Mastering SolidWorks: How to Learn on Your Own?

[PhMichael]

Hi all,

I would like to learn SolidWorks on my own and I'm not sure what is the best way/ways to do so ... I'm willing to spend a couple of hours, each day, to get a grip on it properly and fairly quickly (I need to know how to use this program in a good level till the 6th of January).
I have a good background in manual drawing but, unfortunately, I have never use a CAD program.

Your advise would be extrememly appreciated.

Thanks ;)

 

[Astronuc]

Is one interested in 2D or 3D Cad.

For 2D, DraftSight is free. http://www.3ds.com/products/draftsight/

SolidWorks has a student version, but I'm not sure of its availability.

Perhaps these will help:

http://www.solidworks.com/sw/products/education_products.htm
http://www.solidworks.com/sw/demo_library.htm

Look around, or contact DSS.

 

[Jones1987]

I'm in the same boat as you, I am starting to self teach myself Solidworks, I have ordered this after I used a copy from the library:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470554819/?tag=pfamazon01-20

However if you cannot afford / want to risk buying this book, there is a PDF online

 

[Curl]

Best way to learn is to start making things.

Do tutorials, they help the most. You'll learn slowly at first but then it will become easier and easier to get good at it.

I took a class on it, also I used a book by Murray or something like that. It explains everything pretty nicely, might be worth taking a look at.

 

[PhMichael]

I'm in the same boat as you, I am starting to self teach myself Solidworks, I have ordered this after I used a copy from the library:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0470554819/?tag=pfamazon01-20

However if you cannot afford / want to risk buying this book, there is a PDF online

Hmmm, there is a copy at the library so i'll order it but first:
How did you find this book? Is it a tutorial-based one (practical) for new users or is it intended for people who know some CAD?

Best way to learn is to start making things.

Do tutorials, they help the most. You'll learn slowly at first but then it will become easier and easier to get good at it.

I took a class on it, also I used a book by Murray or something like that. It explains everything pretty nicely, might be worth taking a look at.

I wanted to take a course but, unluckily, I couldn't :( ... Do you any good places (online of course :P) that have efficient tutorials? Does this book (Inside Solidworks, Murray. Isn't it?) have good tutorials for new users?

 

[flasht]

I have a copy of the SolidWorks 2007 bible. I can confirm that this is a good book for beginners with a lot of good tutorials. I used this book when I first started to learn SW. It also include a CD with resources and solutions.

Depend on what you would like to learn (Mechanical oriented or product dev.) for product dev. I can recommend a great book covering complex shape/surface modelling (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0470258233/?tag=pfamazon01-20).


Good luck.

FlashT
Mechanical eng. student

 

[nathanlee52]

Solidworks is one of the simplest ways into 3d modeling. you'll find the tutorials from the manufacturer are easy to follow. You'll get the hang of it quickly. There is also a gross of information online if you get stuck.

Of note, you'll find that the year to year variants in tutorial books rarely will impede you. just find any copy and get started.

SW shouldn't be too hard to get your hands on.

 

[Curl]

You don't need fancy tutorials, you just need to understand what each tool does and what it is designed to do (what it is meant for), and the rest is just messing around on your own.

The book by murray has good tutorials from beginners, step by step. There aren't a whole lot, but you don't need a lot to learn. Basically you do one tutorial and you learned the tool, then its up to you to practice.