What software do you use for cabinet design

[JCLP]

I was wondering what everyone uses for cabinet design and layout. Being a CADD consultant and trainer for over 20 years in my previous life I have used and trained 1000's of end user on many CADD applications for both 2d and 3d modelling and analysis. I have recently been looking for software that I could use to design cabinets and create 3D models with material take offs. I could use one of the CADD products that I have trained over the years, but I think it would be overkill and was looking for something that is geared towards woodworking and cabinetry. I have tried Sketchup version 8 but find it extremely unfriendly and was wondering if there are other packages that people are using other then Sketchup.
Thanks,JC.

 

[Rocky]

You could try Sketchlist 3D.

 

[Claimdude]

+1 Sketchlist 3D. I have used this program for several years. Intuitive and powerful.

Jack

 

[tjbnwi]

Are you looking to be able to create parts/items lists for fabrication? Rendering?

Tom

 

[waynelang2001]

I use 3d studio max 2011. It had a steep learning curve but it gives me a edge over the competition.

 

[Jonhilgen]

I know a guy that uses Mozaik.  You can export cabinets from it to Sketchup and CAD, and vice versa, I beleive.

Jon

 

[Mr_Mod]

Depending upon the type of cabinet i generally use Hettich Selection, its based on Auto cad with a lot of features added and removed. Its primarily design for kitchen, cabinets etc and has things such as room layouts.
Give it a try, its free for 90 days costs 250Euro
http://selection.hettich.com/en/home.html

Manuals can be downloaded too if you need them.

 

[Oldwood]

We use Ecabinets. It is free and does 3D renderings & will give you cut lists, hardware required etc. It does have bit of a learning curve but there is a good forum & lots of training material available. http://www.ecabinetsystems.com/eCabinetReq.nsf/eCabinetReq?OpenForm

Gerry

 

[tjbnwi]

I use Solid Builder. Going to give SketchList a try. Could never figure out SketchUp.

Sketchlist is holding a basic training webinar this evening. You do have to register.

http://sketchlist.com/cut-lists-optimized-layout-diagrams/

Tom

 

[Anejo]

I use 3d studio max 2011. It had a steep learning curve but it gives me a edge over the competition.

3d studio max user too, I also use v-ray for rendering.

I use these 2 apps for my own wood working design, as well as contract myself out to local designers to create realistic images.

And yes the learning curve is steep, but there are many tutorials online.

 

[pblacklock]

i owned modo 3d software and i do love the render engine to display rendered designs to clients

recently i bought sketchlist 3d, thing i love about it is the spreadsheet, cut list and to create a cabinet just entering dimensions is straight forward and fast,

the only thing i don't like, i couldn't find a button to bring all 4 views to center, instead of going into each view to recenter a part or objects

in 3d modo, we use ctrl a to fit all views

also no option a finished part or scene to obj or cad format , well i'm still reading the manual so if anyone knows how to  

sketchup is good but expensive but if i were to buy another cabinet software i would buy it over sketchlist just for support, export options, plugins options and available user forum

but hopefully things will improve with sketchlist user base is increased

just my two cents
Paul

 

[waynelang2001]

I use 3d studio max 2011. It had a steep learning curve but it gives me a edge over the competition.

3d studio max user too, I also use v-ray for rendering.

I use these 2 apps for my own wood working design, as well as contract myself out to local designers to create realistic images.

And yes the learning curve is steep, but there are many tutorials online.

I would love to get the v-Ray plug in for 3d max. I only use mental ray at the moment and it seems very buggy.

 

[tjbnwi]

A few of Solid Builder renderings. It is my primary design software for remodeling. I've been using it since '99, it is almost to accurate.

Tom

 

[alkaline]

Me like lightwave 3d  and Cabinet control from Holz-Her, but often times it takes place as follows:

[wink]

 

[jimmylittle]

For me, SketchUp for most things.  I use Thermwood's eCabinet software for cabinets.  It's made for CNC production, but can also output cut-line optimization as well for track saw or table saw material breakdown.