AutoCAD Invnetor 2011 - Expanding CAD-a-Blog

CAD-a-Blog has primarily been a blog about Tips and Tricks in AutoCAD.  I have dabbled in Impression Tips, and have mentioned other design programs too.  I have decided to move forward.  I want to expand the horizons (and content) of CAD-a-Blog.  I have started down a journey to learn new software.  This will accomplish two main objectives: I will learn new skills, and  I will expand the content of CAD-a-Blog.

The plan is to get my hands on a good training or reference manual and go through it,  As I teach myself to use Inventor, I will blog about it. As I learn, my readers can learn.  As I have questions, I will ask them and you can respond.  Your input will help me along this journey.


I am very excited to get started.  First I will have to install this beast!  The case has seven DVDs in it.  That's because it is the Professional Suite.  Not only does it come with Inventor, but it also had AutoCAD Mechanical.  Should I start there and work my way to Inventor later?  I'm not sure yet.  I want to learn both and I feel that Inventor will be the biggest challenge. 

Have you used either program?  How do you use it?  How was your switch from CAD to Inventor?  How does it compare with other software? (FYI: This is not the only new software I'm trying to learn.)  Should I install Vault?  Are you using Inventor LT?  If so, why LT and not "regular" Inventor? 

If you have written a book that teaches Inventor and/or AutoCAD Mechanical 2011 let me know.  I am interested in seeing it.

I can't wait to get started.