customer Reviews

AutoCAD 14: No Experience Required

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This reference is easy to follow for architectual drafting. If you are drawing simple box type structures this is the book for you. If you need a mechanical drafting Autocad learning reference dont buy this book. You will be disappointed. For example 12 pages are devoted to "laying out the kitchen". I suggest the author and the publisher do two things; 1) change the title of the reviewed book to Architectual-Autocad 14 and 2) write another book titled Mechanical-Autocad 14.

For many years I have wanted to learn AutoCAD, but the complexity of earlier programs, and the instructional materials available made the task far too time consuming and difficult. In this book, David Frey presents a simple project which by continuing development of it cover to cover, takes an individual from the basic functions of AutoCAD R14 through 3 dimensional modeling.

Starting with a personal CAD knowledge base of zero, following Frey's lessons, I was able after about 8 hours with the book to create from scratch a basic architectural floorplan. Within four weeks, I had completed this book and was able to produce full, architectural quality construction drawings. Individual ability to create such sets will depend upon prior architectural training. But, one will most certainly be able to create simple plans, and make modifications to much more complex ones. As way of comparison, the easy to read and understand material presented here amounted to what is taught in a much more intense three month college introductory level CAD course. I give this book an A+.

A word of note. This book is written for those who are needing to aquire AutoCAD skills for architectural design, construction, or structure documentation purposes. In this respect, Frey delivers. It is not a book for mechanical engineering, or civil engineering CAD skills.

In conclusion, this work quickly provided me a comprehensive set of skills needed to assume a leadership role in historic preservation project management, cutting many months off what is normally a steep learning curve. I recommend it to anyone who needs to learn how to create or modify architectural drawings, without reserve.

Following this book, I recommend George Omura's "Mastering AutoCAD Release 14". Purchase these two together, and one will have a high quality architectural CAD training package and reference source.

But be aware it is for you only if you are an Arcitecht... if you use autocad for other reasons I think you should consider another one..

Unlike most AutoCAD books that are filled with tips and shortcuts, this one assumes that 1) you don't know anything about AutoCAD, and 2) you want to. I had the luxery of a solid week at work to spend with the book and it was worth it. At the end I really knew what I was doing. I felt ready to actually start working.

This is the best autocad learning manual. It concisely and clearly shows how to use the Autocad commands to draw in 2 and 3 dimensions. It is much clearer than Autocad for Dummies or Autocad Basic by Shumaker. It also shows how to use architect features. I have 11 books on Autocad, this is the best!!

I purchased this book for my new student worker. He was able to go through the book in about 40 hours and learned the basics of AutoCAD 14 in that time. He was able to start from clicking on the icon to finishing a drawing in this time frame. This book has even helped me in learning some of the new features in Release 14 and I have been doing AutoCAD for 13 years.

I bought this book to use as a textbook for a Beginning AutoCAD 14 internet class. I was on my own in learning and this book was just great. My intructor was amazed at how fast I was learning to draw. I highly recomend this book to any new users.

I found this book to be well-constructed and full of informative, helpful and practical examples for the novice and a great reference for the experienced. The book takes the user from a "WHAT IS AutoCAD?" level to the more advanced "JUST GIVE ME THE MEAT" level. From the very minute I opened the book I was able to start drawing. I have created a set of basic architectural drawings that has allowed me to analyze different remodeling and furniture layout scenarios. My next stop is to design an irrigation layout that maximizes my landscaping and watering effectiveness with minimum waste. This will be a treasured and well-used book in my personal library for a very long time.... Thanks David!

This is great for those who have never ventured into AutoCAD and need to start learning. I bought the book because I was starting an internship at an architecture firm and needed to get basics down so that I would be of more use. I have begun working through the tutorial and have picked up enough so that I am pretty comfortable using the application. The project managers in the office were so impressed with the book, and the results they see in me, they're planning on buying it for themselves!

As a person who has never done any computer aided drawing before, this book was excellent. I have beed trying for many years to get involved with Autocad but would somehow get very frustrated and chuck it in after a number of starts. This book took me through the paces via a project. I am now drawing the plans (or at least the first draft) for my home. As a 'hands-on' type person this book suited me just fine.