Printable View
The training options are a little overwhelming. Is there a training path for a CAD neophyte? I'd like to start with designing a simple mechanical part like an axle with flange.
Does the EAA Benefit give you access to Student level training, or only the Guest Level? (I tried to register as a student but it didn't recognize my Serial number)
Thanks
Ted
You might check the local community colleges. They will probably have some sort of pre-requisite basic drafting training required before entry to a class for a specific system.
After you download and install your software try: Help > SolidWorks Tutorials > Getting StartedQuote:
Originally Posted by TedK
There are many lessons starting with the very basics that should get you well beyond an axle with a flange.
Going at it alone is no way to learn the software. You Tube has all kids of videos and YMMV greatly.Quote:
Originally Posted by TedK
All my newly-hired engineers take the official Solidworks "Foundation" course, typically held at a local value added reseller for $1500 or so for the four day course.
However, you can find the same coursework and files on Lynda.com. Trial is free and the monthly fee is very low should you decide to sign up. It is an amazing CBT resource have been using for 4 years now.
https://www.lynda.com/SOLIDWORKS-tut.../418967-2.html
https://www.lynda.com/search?q=solidworks
The time to take this self-moderated course is about 16 hours. There are other more advanced courses such as weldment and surfacing on Lynda as well.
/Adam
The official Solidworks site has this page: http://www.solidworks.com/sw/resources.htm
But, any link there with an asterisk is unavailable without (paid) Subscription Service. Key among them is Tutorials*. This is why many other sites also offer tutorials, though many are at a cost as well.
One such professional that I've followed, but not paid for any exercises, is Jan Zuyderduyn <info@learnsolidworks.com> who has made some of his very clear PDF tutorials available for designing: a) small objects such as a double walled glass tumbler, designer furniture, orange juicer, deodorant roller, and such, as well as b) very complex assemblies of a custom motorcycle and yacht, which run the gamut of most skills and are paid products past the first few sample lessons. He makes useful clear guides for users of all skill levels. He's not the only one out there, and I don't endorse him, but he's in my inbox so I share it.
The Lynda.com resource is a new one to me, and at first glance is definitely also worth checking out. Thanks!
That said, your best free resource for broad coverage of skill tutorials is YouTube. Once you have the software installed, reading through the menu commands or a mouse-over of any command icon will provide you the names of any Feature, which is useful as a search term at YouTube. For advanced options, use keywords grabbed from options shown in Feature Manager of any Feature. Help files will also specify terms used, which you can then lookup in YouTube.
Soon, I'll also write up a conceptual introduction to Solidworks here, though I'm certain that what I'd be sharing is also presented elsewhere.
Another method is just by showing up at a local Solidworks User Group and start asking questions and taking in the User Group meetings. All users are welcome and we CAD guys love to talk Solidworks.
Here's the User Group locator page so you can find one in your area.
http://www.swugn.org/swugn/directory.htm
Steve C