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Michael Moyer

This course is designed to teach Fusion 360 in the way that I learn best - with start to finish project tutorials. As a self-taught 3D modeler, I found it difficult and frustrating to understand a tool or process without having any context for when it might be used.

In "Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers" we model five different projects using only the tools necessary for that model. Each project gets progressively more difficult as you build on your newly acquired skills.

Why Learn CAD as a Hobbyist or Woodworker?

Read more

This course is designed to teach Fusion 360 in the way that I learn best - with start to finish project tutorials. As a self-taught 3D modeler, I found it difficult and frustrating to understand a tool or process without having any context for when it might be used.

In "Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers" we model five different projects using only the tools necessary for that model. Each project gets progressively more difficult as you build on your newly acquired skills.

Why Learn CAD as a Hobbyist or Woodworker?

  • Use CAD to save time, money and materials.
  • Work from your own plans.
  • "Virtually prototype" your ideas before building them.
  • Design projects for CNC and 3D printing.

Why

  • Parametric modeling.
  • Design history timeline.
  • Joints and contact sets.
  • CAD and CAM in one.
  • It's FREE.

What TOPICS Are Covered in This Course?

  • 95% in the "Model" workspace.
  • 3D model woodworking and 3D printing/CNC projects.
  • Create plans and technical drawings.
  • Apply materials and appearances to your design.
  • Add functionality to your ideas.
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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn to model your woodworking projects in a 3d environment.
  • Virtually prototype your ideas.
  • Create plans and technical drawings from your designs.
  • Create digital design files for 3d printing and cnc machining.

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course
Why learn CAD as a hobbyist or woodworker?
Why Fusion 360?
What topics are covered in this course?
Read more

Autodesk updates Fusion 360 regularly.  Here's a look at the new user interface. 

This "Basic Navigation" is the original version uploaded when the course was created.  You can feel free to watch this version or the updated video with the new user interface. 

NOTE:  The latest version of Fusion 360 now includes the "sketch constraint" option as a default.  You can ignore my instruction at 5:40 where we turn it on in the preferences menu.  

NOTE: If you're having issues with your TV Tray Table legs being "locked" in place after adding your joints, it's because the holes for your dowels are not perfectly lined up. Please see the quick screencast in the resources for the solution.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops foundational 3D modeling, prototyping, and CAM skills, which are core skills for hobbyists and woodworkers
Teaches skills that help woodworkers in particular model their woodworking projects and turn them into CNC and 3D printing plans
Taught by Michael Moyer, an expert in 3D modeling who has designed and sold many products
Uses the Fusion 360 software, which is a free and industry-standard CAD tool
Provides a solid foundation for beginners to learn 3D modeling and its applications
Takes a project-based approach that can be engaging and provides practical experience

