Replies

1. 
   mbiker1999 | Jul 25, 2004 05:40pm | #1

   I think you may be talking about the Ecabinet software from Thermwood Corp. The URL is below:

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

2. 
   SRToolguy | Jul 27, 2004 05:58am | #2

   I just ordered it from eCabinet. I'm not exactly sure what eCabinet is all about yet but I'm now a member..LOL. I expect delivery of the software in 7 to 10 days so I'll do a little software review for you.

   Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

3. 
   CharlieP | Jul 27, 2004 07:24am | #3

   The eCabinet software is very impressive, but you need a monster computer (everything has it's price).  I just spent almost $3000 on a new laptop for it, and the program died (from overloading my computer) when I put crown moulding and knobs on three cabinets. 

   The idea is that the program will allow you to design cabinets (and similar items), and then you will want to buy the hardware and other components through the program sponsors.  I was cynical, but am becoming a believer.  And ultimately you will want to buy their NC machine to manufacture the cabinets....

   ________________________
   Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texas
   http://www.plesums.com/wood

1. 
   SRToolguy | Jul 27, 2004 08:57am | #4

   Charlie, what Operating System are you running?Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   CharlieP | Jul 27, 2004 11:42pm | #5

   Although the Dell laptop came with an XP license, I had them install Win 2000 - with a total of 8 computers in the house at the moment (two from my employer), I am trying to minimize the number of different operating systems. 

   The "job" file that was .5 to 1 meg without knobs and mouldings became 11 meg with.  eCabinetSystems was able to open the file on their computers, even though it locked mine up.  They are working to improve that part of the program.  ________________________Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texashttp://www.plesums.com/wood

1. 
   nikkiwood | Jul 28, 2004 12:37am | #6

   RE: eCabinet CAD system

   When this issue came up a month or so ago, I asked if anyone knew of a comparable CAD system for a MAC system.

   Nothing came up, so I'd like to through this question out once more ...............

   Thanks.

2. 
   SRToolguy | Jul 28, 2004 05:39am | #7

   I'm running Chief Architect on a 400mhz celeron Toshiba notebook with 196mb of ram. The cabinet software is supposed to be based on the same CAD engine. I had trouble with XP and 2000 using up to many resources so I loaded up W2k3 small business server just to see what would happen. 

   So far I have not had any problems and the overall performance is dramatically improved. W2K3 has a lot less overhead than XP and 2000 and it is a server class software product so it takes advantage of resources better without wasting them on non essential goodies.

   I set mine up as an SQL server first with Microsoft SQL 2000 which tuned the server best for handling data objects. Then I loaded up Chief Architect and so far it has been performing flawlessly.

   If you're interested in giving it a try, you can download both W2K3 and SQL 2000 from microsoft's web site http://www.microsoft.com (these are 180 free trial versions).

   Search on SQL and you'll find SQL 2000 then under recommended operating systems you'll find the link to the 180 day W2K3 trial. Make sure you do all of the updates to W2K3 first then install SQL and SQL SP3. SQL will warn you that it wont run on W2K3 but the fix is to install SP3 immediately after SQL and it will run just fine.

   Once you are satisfied with the way your system is running, load up your cab software and I think it will run fine. If you are not used to server software you might find the security a little bit intimidating but you'll get used to it and figure out how to tune it to your liking.

   W2K3 is plug and play and supports most everything that XP does including Wireless networking and WiFi. It even includes a pretty good WiFi hot spot sniffer. It found all of the proprietary hardware on my Toshiba and on a Proliant 7000 server that I have left over from a previous life.Sincerely;

   The Tool Guy

1. 
   CharlieP | Jul 28, 2004 07:37am | #8

   I would be interested in comparing implementation notes, but eCabinet license prohibits public discussion of their software. You have the private messages from the forum blocked.  Suggest that you drop me a note - [email protected]________________________Charlie Plesums  Austin, Texashttp://www.plesums.com/wood

2. 
   Michmesquite | Jul 29, 2004 10:38am | #9

   Charlie

   I have played around with the eCabinet program and have found: 1) you need a very big graphics card, 128MB min/256Mb better, 2) a speedy chip (I'm running a P4 2.4Mhz, and 3) lots of ram ( 1Gb min)

   I'm also running W2K._________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   "In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted." Bertrand Russell