Newbie- Where to begin?

[youngbd]

Evening,

I'm interested in becoming literate in the use of CAD and/or CAM for the sake of using a wood router (3-axis to begin). I am neither an engineer nor a designer, just a guy with the wish to learn. I would like to be able to write code at some point as well (not necessarily to create a line-by-line program but, more realistically, to be able to check one should errors arise) My questions are twofold:

1) Should I invest in learning CAD or CAM?

2) Do you know where I can get training online (besides Mastercam)?

I thoroughly appreciate the help, and thank you in advance for taking the time to answer a beginner's questions.

Cheers,

David

[magic]

Hi David,

May I suggest that you go to: Magic Systems - Demos and get the 15 day trial versions of DesignCAD 3D MAX v. 21 and ContourCAM v. 16.

These are some of the easiest CAD and CAM programs to learn and use.

Once they are installed, go Start > Programs > ContourCAM and open the ContourCAM User's Guide, and go through the tutorials in Chapters 7 and 8.

Have fun!

[youngbd]

Thank you, Magic, for your reply. I will certainly go to Magic Systems (of which I presume you are the "magic"...) and take your advice.

Cheers,

David