I agree w/JD.
I got my name as 'cadman' from the people who used to come into my office and watch me draw using AutoCAD.
They thought I was some kind of wizard. I quit using AutoCAD after learning Inventor in the late 90's.
A quick anecdote:
A few years ago, after being a long-time Inventor user (and basically neglecting use of AutoCAD), I thought to myself, 'Why doesn't AutoCAD work like Inventor part Sketches? So I revisited AutoCAD (2010 is my version) and found 'Constraints' that are used with AutoCAD lines, arcs, etc. After learning how to use them, I found them TOTALLY WORTHLESS b/c they bog down the computer so bad. That's when I KNEW why AutoCAD can't sketch like Inventor, and gave up all hope for that ever happening.
The ONLY times I use AutoCAD are:
1. When the customers are in the 'stone age' and think all CAD is "AutoCAD" (b/c that's all they have to work with and there's an abundance of cheap slave laborors who use it), and
2. When doing plant layouts and big stuff like that, for CONCEPTUAL PURPOSES.
Otherwise, I use Inventor exclusively (except for complex surfacing, in which case I use Rhino3D).
Once you get used to Inventor sketches, you find a lotta freedom in getting the job done quickly and reliably. And on the rare occasion I can't build a surface in Inventor, I use Rhino3D.
Incidentally, you can find some excellent Inventor TRAINING at this link: www.trainingtutorial.com (Note: I am not in any way associated or affiliated with those guys. I just know how good their training is, b/c I've used it before. Currently I'm learning iLogic using their training, and it's very good for a LINEAR THINKER like me.)
Incidentally #2: I did some 3d printing a few years ago, and would not even think of using AutoCAD to make my models. I used Inventor to make the parts, and found it quick, easy and reliable. Then the part gets exported into STL and imported into Cura or Slic3r or some other software that interfaces with your 3d Printer. Works great! See attached example of a scope mount that I made in Inventor and 3d printed using a cheap arse Wanhao 3d printer. Believe me when I tell you that this would be impossible to do in AutoCAD.
Incidentally #3: A lot of people use Fusion to make models for 3d printing. I think that was the intended target customer for Fusion. I never used it, but from what I hear, it's simpler and more of a competitor to SketchUp.
... Chris
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