Greetings! I need some input on what design software I should be considering for my small, high-end custom cabinet shop. I would ideally like to find something that I can generate elevations in a wide variety of styles and focus on whatever customized details I think of. Something that could handle furniture would be a plus, but not a high priority.
Thanks for any help!
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Replies
If you're new to CAD software, get ready for a steep learning curve no matter what program you get. I've been using AutoCad LT for over 10 years and can whip out a set of drawings in almost no time - but that took a lot of practice - lol.
I'm dipping my toes into 3D programs now because most customers just can't "see" their projet in the typical plan and elevation drawings. The full (3D) version of AutoCad is way too expensive so I recently downloaded a free version of Google Sketchup. I'm beginning to figure it out but haven't actually done any presentation drawings with it yet.
You may want to look into a program called " Cabinet Vision "
good luck dusty
look into a program called " Cabinet Vision "
Only if you want to spend $$$$$ for software that is really aimed at huge, non-custom work.
Been beat up with CV more than once. The s/w is cheap, but the dongles aren't.
20/20 may actually be worse, though.
These guys have an interesting concept, which I have not tested: http://www.ecabinetsystems.com/ecab_new/pages/index4.htmOccupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
We have had good results with Kcdw software. They have a trail version available.
Mac ,
The best example I can offer is a pals shop that does about 3 million a year in high end CUSTOM cabinet work. He now uses a CNC along with the Cabinet Vision imho it works just fine .
Nothing is without glitches in this world , bottom line is You usually get what you pay for . Sure you may know of free or less expensive programs , but are those trouble free and do they offer support ?
regards dusty
3 million a year in high end CUSTOM cabinet work. He now uses a CNC along with the Cabinet Vision imho it works just fine .
True enough, as long as you can adapt your business/production method to CV's--something lacking in the $25-30 mill/yr joint I left (which, when I started there was only a $2-3mill/yr company).
CV has its uses. It even has some adaptability. It's just got a very strong orientation towards "out of a catalog," library-style selection methods (which always never quite would translate after man, many manhours creating when the next version was released).
The CNC feature was pretty good--but not as good (or operator-oriented) as AlphaCAM (which was usually on the controlers with the CNC routers).
And, in full disclosure, my number one gripe with CV is that, to allow the sales pukes the ability to customize "one or two" cabinets, you had to give all control of parts. They'd happily sell an entire job with 1" wide bottom rails, or 15/16" wide stiles, or 2.25" tall drawers . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
http://www.ecabinetsystems.com/
That looks like an interesting system. I just ordered the free software to try it out. Thanks!
Mike Maines
I recommend that you do not use autocad. If I were you I would be more worried about the 3d look and fit of custom cabinets as well as the repeatablility of standard cabinet parts.
For this I HIGHLY recommend SKETCHUP V5.0
Sketchup is a planar based 3d perspective drawing program. It allows things like cabinets to be virtually built (autocad allows for a virtual plan...but we all know that not all plans are buildable). Sketchup allows for easy cataloging and insertion of standard cabinet parts that you design; i.e. most kitchen cabinet side panels and drawer sizes are the same. Sketchup is cheap and I can assure you that it will help you to sell projects to clients...it has definitely helped me.
gk
Google Sketchup is an awesome program, it is very user friendly and intuitive. (and pretty inexpensive, there are some free versions I believe) I usually use AutoCAD for 2D design work but the 3D capabilities of Google Sketchup are often used as base drawings for perspective renderings we do in the office. Google Sketchup is a fun program to use and it is a great tool for professionals- kids can even use it to create stuff which speaks volumes for the product! If you need precision & dimensional accuracy I would look at an AutoCADLT product for production drawings. My past experience with the cabinet software application 20/20 is that it doesn't allow for enough customization and the perspective renderings it produces are horribly inaccurate.