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To request
an upgrade evaluation of existing Thermwood controls,
please click
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CNC Carving Library Program
Version 3.0 (12/29/08)
The latest version of the CNC Carving Library software
is version 2.8. To download, click
here (Note: you must have the rental program
installed on your router to run this update).
This update includes:
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OVERVIEW
This
section of the web site addresses a unique program available only from
Thermwood. We have developed, and are continually expanding, a library
of CNC programs used to produce wood carvings using a three-axis Thermwood
CNC router. Certain three-dimensional parts such as posts, legs and finials
require an optional Rotary Playback Axis. These programs can be downloaded
from this site, copied into a Thermwood CNC control and executed.
There is a small rental fee due each time
a program is executed. These fees vary with the part and pay for the program.
On certain parts, this fee is shared with the owner or creator of the
design and in these cases, they determine the rental fee.
There are three components to each carving:
- First, there is a setup-instruction sheet in
PDF format that explains how to set up and run the program. This can
be freely downloaded from this site by any eCabinet Systems Member
using their membership number and zip code.
- There is an HSF file, which can be loaded into eCabinet Systems
and used as part of the design process. This also can be downloaded
by any eCabinet Systems Member.
- Finally, there is the actual CNC file. This can be downloaded without
cost, provided the person downloading it has set up an account with
Thermwood against which any rental fees will be charged. You must
be a Thermwood machine user to set up a part rental account and your
Thermwood control must have Internet access to participate in program
rental. The account must be set up through the control itself, although
once set up, files can be downloaded either through the control or
using an independent PC. The name and password associated with this
account is used to download the CNC file.
Existing
Thermwood controls built before this program must be upgraded to add features
needed to decode and run the rental programs. The effort and cost, if
any, required for this upgrade depends on several factors. You will need
to request an evaluation of your system by calling us at 1-800-221-3865
(Ext. 251) or
clicking
here and completing a request.
New controls are automatically equipped
with the features needed for program rental.
If
you download the CNC file using an independent PC, it should be copied
directly into the Thermwood control where a utility extracts and stores
various files included in the download. The programs can then be run,
provided you have rental credits in your account sufficient to cover the
rental fee.
You
may purchase rental credits in any dollar quantity through your account
either using an office computer or directly through the control. If you
purchase credits using an independent PC, you will be issued a credit
code that must be entered into your control. At this point, the control
keeps track of usage and allows you to run rental programs as long as
a credit balance remains.

You may transfer credit balances between
controls by requesting a transfer. Your control will issue a code that
you can type into another Thermwood control provided it has also been
configured for program rental. This transfers existing credits to the
new control. Each control communicates with Thermwood during these transfers
to keep balances accurate.
When you first set up an account, a $25
credit is added to your account. This amount is intended to allow you
to experiment with the programs and learn without having to pay rental
fees during this learning process. This is limited to one credit per customer
regardless of the number of machines owned. If a single customer has more
than one facility with a machine, each independent facility will be issued
its own credit.
Once
the carving program has been loaded into the control, it can be scaled
up or down on each axis independently. Scaling is specified as a percentage
of the original size on each axis, so a 6” part scaled 150% becomes
a 9” part. A 6” part scaled 50% becomes a 3” part.
The rental fee charge occurs about half
way through the program with the specific charge point that is dependent
on the design of the part. We try to make this a point at which any hidden
flaws in the wood material have been exposed. If the program is stopped
before this point, it can be restarted without addition cost. Once this
point is reached, you must pay the rental fee again in order to rerun
the program. You can stop program execution, to change a broken tool for
example, and then back up the program and restart it without cost.

Please note that CNC program rental
is a patent pending concept.
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