Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is eCabinet Systems?
eCabinet Systems is not a product, but is instead a cooperative effort between Thermwood's e-commerce division, cabinetmakers and major industry suppliers to use the newest electronic technology to improve productivity, reduce cost and increase everyone's profit.
I thought Thermwood was a CNC
router company,
how does this fit in?
Thermwood is one of the leading CNC router manufacturers but we also operate
other businesses including a rapidly growing e-commerce business. eCabinet
Systems is a natural extension of this business,
combining our 30 plus years of experience in the industry with our extensive
software development capability and our growing e-commerce efforts.
What about the free software
I've heard about?
The core of eCabinet Systems
is a highly advanced software program. This software has been developed
and is supported by Thermwood. It is available as a free CD.
What does this software do?
The software is a sophisticated cabinet design package that you can use
to design cabinets and layout complete kitchens, view dynamic virtual
3D images of the kitchen, select materials, finishes, hardware and components
needed for the kitchen, electronically order those supplies, print complete
shop drawings, nest diagrams and bills of material and automatically create
programs for Thermwood CNC machines.
Why don't you just let us download
it from the Internet?
Although we do offer regular updates from the Internet, the overall program
is just too big. The program and data files are very large by Internet
standards and would require days to download for most people. You can
request the software on our web site, but we can probably get it to you
quicker by mail than by download.
Are there any requirements
to get the software?
Only one, you must be in the business of building cabinets. To get a copy
of the software, we must be able to verify you are a cabinet manufacturing
business. Normally we will do this by checking your local phone directory
for your business listing. To operate the software you must register electronically
which means that the computer you are using must be connected to the Internet.
How can you offer the software
for free?
Because the software is only a portion of an overall
program, and perhaps not the most important part. eCabinet Systems is
a program that generates substantial savings for small cabinet shops.
The software binds together thousands of small shops into a cooperative
buying group. Because of the large size of this group, major industry
vendors are willing to offer them deep discounted prices. Because of electronic
purchasing, we can keep the processing cost low. In short, this gives
small shops buying small quantities the same price advantage of their
large competitors who purchase in large quantities.
I am already using software
that I am happy with but would like to buy at the low member prices, is
this possible?
Yes. Simply sign up for the program. In addition
to purchasing through the software, this will give you access to a Member
Store on the Internet where you can order items at the low member prices.
How long does it take to get items purchased
through the program?
Vendors have agreed to keep all items offered in
the program in stock for immediate delivery. Therefore, you purchases
should ship within one business day. Actual delivery time then depends
on the shipping method you selected. Should any item not be able to ship
within one day, we will contact you by phone within one business day to
resolve the problem.
What if I receive items that don't work or I
don't like?
Except for products custom made for your job (doors,
drawers, etc.), you can simply send them back and either purchase a substitute
or get your money back.
When will I get the software?
It generally requires a few days to verify you are a cabinetmaker. After that you should receive the software package in a a week to 10 days.
What about training for the software?
The software is very user friendly. Most cabinetmakers can become proficient with the system in a few days. The software includes an electronic manual or you can purchase a bound manual through the program.. Expert phone support is also available. Should you find that additional training is needed, we conduct monthly training at our facility and periodic seminars around the country. Please click here for the training schedule.
What kind of computer do I need to run the software?
Please click here to view the latest recommended systems for eCabinets.
I still use a table saw and simple shop tools & don't have CNC, will the software help me?
Yes, it should improve productivity in all companies, regardless of manufacturing methods. In addition to helping you design and layout your product, the software creates cut-lists, printed shop drawings and nest diagrams. The printed nest diagrams align the parts along cut-lines so that they can be easily cut out using a table saw or panel saw. The shop drawings are all fully dimensioned, so you can make the components using whatever methods you want. This feature alone can save a huge amount of planning, layout and clerical work on every job. In addition, the software will offer most shops a much broader selection of components and supplies. Electronic ordering will save the effort normally required to determine the needs, and place orders. Now, it can all be done with a simple keystroke.
Can I order drawers and doors through the program?
Using the software, you can develop door and drawer designs in a variety of wood species, either unfinished or finished in hundreds of different selections and then purchase them through the program. For each basic door design, you can create over 28,000 variations in five species, order the doors and drawers and normally have them within 8 to 10 working days.
If I buy finished doors, how do I finish the cabinet to match?
When you order the doors and drawers, we can also supply you with matching finish materials for the remainder of the job.
How do I make payments under the program?
All sales are via credit card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express). We also accept debit cards.
I am concerned
about sending my credit card information across the Internet, is there
another way?
