Thanks Andy - the book is the latest version updated to cover Autocad 2006 and published by Sybex. Whilst being a novice, I would give the book a five star rating. It develops the skills through the exercises, and progresses through the alternative methods of drawing. I have been doing about 1.5 hrs in the evening for about ten days, and I am now confident that I could draw an item in 2d without many problems. Next step is to learn the 3d aspects, rendering and the magazine type explosion views.
As an aside, I tried Turbocad and didn't get on with it very well, and I have found Auotcad an easier learning curve. Having said that, I found the tutorial I used for Turbocad wasn't very good so may have influenced my opinion.
Back to the question, in architectural drawing, there are protocols for showing dimensions, door swings etc, and wondered if there is a similar standardisation for furniture?
My next task will be to look at 3d studio max, but that is for another day.
Regards
John