I have been using their CNC edition for approximately 2 years. For us it was our first CNC capable software. While we were shopping for our first CNC we were spending just as much time ensuring we choose the right software.
I understood no matter how good of a CNC router we'd buy, you can not cut what you cannot design. The whole purpose of purchasing a CNC router for us was for the following. Cut down on waste. Cut down on hours per job. Increase precision. Expand capabilities.
When deciding on the software to go with we had never heard of Cabinet pro, we had heard of Microvellum, Cabinet Vision and Mozaik... so naturally we started digging into those. Microvellum we quickly realised was more then we needed. Cabinet Vision was fabulous in every way except price. When asking a few users of Cabinet Vision (I tracked some down on Facebook) I found they didn’t get great service after several years down the road... basically if you want the phone answered then have your CC ready kind of thing. That left Mosaik, I actually purchased a 3 month trial from them and got a lot of the program set up and personalised for our methods. It was an O.K. experience however there was a few things that were not as "customizable" as I had hoped. We are a custom cabinet shop. EVERY JOB IS CUSTOM kind of custom cabinet shop. Cookie cutter does not work here. So this had me thinking, once we dive into this CNC cabinet making world, in a sense you are married to it. Switching software, a year in is no easy task. I needed to get it right. I kept browsing, more woodweb reading of course. I then found two more options, KCD and Cabinet Pro. As I read more into KCD I thought it was a fine software, reasonable price up front however didn’t like the monthly charges that are ongoing. (at least at that time they were) So I looked at Cabinet Pro, 100% honest, don’t let their 10yr old website fool you! As with all the other software options I studied their online information, next I called them to ask more questions and schedule a live demo. I asked Frank (the owner and writer of CP) if it would be an option to do it in an evening as it was busy at work and I wanted to do it in a quiet period. He agreed, he said most demos take an hour or so to cover the very basics. Mine took almost 5. I remember having many questions, he had answers. There was one item that the software couldn’t do at the time, I don’t remember what it was now but he said it could be added. It was the very next day that it was added, no I had not yet purchased it. This was important to me, my idea had mattered enough for him to add it to the software. I also found that the on phone/remote support was a good experience. So we purchased Cabinet Pro. Being a first time CNC cabinet software user I spent roughly 200 hours setting up all of our methods of assembly, hardware, 5 different types of drawer slides and pricing of all materials. If I did it again I am pretty sure it would take no more then 50 hours.
Since starting the use of CP we have done several "paid enhancements" and free ones as well. Some idea's I guess Frank felt were common enough amongst the users that they were no charge. Enhancements that were more personalised to my use were obviously paid for as expected. Most of our troubleshooting calls have taken place in the morning hours as myself and Frank seem to be up before then sun is, I have really appreciated that.
A few recommendations for anyone considering CP. 1st. expect it to take time to set up, it has a lot of dada entry up front. View this as a good thing, it really helps you start to learn how the program is thinking. 2nd. expect to pay for some training if its your first time. I paid for I think 1.5 days of training, not cheep but it help me get it right the first time.
To sum this up, don’t regret the decision to go with Cabinet Pro. Great people, great software. I’m sure I’ll keep having suggestions for enhancements to the software. One thing I wish they had was a user forum for their users only, not open to public. (now they have none) I would likely have used it for a variety of setup questions. It would be a helpful thing for users to discuss potential changes or additions to the software and find others with similar setups, this would allow for users to possibly go splits on enhancements if ever there was something that two people had common need for.
Message me if you have questions, I have no issue helping others make decisions on software.
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