learning solidwork fast

[cob]

can some tell me what is the easiest and fastest way to learn solidworks

[tobyaxis]

There is no easy fast way to learn such a complex software. The only way to learn it is to use it as much as possible and get used to the way the software wants to see things.

BTW: It takes months and years depending on your previous CAD and Solid Modeling Experience.

[4224jax]

Treat it like its a video game, play around with random features to learn as much as possible. Don't immediately start trying to design a part if you don't know a lot of the tools. Its best if you take the time to fiddle around and learn what different tools do, it will make the designing you do later much quicker and pain free. I am also a big fan of hot keys, you can customize to make things easier on you. Also depending on the edition you have try the tutorial if its available. If your on the trial software and just messing around, look into other software packages. solidworks is great but its also an industrial product (meaning $$$). I'm a fan of alibre, plain and simple. also theres cam bam and many others that help you do cad before cam.

--just my thoughts

[kheri]

Try Solidprofessor

[tobyaxis]

Alibre is pretty close to SW and Cheaper, you may want to try it.

[Like2Trike]

Solidworks is the most intuitive program out there for the basics, the more complex stuff takes more time. Try the tutorials that come with it. I'm still getting used to some of the new functions that you can do with the mouse in the 2010 version, old habits die hard.

[Eclipze]

There is a big difference to learning how to use Solidworks vs how to create parts. Learning solidworks is the easy part. Learning how to create useful models is another thing... and that requires experience. If you "rush" into learning how to use it, you'll probably loose interest due to being too frustrated.

[JeffreyCNY]

Try searching Youtube.com for short videos.

[2wheelferrum07]

if you know someone that is good at it ask him or her to give you a crash course on it.
then make sure you practice with training book on hand.
the best way to learn is by doing so ask lots of questions and have them tell you how they go about solving issues, but make sure you are doing the handling of the PC.
good luck
and tell us how it went.

[ger21]

There is a big difference to learning how to use Solidworks vs how to create parts. Learning solidworks is the easy part. Learning how to create useful models is another thing... and that requires experience. If you "rush" into learning how to use it, you'll probably loose interest due to being too frustrated.

For me it's the opposite. I can create parts, but don't know where all the features are, or even what features are available??

The way I learn, is start with the tutorials. Then, start modeling stuff. When you get stuck, use the help file and Google. Learn as you go, learning new features when you need them.

[mrvinton]

SolidWorks 2009 Tutorial with MultiMedia CD (Perfect Paperback)
~ David C. Planchard (Author), Marie P. Planchard (Author)

Amazon.com for $59. work all the examples and problems and you will become fairly good at it. It takes a long time to get really good with this software. I and my group have been using it for several years and we are always learning new things. Check and see if you any of your local collages teach it and see if there is a local user group if you live a large enough city. Better yet try and start a user group. My best guy can teach someone with no experience at all with 1 hour and have them up and doing simple parts, drawings and assemblies.

Basic stuff but it is a start. I have used the above book for people to use on there own and if you do all all the examples and exercises in the book you will become pretty good. It is not hard it just takes time. The book is geared for someone who know nothing about Solidworks.

[sebtool]

Solidworks for Dummies

I got mine.