Replies

1. 
   sawdustmaker | Apr 28, 2004 02:31pm | #1

   Has anyone out there seen this, used this, heard of this?

1. 
   RRusso | Apr 30, 2004 06:32am | #2

   I've heard of it, been a work-in-progress for a year or two now. I was on their email list and have been waiting for it to come out. I checked out the screen shots, and IMHO, I'd rather use eCabinets...it's free and looks to be a bit better. If I wanted to do anything fancy, I'd use a CAD program.

1. 
   wanabe | May 02, 2004 08:34am | #3

   where do I get this ecabinet software?  ecabinets.com is san diego cabinets.  ecabinetsystems looks like that might be it but I didnt try it,  I was afraid they might want me to be overpriced componets

1. 
   RRusso | May 02, 2004 09:16am | #4

   ecabinetsystems.com is the one. Don't worry about being pressured into buying anything from their sponsors. They do offer a way to order right from the software, but you can just use the software if you want without ever buying a thing from them. I think you'll find, however, that their prices are very low. For example, I can get high end plywood from them for less than my local dealer. Also, the price includes any milling that will fit on the sheet--holes, dadoes, whatever. Shipping costs are exactly what it costs them, no shipping charts. No, I'm not in any way affiliated with them. I just think the software is outstanding, especially for the price.

2. 
   DennisS | May 02, 2004 09:53am | #5

   I bought the Platinum version of the program. I'm not a cabinet maker, I'm an architect. But for what it promised to do, it seemed like it was an affordable tool for use in laying out the cabinets and other casework I'm doing in the process of re-building our new retirement domicile.

   I also acquired eCabinets program through a collaboration with a neighbor who *is* a professional cabinet maker. I've also seen demonstrated the high end (read $5k and on up) cabinet software so I've seem quite a bit of the gamit that's available. I'm also profecient with AutoCAD 3D and a few of the rendering application add-ons for it. All by way of qualifying my comments.

   Obviously for my use the high priced five thou software is rediculous. eCabinet's program is quite sophisticated and offers a pretty good visualization tool for final renderings and such. Cabinets plus provides a high degree of automation with respect to cut lists and lumber layout but has yet to offer any kind of rendered imaging. What it has is a good wire frame 3D viewer but you have to be in an orthographic view to do any editing.

   In my view, where any CAD or design tool really shines is in its ability to edit an existing project. While I think eCabinet System's program offers a good deal more in the way of rendered imaging, I found that in order to edit a cabinet prototype (say change the number of shelves or door size, whatever) I often had to start from scratch. I'll admit that I haven't spent that many hours with it, but editing tools and/or flexibility in editing seemed to be lacking.

   Cabinets + is far easier with respect to editing individual cabinets within a run of boxes. In its current state, however, one can only lay out a single straight run of cabinets. This, of course will be address, I've been assured but that is one limitation.

   In order to qualify for a *free* copy of eCabinet's program you have to demonstrate that you are a professional cabinet maker. This probably doesn't pose much of a problem for most of the people in this forum, but for a casual user such as myself, it required that I ally myself with my cabinet maker neighbor. Be aware that it's a pretty big application with all the images that go into the various hardware catalogs that come with it.

   For the last 15 years during my involvement with CAD software I've been accustomed to seeing this kind of material sell for several thousand dollars. Just keeping my license of AutoCAD current has been a rather huge expense. That's why, I guess I support KoeSoft and Cabinets Plus in their effort to produce a meaningful product at a price within the average person's budget. Do I think Cabinets Plus is the best cabinet software available? No. Not at this point in time. But it has great potential which, if not supported, might not see the light of day.

   No, I do not work for KoeSoft nor do I stand to share any financial gain from the comments I've made and may make in the future. I myself was a little skeptical when I purchased the program wondering if I was investing in vaporware or not. But thus far they've been responsive and supportive and have delivered on any promise they've made (to me at least)

   Sorry for the longwinded reply. Must be the marvelous spring evening weather - and perhaps the malt whiskey. (grin)

   ...........

   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.

   Dennis

1. 
   sawdustmaker | May 02, 2004 03:43pm | #6

   Thanks for the information. I have since ordered a free copy of eCabinets, so I will give that a look. I currently use AutoCad Lite, but I am always looking at different products. Thanks again.

   By the way, enjoy your weather. I had snow early this morning. :(