Hi guys,
This has turned into a very good discussion. I build cabinets part time. I got into TurboCAD in order to design the cabinets, and then use that info to create the construction info. I too had considered Furniture Maker for creating cutlists, and panel optimizing, however I have doubts about it's functionality.
My opinion on why there is very little discussion about this on the cabinetmaking forums is that most cabinetmakers use different design software alltogether. I have never seen TurboCAD mentioned or advertised in any cabinet makers or woodworking magazines or discussions. The pro's use programs such as
http://www.cabinetpro.com,
http://www.microvellum.com/cabinetmaker/,
http://www.kcdsoftware.com,
http://www.cabinetvision.com Some shops use AutoCAD. Some shops even still do their work with graphite, rulers and paper. I've even seen Chief Architect advertised for cabinetmaking.
From what I've gathered, some of these programs are Autocad based drag-n-drop type of programs that can be easily modified through parameters. They are all 3D capable and usually have the ability to do cutlists, panel optimization (layouts), even label printing, as well as numerous material reports. Some of the programs have the ability to add G-Code writing for CNC operations. I don't know how much real CAD these things can do though. I suspect it would be pretty limited. I also believe these programs are a little pricey, and I am sure have a fair amount of learning curve to them.
I have also seen that SketchUp is really becoming popular in the world of woodworking design. I have briefly tried SketchUp and found it to be more involved than what I can do with T-CAD. Maybe that's just my lack of skill with SketchUp.
I love the power and flexibility of T-CAD (which is way more than my skills for sure). I think it by far outperforms SketchUp and with some tweaking, and integration with cutlist plus, can compete favorably with some of the cabinetmaking programs. I agree with Don, this is a rather large industry, and IMSI could be missing out on a good opportunity. Not only with the pro's, but also the hobbyists. I think that would be an excellent area for a marketing campaign. I think that IMSI could do a cabinetmaking/woodworking version kind of similar to the architectural version. Don, you are right, that would be awesome.
BTW dedmin, your drawing looks amazing.
The YouTube links are right on. That's the sort of thing I am looking for. Now we just need to do the same thing in TurboCAD.
Dan
P.S. I realize we are probably getting off of the original subject, should we start a new thread? Maybe in the wish list?