Architect John Schroeder discusses working with cabinet shops and changes in architectural software.
More than two dozen people crowded a shop in Connecticut to learn about cabinet industry software and share tips and tricks as part of a Cabinet Makers Association regional workshop. The daylong event November 20 was hosted by Joshua Winkley in his shop, Maple Tree Cabinetmakers, located in Deep River, Conn.
Presentations covered a variety of popular software programs and emphasized the user perspective. Most of the presentations were done by actual shop owners and software users rather than software company representatives. The workshop was sponsored by CMA associate members Colonial Saw, Planit Solutions Cabinet Vision, and SketchList 3D.
AutoCAD with SmartLister
Jim Falk, who operates Progressive Woodworks in Port Chester, N.Y., gave a presentation on how he uses AutoCAD with SmartLister software to handle a wide range of custom projects. He also discussed CNC manufacturing and using software to communicate directly with a CNC machine to fabricate parts.
eCabinet Systems
Dave Hall of Hall’s Edge in Stamford, Conn., discussed eCabinet Systems software. Hall runs a shop that uses a Thermwood CNC machine to fabricate parts for other shops. He noted that even though the eCabinet Systems software is free, it is quite powerful and can handle a wide range of projects.
SketchList 3D
Jim Falk describes how he uses AutoCAD with SmartLister in his custom cabinet shop as part of a regional workshop put on by the Cabinet Makers Association at Maple Tree Cabinetmakers in Deep River, Conn.
Dave Rozewski from SketchList 3D gave a demonstration of his software, which is still under development. The program is based on the concept that every part is essentially a board. The program is designed to be a lower cost alternative for computer drafting in woodworking, including drawing hidden joinery.
Planit Solutions Cabinet Vision
Leland Thomasset of Taghkanic Woodworking in Pawling, N.Y., presented a highly detailed library drafted in Cabinet Vision. The architectural detailing of this library was handled completely with Cabinet Vision, including coffered ceilings, arched paneling, and wainscoting.
KCD
Wayne Adelkopf, owner of Noble. Woodworks, Inc., Staten Island, N.Y., demonstrated how he uses KCD software in his cabinet shop. He discussed drafting custom cabinetry, delivering accurate cultists and other functions of the software.
Architect’s point of view
Breaking a little from the software demo emphasis was a presentation by architect John Schroeder. He discussed the factors that contribute to better relationships between architects, builders, cabinet and millwork shops. He also discussed how architects use software and talked about Building Information Modeling, which stands to dramatically change the software used by architects and may have a larger impact on all the software used in the construction industry. In a nutshell, BIM enabled programs include more information embedded in every line and allow for easier 3D modeling, he said.