Message Thread:
Which program to use for designing cabinets
11/1/23
Website: http://www.handmadefurniturecompany.com
I'm curious what the general thoughts are on which cabinet design software program is preferred. I I've been a Cabnetware user for 25 years, and that is obviously no longer very sophisticated. I purchased Cabinetvision when they offered a deal to convert over but never opened it. My right hand man is telling me Mozaik is the way to go. Any feedback would be appreciated, Thanks
11/2/23 #2: Which program to use for designing ...
Quite a complicated question as there are so many variables.
Probably the biggest question is how much time do you have to study and learn? How complicated are your products?
How dedicated are you to leaning and staying on track? These are the first questions. If you never have time or are always gonna do it after this job you would be better to save your money and continue the way you are. Yeah I know that's kinda harsh but I see it all the time.
I've been a dedicated Microvellum user since 2007 and no it hasn't always been easy and it did take a lot of effort but it has been worth it. Results reflect effort.
11/2/23 #3: Which program to use for designing ...
Mozaik
11/2/23 #4: Which program to use for designing ...
What size shop?
I ran Cabnetware for 12 years.
I use Mozaik, I'm content with the product and what I pay. I think for the smaller shop where you're posting parts to a handful of machines It can be a good fit. It struggles with curves, but there's always some sort of work around. I've done a lot of wacky stuff with it and the cnc for boxwork.
CV soiled any interest I ever had for giving them money.
I know nothing about microvellum.
Another to consider is cabinetpro.
There's a learning curve for all of them. Paying for training helps ease some of that.
11/22/23 #5: Which program to use for designing ...
Website: http://www.handmadefurniturecompany.com
Thanks for the replies. I guess for now we will stay the course, maybe if I get some down time I can learn Cabinet Vision. Best to all for a good Thanksgiving!
11/29/23 #6: Which program to use for designing ...
Website: https://lazaroujoinery.com.au/
Glancing at your website, and what you have in your portfolio:
- I once used Polyboard, and it's a wonderful program to get up-and-running in a day. It's also affordable, and fast to get to CNC, saw optimiser.
Nothing comes close to getting your ideas to a cutting list (or CNC) than Polyboard. However, it does not display anything more detailed than a 5-part door, very well. No mouldings, etc.
- I now use TopSolid`Wood, and looking at your business, I would use TopSolid. You would be able to model all the tricky features
The question is, what time of life are you at in your business?
Do you have the time to do things 'properly'?
TopSolid is rewarding, but a time-sink to learn how to problem-solve it's way, in three dimensions.
I've attached some of my standard work. In Australia, routed MDF doors are the norm, and so all mine are fully associative and tool assigned from TS. This was our driving choice to buy TS - that, and that graphically, everything is in our hands, both in 3D modelling and 2D drafting view. The drafting capabilities of TS for illustration - not sales pitching, but for production - are probably best-in-class.
Click the link below to download the file included with this post.
4907_BROOK_Allison_Kitchen_FINAL_.pdf
Click the link below to download the file included with this post.
4774_LEWIS_Ensuite_Vanity.pdf
Click the link below to download the file included with this post.
4774_LEWIS_Kitchen.pdf
11/29/23 #7: Which program to use for designing ...
Website: http://www.handmadefurniturecompany.com
Thanks again for all your replies.
11/29/23 #8: Which program to use for designing ...
Mike beautiful drawings, ,,usually when i do show drawings, i create a sectional as well to help the guyes in the shop
here is a sample of my work
https://pixeldrain.com/u/m984su4r
11/29/23 #9: Which program to use for designing ...
sorry wrong video, selling my video card,
here are my shop drawing samples,
happy holidays guys
https://pixeldrain.com/u/rzXaY1Yr
11/29/23 #10: Which program to use for designing ...
i saw TopSolid at the wood shop a few years, back, but never gave it any thought, is the program easy to navigate compared to Cabinet Vision or KCD
11/30/23 #11: Which program to use for designing ...
Designing? Generally speaking in my line of work that should be the job of the person with the job title of architect or designer.
In practice, whatever is drawn by them is changed, they generally force you to help with their job, then you make the changes, then they change it again, then more changes are needed for field dims, possibly material availability, missed code requirements, and more.
The question then becomes, 'what is involved in drawing your jobs needs 3 and 4 times?'
What kind of data are you getting to start with? Is it clean? Does it vary? Is it a converted pdf, a poorly drawn cad file with incorrect uses of blocks, xfrefs, and cheated dims or perhaps all correct, but way more than you actually need and with a proper structure set up, but not easily understood by some on your team?
Almost any software can take data and give you drawings and output your mfg data. Cabnetware 2.1b (dos) worked and it's been a long time since then, and you are already using it.
My advice to you is to take the advice of your right-hand man and try your honest best to make it happen. It's nothing to learn a new cabinet software and it will expand your mind and keep you learning, for your own good, and your man knows your work.
P.S. You have been making cabinets for over 25 years. You've got nothing to worry about
You don't even need the software, and you'll make it right no matter what. Try 3 or 4.
12/10/23 #12: Which program to use for designing ...
You can use Room Sketcher tool. It allows you to quickly and easily create 2D and 3D designs of your kitchen or bathroom, including cabinets.
12/26/23 #13: Which program to use for designing ...
Website: https://a2zmillwork.com/
There are several programs that you can use for designing cabinets, and the choice often depends on your specific needs, preferences, and level of expertise. Here are a few popular programs for designing cabinets:
1-SketchUp:
Suitable for: Beginners and intermediate users.
User-friendly, extensive library of 3D models, and a large community for support.
2-AutoCAD:
Suitable for: Professionals with a background in design and drafting.
Industry-standard for 2D and 3D design, precise measurements, extensive customization.
3-Cabinet Vision:
Suitable for: Professionals in the woodworking industry.
Specifically designed for cabinet and woodworking design, includes features for manufacturing and cost estimation.
When choosing a program, consider your level of expertise, the complexity of your designs, and any specific features you may need for manufacturing or visualization. It's often a good idea to try out a few different programs to see which one aligns best with your workflow and requirements.
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