My Most Useful SolidWorks Resource
Of all of the books I have read and forums I have visited regarding SolidWorks information this is the most comprehensive and easy to use that I have found. Incidentally, it was also one of the most affordable on Amazon at the time. Matt's writing style in this manual is very similar to his blog ([...]- also a useful resource) in that it is not technically written, so its not a bore to read. Even if you have experience with SolidWorks it can be helpful just give the chapters that cover material you already know a quick gander. There is some info there that may assist in helping make your SolidWorks experience more efficient and/or less painful. This bok is great for the novice to intermediate user. This book makes a great desk reference. I plan on getting the companion book on Surface Modeling soon.
A joke for both
My company purchased this book for our Reference library about a year ago with two others. This REFERENCE book is ineffective if you want to understand or learn SolidWorks for "any" user. The book is filled with the author's opinions, poor jokes, and few examples. There is little time spent with the basics or explaining why or how to apply concepts. A trouble shooting section is desperately needed with this style of writing. As a mechanical engineer, I can truly say the book reads between a comic book and Mark's handbook with few benefits.
I googled the author and located his blog. He stated, "First, I am not an educator, and I do not write text books." He can say that again! This is a mammoth book with a lot of information taken from the SolidWorks Help section, snips of blogs, user groups, etc. The binder is falling apart, and I'm the second one to use the book. I guess it is who you know, not what you know for the positive reviews on this book.
Fills in the spaces
As many have already stated, this is not really a "how to" book in that it rarely shows you how to use the features of SW. But what it is good at is "filling in the blanks" where the "official" SW VAR training leaves you in the dark; it explains more on methodology and gives you an overview on why you should do things "this way" or "that way", such as whether you should use a Sweep feature or a Loft feature, what the Flex feature is really meant for, and so on. This book is just another piece to the puzzle on making the most in the use of SW.
Excellent
The book looks nice but I haven't found enough time to read it. Overall it is good for any one who is in starting phase or in the middle.
Other good thing is they send me free mac coupons.
Thanks.
Not worth the time or paper
The description of the book states: "The most complete resource for SolidWorks on the market. Matt Lombard's in-depth knowledge plus his snappy wit and wisdom make SolidWorks accessible to users at all levels."
Sheer size with bad wit does not make a book good. It shows for this book!
The book is fragmented, poorly explained, written, and illustrated, with a mound of tips that look like they came from various SW User groups.
As a new 3D CAD user and a Mechanical Engineer with 10+ years in industry, it did not help, nor would it help if I was not a new user.
The book was not recommended by my local SW VAR, I know now and I should have listened!!!!
(27 reviews)