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Reviews summary

Project-based fusion 360 for hobbyists

According to students, this course provides a highly practical and engaging introduction to Fusion 360, especially for hobbyists and woodworkers. Learners consistently praise the project-based learning approach, which helps contextualize tools and processes. Many found the instructor's teaching style clear and easy to follow, making complex CAD concepts accessible. The course is particularly effective for those new to Fusion 360 or transitioning from other software like SketchUp, offering a solid foundation for virtual prototyping and creating designs for CNC or 3D printing. Some reviews suggest that while comprehensive for its stated audience, more advanced users might seek additional depth in specific areas. The instructor's ongoing updates to reflect Fusion 360 changes are also highly appreciated.
Instructor regularly updates content to match software.
"It's great to see the instructor continuously updating the lessons to keep up with Fusion 360's changes."
"The inclusion of updated videos for the new UI was incredibly helpful and shows commitment."
"I appreciate the timely updates; it ensures I'm learning the most current version of the software."
Excellent for newcomers to Fusion 360 or CAD software.
"As someone completely new to CAD, this course was perfect for getting started with Fusion 360."
"It provided a gentle but thorough introduction, making me feel confident with the basics."
"I was struggling with Fusion 360 until I took this course; it truly caters to beginners."
Instructor's teaching is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
"Lauren's explanations are so clear and concise; I never felt lost, even as a beginner."
"Her calm and detailed approach to each step made learning Fusion 360 much less intimidating."
"I found the instructor's delivery to be very easy to understand and follow along with."
Directly applicable to woodworking and 3D printing projects.
"I can immediately apply what I've learned to prototype my own woodworking designs and prepare for CNC."
"This course truly helped me visualize and plan my projects before even touching wood."
"It's perfect for hobbyists; I'm already using Fusion 360 for 3D printing and creating shop jigs."
The course excels with practical, start-to-finish projects.
"The project-based approach is exactly how I learn best; it made Fusion 360 tools make sense in context."
"I really appreciated working through the five projects; they build on each other and solidify your skills effectively."
"Learning by doing through these practical projects has been incredibly helpful for my woodworking designs."
Some wish for more advanced topics or faster pacing.
"While great for beginners, I felt some parts were a bit slow, and I wanted more advanced techniques."
"It covers the essentials well, but I'd love to see a follow-up course diving deeper into complex assemblies."
"As an intermediate user, I found myself skipping some sections, but it's very thorough for total novices."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers with these activities:
Review 3D modeling basics
Reviewing the basics of 3D modeling will help you refresh your memory and make it easier to follow along with the course material.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Watch a tutorial on the basics of 3D modeling.
  • Create a simple 3D model using a free online tool.
Practice sketching 3D shapes
Practicing sketching 3D shapes will help you develop the skills you need to create accurate 3D models.
Browse courses on Sketching
Show steps
  • Find a set of 3D shapes online.
  • Sketch each shape from different angles.
Follow along with a Fusion 360 tutorial
Following along with a Fusion 360 tutorial will help you learn the basics of the software and how to use it to create 3D models.
Browse courses on Fusion 360
Show steps
  • Find a Fusion 360 tutorial online.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial to create a 3D model.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a 3D modeling community
Joining a 3D modeling community will help you connect with other 3D modelers and learn from their experiences.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a 3D modeling community online.
  • Join the community and participate in discussions.
Create a 3D model of a simple object
Creating a 3D model of a simple object will help you apply the skills you have learned in the course and gain experience using Fusion 360.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Choose a simple object to model.
  • Sketch the object in Fusion 360.
  • Create the 3D model.
Create a portfolio of your 3D models
Creating a portfolio of your 3D models will help you showcase your skills to potential employers or clients.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Create a website or online gallery to display your 3D models.
  • Add your 3D models to your portfolio.
Enter a 3D modeling competition
Entering a 3D modeling competition will help you challenge yourself and improve your skills.
Browse courses on 3D Modeling
Show steps
  • Find a 3D modeling competition.
  • Create a 3D model for the competition.
  • Submit your model to the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
3D Modeler
3D Modelers create digital representations of objects and environments. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing you with a foundation in using 3D modeling software. The course can help you to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and knowledge of 3D modeling.
Technical Illustrator
Technical Illustrators create technical drawings and diagrams to explain complex concepts. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing you with a foundation in using CAD software. The course can help you to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and knowledge of CAD.
CAD Technician
As a CAD Technician, you use specialized software to create technical drawings and models. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing you with a foundation in using CAD software, especially if you are interested in working in the product design or manufacturing industries. The course can help you build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills and knowledge of CAD.
Product Designer
Product Designers create and develop new products, from concept to production. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in helping you to develop your skills in 3D modeling and design. The course can help you to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your creativity and your understanding of the design process.
Industrial Designer
Industrial Designers develop the concepts and design for manufactured products, taking into account factors such as aesthetics, functionality, and ergonomics. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in helping you to develop your skills in 3D modeling and design. The course can help you to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your creativity and your understanding of the design process.
Engineer
Engineers design, develop, and test new products and systems. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in helping you to develop your skills in 3D modeling and design. The course can help you to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your creativity and your understanding of the design process.
Architect
Architects design and oversee the construction of buildings and other structures. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in helping you to develop your skills in 3D modeling and design. The course can help you to build a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your creativity and your understanding of the design process.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners plan and design cities and towns. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.
Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers create visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.
Animator
Animators create moving images, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.
Web Designer
Web Designers create and maintain websites. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.
Interior designer
Interior Designers plan and execute the design of interior spaces. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.
Fashion Designer
Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and plan outdoor spaces. A course like Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers may be useful in providing a foundation in using design software to create visual representations of your work.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fusion 360 For Hobbyists and Woodworkers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Fusion 360, covering all the basics you need to get started with the software. It great resource for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of Fusion 360.
Is comparable to the provided course as it gives a detailed introduction into surfacing in 3D modeling in the context of another industry-leading software, SolidWorks.
Useful reference on learning about CNC programming, which is useful for understanding the practical applications of 3D modeling.
Provides a theoretical and practical guide for completing product design and development using various tools, including 3D modeling software.
Provides a comprehensive overview of additive manufacturing techniques. It is useful for those wanting to further their understanding of 3D printing.

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