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Another startup woodshop.

9/12/16       
Steven T. Marks  Member

Hello Everyone!
I am a self employed woodworker for 28 years. From 2000 to 2007 I was in a partnership, until the economy turned upside down. Up until that time we managed to purchase a Camtech Spacesaver CNC machine. I used AutoCAD 2000 to draw the parts I wanted to send to the machine software.
Since I left that business I haven't used any computer stuff or even software. I'm actually somewhat confused because of what I have been reading in forums. There doesn't seem to be a lot of chatter about what is the best design software or CNC machines. There are a lot of used CNC machines out there that look like a good buy for an entry Level business.
I'm thinking I should get AutoCAD 2012 and learn that but I need to know what is a decent program to use with it for cultists and eventually to move into using to input into a CNC machine.
Or is there a go to cabinet maker program on the market? I don't just do cabinetry so I am thinking the AutoCAD is the better bet to draw anything, yet from the older posts I've read it seems that Smartlister (which I've never used) is no longer.
So I need some help to get pointed in some direction. Thank you.

9/13/16       #2: Another startup woodshop. ...
JM

We use KCD to design cabinets and export dxf files. We then use Vcarve to nest and toolpath said parts. Also use vcarve for drawing the odd one off parts we need.

9/15/16       #3: Another startup woodshop. ...
Brian

Find yourself a good used commercial duty machine. You cannot go wrong with AutoCAD, it is the industry standard. You can do a fantastic job of automating cutlists with no more than Excel to get started, more than more would believe.
RouterCim or AlphaCam are the best at generating g-code when you might not know what direction you will be taking in the future.

9/15/16       #4: Another startup woodshop. ...
Steven T. Marks  Member

Thank You JM for your input.
Brian,
Your suggestion about Excel is interesting. How do I go about that?

Attempting to get back into the game and reading up on things, is it fair to say that many of the issues with Cad and Cam have evolved to the point where almost any program will suffice? I see even 20/20 enables one to generate G codes at a certain level.
Although I plan to get a CNC machine at some point in the future, right now I need to generate cut lists and door sizes.
I do appreciate input from my peers more than any salesman to start with. Thank You.

9/16/16       #5: Another startup woodshop. ...
David Wishengrad

Stephan,

If you get a 32 bit version of Autocad installed (longbow software is required to install a newer 32 bit version of Autocad on a 64bit OS) contact me and I will give a copy of SmartLister. If it works out for you I ask that donate the retail price of 2G's to Woodweb.

9/28/16       #6: Another startup woodshop. ...
Brian

Steven, you can configure an excel work book to where you enter the dimensions of the cabinet and it will produce a cutlist which can be divided into what goes to the saw and to the router. It can have reports for edgeband material used, sheet stock, hardwood and just about any thing else. Let me know if you need assistance I can give you a jump start.

9/30/16       #7: Another startup woodshop. ...
Steven T. Marks

Brian,
Thank You for your help!
Yes I'd like to know more about using Excel. Is there a certain version I should look for?
I actually still need to get a laptop to dedicate for this purpose.


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