Let's face it... I have read just about every book that I could
on AutoCAD over the years and thought that there was nothing new under
the sun. Well... I stand corrected. Dan Abbott has
created a MUST READ book that you need to add to your book shelf.
AutoCAD Secrets is a refreshing change from the usual presentation of
AutoCAD information, tips and tricks that is found in most of the book
written. He leaves no stone unturned in his attempt to tell you
just about everything you need to know from basic to very advanced
topics.
The eleven chapters of info starts off with a great chapter on
AutoCAD productivity. Every topic was discussed in plain English
and directly to the point (my kind of guy!). He covers the
unspoken "boot camp" level principles and best practices of CAD with an
in depth look at each topic. As I read it - I discovered nuggets
of gold that renewed my enthusiasm for "common sense" CAD. (see my
blog on this topic). He covers the foundational precepts and
practices of sound file creation and data input. As I read I kept
wondering - "Is he going to mention this or that?" and sure enough,
there it was. The bottom line guidelines that the whole world
needs to be reminded of. Chapter One alone is worth the price of
the book.
He continues in chapters covering the management of your files,
customization issues, graphic standards, and more. He reviews the
basics of Paper Space and Model Space, what goes where and offers
sidebar tips at every turn of the page.
Covering the basics is just the starting point for him to launch into
the advanced topics. There is a complete LISP programming class
that is presented in logical steps for all to use. Plus there is
actual full working code in the book - just type it in and use it.
Or better yet the book tells you where to go online to get the code.
It's like getting two books in one, plus online resources. He
finishes up with 3D topics and finally AutoCAD Puzzlers.
AutoCAD Puzzlers is a compilation of real world problems and stumpers
(he got me on quite a few). Each taken from real questions from
the many interactions he has had with students and users. These
Puzzlers are often the submittal busters that we all face at crunch
time. He presents them as questions and then provides the answer
at the end of the book. Thirty Five of the toughest questions and
weird behaviors (and the answers to them all).
This ranks very very high on my list of must have books. I
applaud him for his succinct language, honest approach and real world
emphasis. Forget the new Harry Potter novel... Go buy this book!
You can get it online
here for less than
the $39.99 list price (US).