Replies

1. 
   Terry_Smiley | Dec 03, 2001 02:42am | #1

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   Gary

   I don't know a thing about your software. I just thought I'd help keep you on the board so I might learn something with you. Sometimes I think this board is not diverse enough, and then sometimes someone surprises me. Good luck with your problem. Maybe someone can suggest another site.
   b Anyone

   Terry

1. 
   Adrian_Wilson | Dec 03, 2001 05:44am | #2

   *well, I have Cabnetware at the college....I'm still learning it. I've followed the Cabnetware/Cabinetvision battles over the years, and I am dealing with a 'Vision dealer now re: a router/software package, and I am in fairly regular contact with the 'Ware rep. they both have strong points; I personally tend to think 'Ware is better for regular kitchen type stuff, the full blown 'Vision is maybe better for more off the wall stuff, but you're into big bucks for either of the large packages (I have no experience with the entry level stuff; I may have a demo verson of Kitchen Builder I haven't tried yet....in fact, I may have a demo version of cabinetvision). The CNC links are critical if that's in the future....'Vision is doing solid modelling, I'm not sure if 'Ware is full blown modelling yet, but their link was done by Ned Brown at Cadcode, who is really well respected...but just the link itself is over 10K, and you still need the main package.What I have seen on the forums, is people buying he entry level packages, and moving up very quickly to the full blown packages, but it depends on if you are a production cabinetmaker or not. For myself, when I have looked at the packages side by side, and beng a small, very custom shop (in my non-school life), I pretty much found myself deciding the top of the line (but non-CNC) package was what I needed, but you have to come up with the bucks....and a lot of them.based on the companies themselves, what I've seen in the internet debates, and the folks that rep in my particular corner of the world, until very recently, I would have chosen Cabnetware hands down. The new reps for 'Vision (locally) are good people, though, and the Thermwood router/Cabinetvision combo is pretty powerful (one of the local companies here just installed it). I'm not in a position to advise on your particular needs.I will say this though; it's the old trade off, between cheap and easy to use, and capable but expensive....if you are the type to push things on the design side....and gary, I think you are....my bet is you would find the entry level packages limiting.

2. 
   Gary_Weisenburger | Dec 03, 2001 05:46am | #3

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   I'd like opinions from users of cabinet design/manufacturing software, especially CabnetWare's "Case Planner," and Cabinet Vision's "Kitchen Builder." Those are relatively new, entry level versions of their full blown design/manufacturing (CNC) software. So, since the entry level versions new, please tell about your dealings with the company if you have other versions.

   Thanks for your help.

   Gary

3. 
   prestonintexas | Jun 13, 2011 11:11am | #4

   I have owned and used Cabinet Vision since the mid 90's. I have the original DOS-based version that was phased out in the late 90's. I've had no problem with the program itself. It is excellent for cutting lists, estimating and presentation graphics (renderings). 

   When I bought the program, I was making monthly payments. The program was designed to require a different authorization code, every month. If they didn't get a payment, I didn't get the code. However, once the last payment was made (for a total cost 0f $7200) I was supposed to receive an code that would open the program, permanently. However, twelve months later, I had to call Cabinet Vision for a new, annual code. Such has been the case since 1997. Eventually, they discontinued tech support for the DOS-based program but, authorization codes were still provided. Every year, when I called to get my code (which always took at least two days) they would try to sell me a new version. I politely declined.

   Recently,  I had to call for a new authorization code. It was 24 hours before they returned my call, only to inform me that the computer that generates the code was down. They promised to get my codes to me as soon as possible. They also warned me that the computer was very old and would eventually crash for good. They recommended that I buy a new version of their program. I am nearing retirement and have no desire to spend that kind of money for something I won't need in a couple of years.

   Now comes the kicker:... I asked them why they designed the program to require a new code every year. They told me that a PERMANENT code was available but, for "security reasons" they didn't send it to me. I insisted they give it to me as soon as it was available. They agreed to do so. However, if their code-generating computer is permanently disabled, that code will never be forthcoming.  As of this writing, my program has been unusable for 5 business days and I have customers wanting prices and renderings. I'm doing them manually while my $7000 Cabinet Vision sits idle and useless.

   If I never get my authorization code, there WILL be a lawsuit.