AutoCAD 2000 3D Modeling: A Visual Approach

I am an engineer and a part-time instructor of AutoCAD at a community college. This is an excellent book on the subject of AutoCAD 3D. I have many books that I use for reference when making lesson plans. While it could be argued which book is best overall, this one would rank near the top no matter its competition. Besides, this book offers things others do not. For instance, it gives an example on how to draw the complex curves of a boat hull using surface modeling techniques (this concept can be translated into automobile fenders or the like). It also shows one how to draw a solid model spring. These are things many other books just don't cover and don't offer enough knowledge on so that one could figure it out on one's own. The book also comes with a CD with examples on it, which is very helpful. If you are looking to buy just one AutoCAD 3D book, it would not be a mistake to buy this one. The list price is pretty steep, but this book can be found at discount book stores (I got it for under $20.00).

I bought this book with little 3D experience, hoping it would help guide me. I work in a small company and I am the only CAD user, so there isn't any help in the next office. This book taught me how to use 3D drawings to produce prints in probably a third of the time it used to by drawing all three views. Plus, in our shop, isometric views are almost a must to understand many prints, which has reduced our production time greatly. I am fairly well versed now in 3D, but I still reference the book almost weekly. I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't have time for courses and understands 2D construction.

MY AUTOCAD INSTRUCTOR, JOHN LARSON RATED TOP REFERENCE TEXT FOR 3D. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS THE ONLY REFERENCE BOOK HE EVER BOUGHT IN HIS CAREER OF TEACHING.