cabinet systems

[nailgun]

Is anyone using the eCabinet Systems? I received my copy of the system about 2 weeks ago and have worked day and night at least it seems like it and haven't made a dent in it. I have read the "eCabinet Systems Made Easy – Learning the Software" two or there times and it just dint do me any good. If some of you guys use it and don't mind dropping a few hints just to get me started I would appreciate it.
Thanks a bunch

[woodman43]

I have also recieved the ecabinet program, but haven't had much time to mess with it. It looks like it will be a big help. My remodeling business has been to busy to do much at the computer.

[Don]

I've used some of the most comprehensive cabinet software out there, CabinetWare and Pattern Systems. Have not heard about eCabient. I imagine that most of them offer just about the same result but go about it differently.

The first questions you need to ask yourself with software is; what do you want to get out of it? Today's software is so complicated that if you only want cutlists, don't spend your time learning 3D. If you don't make raised panel doors, don't waste time with those parameters. Same thing with faceframe cabinets.

Most of these systems simply work from a parameter list that you fill out. These parameters will match the type of cabinets you will be offering in your shop. You should see places to enter in information like, material thickness, joint construction, hinge overlay distance, drawer depths, etc. Once you pick out the correct parameters for a specific job the program makes a cutlist from the stored information. You simply don't see the formulas, on the simple programs anyway.

Take baby steps with software. Don't fall into the "update" trap many companies force you into. The updates can keep you so off balance you never fully learn any version.

Enter or select a single cabinet and make a cutlist, vary your parameters and see where the changes are made on the cutlist. You will start to see the patterns and the lights will come on.

This kind of stuff is just my game. You need to ask specific questions though for specific help. My first question is - What are you trying to do?

All the best, Don

[nailgun]

Don
Thanks tor the reply and the interest in my problem. First off I am retired and love woodworking. I like to build small cabinet jobs [islands, bars and etc]. I don't go by plans just whats in my head and thought it would be nice to scale it or design it one of these computer programs if thats is possible. the software eCabinets system is a free down load and it looks pretty good to me if I can just learn it. If you get a chance check it out and tell me what you thank it might work for me. http://www.ecabinetsystems.com/

Thanks again
My email address westsam@hotmail.com

[Don]

Hey, Nail. I did look at your link. I've been out of the loop for three years but this looks like a natural evolution of trade. A co-op that allows specific vendors to input their hardware parameters, etc. And a machinery company that has a vested interest in you becoming familiar with their software, Thermwood is one of the largest CNC router producers.

Based on what you are telling me your needs are, I'm going to suggest this - "don't." With you being retired and not in the business there is no benefit to you for doing this, unless heart trouble is a benefit. Just being 'nice' is not enough to put yourself through this. This will be a tough piece of software because it will be integrated with so many things.

If you want parametric scaling for a cutsheet for a particular piece, a spreadsheet will work just fine and give as much satisfaction. If you want 3D modeling and scaling, look into something like TurboCad http://www.turbocad.com/ you will spend just as much energy learning it and will have a tool that you can use the rest of your life. Anyone in woodworking owes it to themself to know a simple CAD program. This is truly the first step in turning your hobby into something "else." It is also the first step anyone should take from the woodshop to the digital world. You won't truly appreciate all that can be done unless you can do some CAD work.

CAD has come a long way since the early dark days of AutoCAD or simple paint programs. And it's considerably cheaper, Turbocad can be had for around $100. We were paying thousands for comparable stuff just ten years ago.

This is my 2 cents, Nail (and others) most free stuff will be biased and that will mislead you many times. You can certainly bend your mind around this program and get some cool results, you will find that the work to reward proportions will be out of whack for your needs though.

Think CAD, think spreadsheet. Being retired means less stress, right?

All the best, Don

[nailgun]

Don thanks for the help and the link. Visited TurboCAD Pro and saw 4 different programs. may i ask which one of the 4 do you recommend for me?
thanks again

[Don]

Hey, Nail. This one, you don't need the Pro version. I recommend you get the free trial first. http://activate.imsisoft.com/freeen.aspx?Product=TCD14

http://www.turbocad.com/TurboCAD/TurboCAD14/Deluxe/TurboCADDeluxe14AnniversaryEdition/tabid/657/Default.aspx

There is one thing you will want as a CAD newbie, their 2D/3D training CD. When you get ready to buy, call this person Connie Glick @ 3193781400 and ask outright about a package price on the TurboCad Deluxe 14 and the 2D/3D training CD only. Unless you are an architect or mechanical engineer you won't need anything else. Should be around $130 for the whole thing.

We are running 12 and 14 now and I really like the 12 version better, but only because that's what I started with, you won't know any difference. This would be cool, we could share some drawings. One neat thing is that you can save your drawings in several formats for sharing. It's a powerful program and all that a woodworker needs.

If one was to move into CNC, this program will still export DXF and that is all you need to get the ball rolling.

Let me know how you make out.

dawjr