Yes. Although all transmissions between the software
and eCabinet Systems are encoded and secure, if you a still nervous about
sending your data, you can submit the order without credit card information
and then call us with the numbers. In fact, if you are not familiar with
web ordering, you may want to call after submitting the first few orders
just to verify everything is correct.
What if I commonly use components not offered?
Let us know. We'll try to add them to the program.
How good is this software?
We think it is really good. It performs most of the design functions of software costing tens of thousands of dollars plus, it has additional functions not currently available anywhere else. It has graphics like you have never seen before and uses the same display software and algorithms that are used in the most advanced CAD/CAM and Virtual Reality systems. Virtually everything is done with solid models that can be manipulated at will. And, because we have taken a slightly different approach to the job, we think it is faster and easier to use, especially for custom cabinet shops. We even support furniture design.
How do I design furniture with cabinet design software?
In addition to simple flat and rectangular parts, our software supports carvings, moldings, legs, feet... in short, components associated with furniture. These can be combined in the software to produce almost any furniture piece. Even better, the components you use for your design can generally be purchased through the program.
How do I know if the functional hardware I selected will work with the cabinets I have designed?
The software watches this for you. If a hardware component is intended for a specific type of door or construction method, the software will not let you select it unless the cabinets you designed use that type of door or construction method. We do our best to keep you from selecting hardware that won't work with the cabinets you have designed.
What if I don't want to purchase components but still want the software?
There is no requirement that you purchase anything to use the software. It is still free. However, much of the benefit of the program comes from having a very large selection of products from which to choose the lowest prices available to small shops, while reducing the planning and clerical effort required to purchase the materials and components you will need. Using the software without using these features will reduce its value to you, but you are free to use it in any way you wish.
How efficient is your nesting program?
The nesting program we use is pretty advanced. Any time parts are cut from a sheet using a saw, whether it is a table saw or a panel saw, yield is reduced somewhat because the parts must be lined up along cut-lines. We provide these "cut line" nests for you if you plan to use a saw. You can nest the job in different ways to see which offers the best yield. In addition, you can perform "true part" nesting to see what the yield would be on a CNC router.
Can the software create the programs I need or should I buy a CNC?
The program creates a CNC part definition database that is compatible with Thermwood's Control Nesting. When fed to a Thermwood control, the required nested programs are automatically created within the control. Its all pretty well automatic and requires just a few seconds.
What is a Control Nesting?
Control Nesting is a patent pending technology built into Thermwood controls that let you use partial sheets of material left over from previous jobs. The control prints a bar code label for any partial sheet that is left at the end of a job. When you start a new job, scan the bar code for any material you want to use. The control matches the parts needed for the new job with materials available, creates the nests and automatically creates the CNC programs required to cut the nests. This is all done in a few seconds. It's quite advanced and practical, but also very easy to use.
What if I want to use pieces that don't have a bar code?
There is a method, within the control, that allows you to define the size and shape of any piece and then use that piece in the next job.
Can the software be used to create programs for any other CNC?
No. The software relies on "Control Nesting" to function properly. Control Nest programs must run within the CNC control. Thermwood's Next Generation SuperControl is currently the only control that can run this software.
What if I find a bug or problem with the software?
There is an area within the communications area of the software that allows you to report system problems or bugs. Simply fill out the form and press the "submit" button.
We plan to regularly release updated versions of the software as we address any problems that might come up. We also plan to add new features and vendors over time, which will be included in these new releases.
How often do you plan to update the software?
We plan to update the software whenever we complete a significant addition or enhancement or add new vendor products. Software shipped after that time will include the addition or enhancement. Current users can generally download these updates through an area in the software.
How will I know if I should update my software?
We will send you an e-mail when a new update becomes available. If your software is over four months old it will notify you and should be updated by requesting a new CD. The software will no longer work after nine months if it has not been updated.
Why do you have a limit on the software?
The software contains a database of parts and components from our vendors.
In general, we have received assurance that current prices are good for
nine months. By limiting the software, we can be certain that any parts
or prices you use are still valid.
How can I get these updates?
Certain updates are available on the web and can be downloaded through
the Web Update function in the software. New Versions of the software
are sent out as new CDs. We will automatically send you a new version
if you have loaded and registered the previous version. If not, you can
reregister on our website.
I have some great ideas to make the software better for me, how can I tell you about them?
There is an area in the Communications section of the software that allows you to submit ideas for additions and changes to the program.
At Thermwood, we are very good at software design but we're not in the cabinet business. We said at the beginning that this is a cooperative effort. We expect, and welcome, suggestions and guidance from our members and vendor partners that can be incorporated into the software. If we each do our part, we can all benefit. This is what the new economy is all about.