Summary
Book, CD, and web-based support provided creates a complete learning system! Complete step-by-step approach to each topic gives users a simple, hands-on training tool so they can learn by doing. 190 "Do This" guided exercisesDivided into three columns:Steps, Command Sequence,andTools. Exercises are derived from a variety of disciplinesIncluding architecture, petrochemical, mechanical, electrical, decorating, and more.Designed for the novice, this book is ideal for independent study. A step-by-step approach and over 2,500 graphics are used to prepare readers to work in a 2-dimensional drafting environment. Both book, CD, and web-based support are provided to create a complete learning system. Content changes that reflect the AutoCAD 2002 upgrade includes material for the new AutoCAD user interface, Internet tools, upgrades to existing commands, as well as new problems and new chapters on PaperSpace, Xrefs, OLE, dbConnect. Supports text instructions with a generous use of detailed screen shots, actual drawings, and helpful graphics.Timothy Sean Sykeshas been an instructor at Houston Community College and North Harris College in Houston, TX for the past 7 years. Tim has a degree in secondary education from Lamar University. Prior to teaching, he spent 16 years as a designer in the Piping, Furniture, Structural, and Display fields. Tim has extensive writing experience; he has worked as a freelance writer, published two cookbooks, written a newsletter, published two field guides for edible wild plants, and has written assembly instructions for modular and furniture construction articles.
Table of Contents
| Part 1 The Basics |
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3 | (44) |
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Drawing Basics: Lines and Coordinates |
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47 | (24) |
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Sharing Your Work with Others |
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71 | (68) |
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139 | (38) |
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Display Controls and Basic Text |
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177 | (44) |
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Geometric Shapes (Other Than Lines and Rectangles!) |
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221 | (44) |
| Part 2 Beyond the Basics |
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Adding Flavor to Your Drawings with Layers |
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265 | (56) |
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Editing Your Drawing: Modification Procedures |
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321 | (46) |
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More Complex Lines: Polylines (and Light Weight Polylines) |
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367 | (48) |
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415 | (46) |
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Some Useful Drawing Tricks |
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461 | (36) |
| Part 3 Some More Advanced Techniques |
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497 | (44) |
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Advanced Lines: Multilines |
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541 | (40) |
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581 | (36) |
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617 | (48) |
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665 | (32) |
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Advanced Modification Techniques |
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697 | (32) |
| Part 4 Razzle Dazzle |
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Hatching and Section Lines |
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729 | (48) |
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Many as One: Groups and Blocks |
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777 | (56) |
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833 | (54) |
| Part 5 Drawings Display and Arrangement |
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Space for a New Beginning |
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887 | (40) |
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927 | (50) |
| Part 6 AutoCAD Interfaces with Drawings, Images, and Other Programs |
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Externally Referenced Drawings |
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977 | (44) |
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Other Application Files and AutoCAD |
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1021 | (48) |
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1069 | (50) |
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Afterword: Getting an Edge |
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1119 | |
Excerpts
Introduction AutoCAD is a great software program, and in writing this text, I have tried to make learning it simple and fun. My system of step-by-step instructions, supported by reference material, creates a hands-on approach to which you can refer over and over again. Each lesson includes: explanations of command options, worked examples of each command, and where appropriate, tips on using specific techniques in industry. I've also worked with my publisher to support this book with the latest in technology--a multimedia tutorial CD-ROM with several AutoCAD tutorials, and a web site that provides a tool for self-assessment. AutoCAD is a challenging yet powerful program. We developed this package to provide all the support you need to master it. Integrated, Multimedia Learning System When you use this book, you are not just using a single text, but an integrated multimedia learning system made up of 3 parts: 1. Book--25 AutoCAD lessons designed to bring you fully up to speed with 2-D drawing, and a first lesson in 3-D. Lessons are clearly marked as to purpose and content, and provide hands-on, step-by-step instructions to help the student master the task. Lessons contain tips and tricks developed through years of experience as a designer and CAD guru. Each lesson concludes with some extra steps for learning enhancement, several projects from a variety of disciplines and at various levels of mastery, and a list of review questions to validate student accomplishment. All lessons are covered in a clear, friendly and encouraging writing style to set the student at ease. 2. CD-ROM--This CD-ROM keeps on providing instruction when you have left the classroom, or are studying on your own. Here, you will find drawing exercises captured as multimedia tutorials for your review. Each tutorial is keyed to a specific "Do This" exercise in the text with a CD-ROM icon. Review these tutorials on your computer and you will see a drawing being created right on screen using the steps shown in the text. As the AutoCAD cursor moves across the screen, a voice accompanies the movements and provides audio instruction and reinforcement. I hope this CD-ROM truly extends your ability to learn AutoCAD and study on your own when an instructor is not available. 3. World Wide Web--This text makes use of the Web as a self-assessment tool to test your understanding of important concepts at its own websites http://www.prenhall.com/sykes/ and www.uneedcad.com . It contains sets of questions keyed to approximately half the "Do This" exercises in the text that test your understanding of key concepts. "Do This" exercises that have on-line quiz material are marked with a web icon. Take these quizzes on-line as practice exams, and you will receive immediate feedback to your progress. Instructors can ask students to take these on-line quizzes and submit their results electronically, allowing instructors to easily track a student's progress. Professors may also use the syllabus builder feature of this web page to quickly prepare their own on-line syllabus. Why l Wrote This Book Many years ago I took my first AutoCAD course. I had been drafting for almost ten years at the time, but I saw that the drawing board would eventually give way to the computer. So I dug deep into the shallow recesses of my wallet and came up with the $300 I needed to take the course. A year or so later, still on the board, I was designing piping systems for one of the big petrochemical companies in Houston. There was one computer on the job, but nobody knew how to use it. I dedicated my lunches and evenings to exploring that old machine--often messing it up badly and having to call the computer support folks to come fix it. After a few months of this, my immediate supervisor