Users of the Cabinotch RTA system, what has been your experience, both positive and negative.

I've used it for 2 different jobs that I didn't have time/budget for our standard process.

Positives:

Quick,
Plywood looks good (Columbia plywood owns it)
Finishing face frames flat and gluing on works well for overlay jobs.
I kept things flat (didn’t take up space) until I was ready to assemble.
Allowed me to do jobs I would otherwise have to pass on.

Negatives:
The program limits custom aspects of sizes. Can’t order a 3 drawer cabinet with anything but their standard top opening.

I like to build a run of boxes as “one” so I don’t have 1 ½” face frames stacked together. In order to do this I ordered some single opening boxes and added face frame parts and partitions myself.

Not sure I’m crazy about a ½” back with no nailer for the uppers. With glue it should stay on the wall, but I’m used to a ¾” nailer.

If you have a good system, you can cut your own parts and assemble for less $.

I’ve recently had a job processed by a local commercial shop using their CNC and bander. Cheaper and allows me to control all the sizing aspects. I still have to build Face frames, but ripping hardwood and pocket screwing doesn’t mess up my back like slinging ¾” ply onto the saw from the rack.

The cabinets are pretty good. After time I have realized that 1/2" backs are fine.

The basic cabinet options right off their web site are limited, but if your willing to use KCD software, you can design most anything you need. There are still some limitations, but Cabinotch has been working on those and adding more capabilities through KCD. In fact with KCD you can section cabinets the way you want and have only one Face frame.

KCD is easy to learn if you already have experience with other cabinet programs. I use Cabinet Vision for everything, but I put together my boxes with KCD so I can order from Cabinotch. It does take extra time, but it is a back saver, not having to cut large sheets of plywood. And much faster. You can rent KCD through Cabinotch monthly or pay a one time fee, that they refund if you ever stop using KCD. That way you do not have to buy KCD.

Its a better system using KCD. You can gang units together up to 4'X8'. You can adjust the drawer heights, overlays, size of scribes and rails. My last couple of sets of cabinets I downloaded on Monday afternoon and they was setting at my shop Wednesday but I am only 90 miles from plan.
Also Cabinotch can sell you KCD at a discounted rate.

I used Cabinotch for a small job that I really couldn't take the time to fabricate myself. The ordering process was pretty straight-forward, I got follow-up emails and phone calls from real people confirming my order, it shipped out really fast (3 or 4 days I think), and it was built exactly like I spec'd. Easy to put together and sturdy. Instead of lugging an air nailer and compressor into the tight Boston jobsite, I just used square drive screws and glue and it worked just fine. Great concept, product, and company in my opinion.

John,
I have built my business on the Cabinotch process. Would not do it any other way at this point. I will say without a shadow of a doubt it is much easier to design and order via the KCD software.
Pros:
Do not have to stock plywood and face frame material in shop.
Do not have to have your own cnc and you still get the tolerances and squareness of cnc by having Cabinotch cut your parts and pieces.
Can gang build cabinets up to 8'
Can adjust any opening size to within a 32nd of a inch.
Can do any overlay or flush inset job with it.
Can order drawer boxes and glides at the same time you order the box parts with a one button ordering system.
Can get multiple types of wood face frames and finished ends.
Don't have to spend payroll dollars cutting parts.
Through KCD it is 99% custom. (We build in shop one cabinet here and there when we need something they can not do.)
Great customer service.

Cons:
Website ordering is not great - hence the KCD software note above.
They have a few limitations in sizes of face frame parts for your stiles and rails and some limitations for overall cabinet dimensions but if you learn what they can not do you can typically design around that.
When something is wrong, and there will be those times, nobody is perfect, it takes a couple days to get a remade part but they are quick about it. (If I can fix it, I do in the shop).
Pay a small premium for someone else to cut your parts but, for me it does not equal the savings I get from not paying someone to cut all day on a saw or buying a CNC machine.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other specific questions. I am happy to help you if you need something. Aaron@VineandBranchWoodworks.com

Check out my website and Facebook. 98% of everything on there has Cabinotch boxes.