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Is eCabinets keeping up with the times?

5/20/15       
Sir CAMalot Member

The more I think about upgrading my CNC router, the more it makes sense to buy a Thermwood simply because there is no extra cost for the software and it is designed to work smoothly with their machine.

I downloaded a demo recently of eCabinet and I can't tell that it's much different than it was 5 years ago. Is Thermwood improving the software in step with the competition?

5/20/15       #2: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
cabinetmaker

I am seriously looking @ an SNX for our next router. Between Craig Sexton and Ed Moran, they have the customer service background to know what works and what does not.

I think Thermwood is a great product, but we are so deeply embedded with Cabinet Vision, I just can't make the switch and go through the hell......

5/21/15       #3: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Kerry Fullington

Take a look at my Design Gallery below.
Everything there was created using eCabinet Systems Software and a Thermwood router.
This was all eCabinet Systems, No third party Cad Cam necessary.

eCabinet Systems Design Gallery

5/21/15       #4: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Brad

I would just like to point out that a Thermwood CNC router does not only work with eCabinet Systems!

Although eCabinet System is a free product from Thermwood and Control Nesting comes standard with the machine, the control actually runs G&M code based on the same EIA-274D standard that many other CNC router controls are also based.

That means that NC output from ArtCAM, Mastercam, KCD, Cabinet Vision, Cabnetware, Alphacam, Powermill, Microvellum, Aspire, BobCAD-CAM, etc, can be run directly on a Thermwood...

And - If you can get your cabinet design software to output correctly formatted layered part DXFs, you might be able to even use the capabilities of Control Nesting to optimize and generate your NC code at the machine.

Food for thought...

5/21/15       #5: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Sir CAMalot Member

I guess what I'm getting at is eCabinets actually a good reason to buy a Thermwood? A comparable European machine + CV stacks up to about the same price.

With eCabs you never have to pay for an upgrade, but if it's never updated then that's a moot point.

5/21/15       #6: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Kerry Fullington

Version 6 of eCabinets is now on Build 16.

You can go to the eCabinets web site and see what has been added since version 6 was released.

eCabinets like all software is in a state of constant improvement.

5/21/15       #7: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Brad

Sir CAMalot...

You can check at the "eCabinet Systems Updates" webpage to get an idea of the update history. (See link below)

Also, if the need arises - there is nothing to prevent anyone from moving to a cabinet design software that may offer them some advanced or unique features down the road - once they are established. Many find eCabinet Systems all they need, but the option is there...

eCabinet Systems Updates

5/21/15       #8: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Sir CAMalot Member

How does it do with part remakes? Can I select a part at the machine, or do you have to filter out a whole kitchen of parts then re-nest and re-send to the machine?

What about labeling? Drawer boxes? Blind dado construction?

3D rendering is nice but we rarely need it.

5/21/15       #9: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Kerry Fullington

Sir CAMalot,

Remakes are at the control. Open the nest, select the parts you want to cut using info on the labels, nest and cut. You can also use a feature called Scrap Recovery and the control will nest each part separately on scrap pieces.
Labels provide part info, edge banding info, and color coded marks that make sorting easier. You can place the labels by hand or opt for the automatic labeler.
Thermwood pioneered nested dovetail drawers.
Blind dado construction is no problem and you can also choose Lock Dado construction which is a hybrid construction using blind dadoes and KD/RTA fittings or pocket screw holes also cut by the router.
I really didn't send you to my site for the 3D Rendering. There are many project like the Block Front Chest created using eCabinet Systems that would be hard form most cabinet design software packages to create.

6/9/15       #10: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Sir CAMalot Member

Okay, so it checks all the boxes for features, I have been playing with it to plan out my own kitchen and it's like a trip back to 1995 in terms of the interface. For example, I have to right click then surf through 3 pop-out menus to change the dimensions of a cabinet. Is there a major update on the horizon?

6/27/15       #11: Is eCabinets keeping up with the ti ...
Brian

SNX? Don't bring that puppy to a real dog fight.


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