Replies

1. 
   jpwglw | Jul 11, 2011 11:35am | #1

   Naysayers and References

   Hi Karl,

   I understand what you mean about the negative feedback regarding business opportunities in this economy. I used to run my own business in book production and I've heard plenty about economic pressures and this is not the right time and on and on.

   It is always difficult to start a new business with its inherent new pressures (deadlines, quality of craftsmanship, satisfying the customers needs, etc.). But if you're willing to put in the work then go for it!

   As far as references are concerned, I currently work part time at one of those big box stores, The Home Depot to be precise, and their pamphlets of kitchen and bathroom cabinets are an excellent source of reference material. There are dimensions listed and, of course, you can stay abreast of the current door styles and countertop styles as well. The Home Depot doesn't pay very well and they refuse to hire full time staff but, one of the "benefits" is that you can keep up with some of the latest design choices! (Not to mention many of the latest home construction techniques and products!)

   I, too, am considering starting my own business in woodworking but, I'm leaning toward furniture restoration and refinishing. (Maybe putting my history degree to work, too!)

   Good luck with your new business! Janet

2. 
   DonStephan | Jul 12, 2011 08:00pm | #2

   Didn't get the name of the software, but recently I saw a quick demonstration of cabinet design software.  Quickly and easily produced realistic renderings, easy to make revisions, and presumably gave cut lists.  Don't know how much it cost, but could save hours drawing one set of cabinets and cut list would be a bonus.  Probably can find ads for software in cabinet industry trade magazines.

1. 
   karlshikles | Jul 12, 2011 09:17pm | #3

   ecabinet systems.

   Don,

   I already use ecabinet systems published by Thermwood.  It's actually free open source software for anyone with a relevant business.  The only catches are 1) that it has a very steep learning curve 2) if/when you get to the point of wanting to automate (with cnc machines, etc) it will only communicate directly with thermwood brand equipment unless you want to buy their decryption software that will let it talk to other brands of machines (last I checked, it was between 1500 and 2000).  Neither of these seems unreasonable for such powerful software.  I've attached a rough rendering of a library system that I designed with it.  And yes, it generates cut lists and even nesting diagrams (where it lays out sheet goods to be cut in the most efficient manner depending upon how it's being cut).

   I've actually been looking for more print references that are a step up from what's available from Amazon and wondered what other cabinet makers keep in their libraries.

   
3. 
   karlshikles | Jul 15, 2011 12:37pm | #4

   Profile references...

   Since I started this thread, I received my first invitation to bid the casework in a new custom home.  While I've gone to school for construction management (including print reading, naturally), I realized that they didn't touch upon casework much.  In these prints, however, they refer to arbitrary profiles for the doors and drawers (e.g. prs-2 edges and G-Cove on the panels, etc.).  I can figure these out based on google searches, but are there any books out there that list these designations?  I always feel more legitamite when I have industry references on hand.  Also, I need to fill my new custom bookshelves in my office.  Thanks again.

1. 
   DonStephan | Jul 16, 2011 08:13pm | #5

   Yes there is but I can't remember the name.  I expect the architect was using the standards for the specification given you.   "Architecture cabinet guide" didn't find it using Google.  You may get quickest answer asking an architect.

1. 
   karlshikles | Jul 18, 2011 01:05pm | #6

   Oh yeah...

   Bro in law is an architect...duh.  Will post his answer for future reference.