Replies

1. 
   2x4 | Dec 31, 2005 06:51am | #1

   I was having my drawings completed by an outside source who decided to close up shop. What was the learning curve like for this program and do you have a background in Cad programs. I need it at this time as a sales tool to show clients.TIA and have a happy new year.Looked at their site , any idea on cost of Kitchen builder.

   Brian

   
   

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   Edited 12/30/2005 11:02 pm ET by 2x4

1. 
   Woodwrkr | Dec 31, 2005 09:05am | #2

   I honestly don't know, but I think it's a few grand or could be a bit less.

   When researching a program that will suit your needs, look at programs that are within what you can afford, then look for getting the most out of the program for your money.

   You need to look at "What do I truly need it to do and what can I sacrifice?"

   I would look at purchasing a program that you'll be able to upgrade items.  Good cabinetmaking software programs have a huge learning curve, just like the one I have.

   Solid Manufacturing, which is what I have, is the most expensive they sell, aside going to CNC software.  Not to brag, but to be honest, I paid $12,000 with all the bells and whistles you can buy.  I can modify a cabinet in any way I want.  Size, shape, color, etc.  I can also make parts and give them what is called "Intelligence".

   Intelligence= where you're able to make a part at a specific size, pull it out of a folder for another job, stretch or shrink it to any size and the components will stay the same and automatically adjust themselves.  I waited 5 years before I could afford the program.   I didn't bother to mess with lesser software packages.

   It will help you if you have an understanding of how to use Auto Cad.  There are some very similar properties to it.

   I would suggest you contact a sales person from Planit, tell them your needs and wants and let them tell you what they can do for you.

   There is also another software company with similar features, but not nearly as advanced called KCDW.  They're about half of what I paid, but not nearly as strong of a program.

   If you're a legit business, you can start out with a free cabinetmaking design program called E-Cabinets by Thermwood.com.   If you can prove you're a legit business "And believe me, they will check into it", you will get their program for no cost.  They even have a forum to go on.

2. 
   DonStephan | Jan 02, 2006 02:11am | #3

   There was an article in FWW perhaps a year ago? comparing several CAD programs. Your first question might be what do you want to design? If strictly cabinets, the cabinet design software for businesses that was mentioned has been recommended various times. I started using TurboCad last spring. With no prior CAD background the initial learning curve was very steep. With a generalized CAD program one can design standard sheet good kitchen cabinet boxes one day and free-form solid wood furniture the next. The users forum for TurboCad is wonderful - many very experienced users promptly answer all questions, beginner, intermediate and advanced. And there are a number of tutorials, basically step by step illustrated guides for drawing various objects, available free or for a nominal fee, for TurboCad. Two sources for the program are http://www.imsi.com and http://www.cadcourse.com and you might get pricing from each. Good luck.

1. 
   2x4 | Jan 02, 2006 02:37am | #4

   Thanks everyone for your input. I am trying to avoid something with a steep learning curve but I guess that is just not out there. I would gladly pay $2000 if the learning curve was easy. I have heard about both Turbo cad and E Cabinets and I may have to take the time to attend a training seminar to get me started. When you are a one  man operation with hardly enough time to meet customer demands a week for training is hard to come by. Thanks again for your input.

   Happy New Year to all

   Brian

1. 
   Woodwrkr | Jan 02, 2006 04:35am | #5

   Brian,

   I feel your pain.  I too am and have been a one person business for the past 6 years and it's rough finding time to learn a program.

   There really isn't a "Easy" program to learn.  As mentioned, if you have some auto cad experience, it will help you understand the fundimentals easier.

   No quality program is going to have an easy learning curve.  I've been using Solid Manufacturing for 2 years "Not full time" and have had a heck of a time learning how to use it.  They have an awesome forum for all of their programs, with very knowledgeable people.

   You truly get what you pay for in design software.  Sure, there are cheap programs out there, but you're very limited to the options of what it will do.

   If you need a program that will do "ANYTHING" you want, plan on paying big bucks.  Starting out with E-Cabinets would be a good start, especially since it's free.  I've heard some good things about it and seen some renderings that came from it.

2. 
   Woodwrkr | Jan 02, 2006 07:43am | #6

   I don't know anything about this program, but I saw it on another woodworking site I attend 

   http://www.cabinetplanner.com/index.html

   From what they said, it's like $79 bucks and has a free short-term download to try.

   Like I said before, you get what you pay for.

1. 
   Woodwrkr | Jan 02, 2006 09:17am | #7

   Here is the guy's site who uses E-Cabinets.  He does all 100% custom stuff like me.

   http://kerryfullington.com/kfc_design.html

    

   Also, here is the E-Cabinets Forum

   http://ntc.thermwood.com/forums/index.php

   Hope this helps