Learning parametric CAD

When I first learned parametric CAD, it clicked immediately. The idea of defining variables which then feed into models — and then being able to update those variables and have the models update accordingly — total fit my programmer-brain.

I learned Fusion 360 first, and a few years ago switched to OnShape. Both have some version of a free plan, though read the details carefully because both have pretty severe limits, and the paid plans are expensive. I found F360 pretty buggy at the time, and am happy enough with OnShape now that I don’t feel like trying F360 again. And I’m fine with OnShape’s weird free plan where all your models are publically-searchable.

If I were learning parametric CAD today, these are the resources I’d use:

I’d start with Teaching Tech’s 3D design for 3D printing series. The first episode covers the various CAD tool options, but after that It’s in OnShape, so maybe less useful if you choose F360. But the concepts are pretty similar so I think actually a fine starting point even if you switch to F360 later.
After that, I’d check out Too Tall Toby. He runs 3d modeling speed run competitions — surprisingly fun to watch — but the important part for learning CAD is that he has a series of challanges where you’re given a sketch and have to produce the model. They’re graded so you can work up from easy to hard, and he does live solves on Twitch and on his YouTube channel which are simply fantastic for seeing how a good CAD user approaches modelling.
For F360, specifically, I think I’d buy Bob Clagget’s Fusion for Makers tutorial. It’s $120, but I think it’s worth it — he’s a good teacher, and the class is oriented towards hobbyists in a way that most paid courses aren’t.

That’s what I think, anyway.

<![CDATA[When I first learned parametric CAD, it clicked immediately. The idea of defining variables which then feed into models — and then being able to update those variables and have the models update accordingly — total fit my programmer-brain. I learned Fusion 360 first, and a few years ago switched to OnShape. Both have some version of a free plan, though read the details carefully because both have pretty severe limits, and the paid plans are expensive. I found F360 pretty buggy at the time, and am happy enough with OnShape now that I don’t feel like trying F360 again. And I’m fine with OnShape’s weird free plan where all your models are publically-searchable. If I were learning parametric CAD today, these are the resources I’d use: I’d start with Teaching Tech’s 3D design for 3D printing series. The first episode covers the various CAD tool options, but after that It’s in OnShape, so maybe less useful if you choose F360. But the concepts are pretty similar so I think actually a fine starting point even if you switch to F360 later. After that, I’d check out Too Tall Toby. He runs 3d modeling speed run competitions — surprisingly fun to watch — but the important part for learning CAD is that he has a series of challanges where you’re given a sketch and have to produce the model. They’re graded so you can work up from easy to hard, and he does live solves on Twitch and on his YouTube channel which are simply fantastic for seeing how a good CAD user approaches modelling. For F360, specifically, I think I’d buy Bob Clagget’s Fusion for Makers tutorial. It’s $120, but I think it’s worth it — he’s a good teacher, and the class is oriented towards hobbyists in a way that most paid courses aren’t. That’s what I think, anyway.]]>