OpenSCAD skills don’t really translate well to Inventor (the software typically used for HAAS stuff). I too used to use OpenSCAD, but it doesn’t produce any file types that our CAM software understands. I have also tried FreeCAD (Open source 3D parametric modeling software), and currently it also doesn’t produce files that can reliably be used with our CAM software.
All that said, Inventor isn’t TOO bad (only took me four months to be able to make my first 3D design…), and it does have some books and tutorials available to get someone started.
As soon as I get back from my upcoming trip, I plan to schedule a class to share what I have learned from Frank on using Inventor to produce parametric tabbed box designs for cutting out on the laser cutter. The basic skills should translate well to learning Inventor for more complex things.
Also hopefully some of our CAD gurus (hint @frank_lima ) may offer classes on 3D CAD in the future.