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Rob
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Anyone using CNC?
« Thread started on: Nov 11th, 2009, 09:34am » |
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I’d like to hear from anyone using CNC along with the program so that I can maybe streamline the process.
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Bergstrom
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #1 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 1:30pm » |
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I am not currently using a CNC but that is where I am headed and have been saving to buy one for a while now.
I spent several years at a shop working with Planit software in conjunction with a Weeke CNC. During that time I became convinced that using nested base CNC production was the direction I wanted to go.
I have often wondered if the sheet optimization feature in Cabinet Planner could be configured to generate DXF files which in turn could be converted to G-code by the CNC.
What "streamlining" did you have in mind ?
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http://minneapoliscabinets.biz
http://bergstromcabinets.com
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Rob
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #2 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 1:53pm » |
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Well I'm not real sure.
I've looked into creating a DXF file but haven’t been able to make heads or tails of them.
The program currently has the ability to create the parts lists in a CSV (comma separated value) format that can be pasted into an excel file and then be imported into third party programs to create the g-code. I can skip the pasting step and just create the CSV file.
I've also looked into creating the g-code during the panel optimization process but that gets pretty involved and needs a way to edit the results.
Basically I'm looking for someone who is familiar with the whole process of working with cnc’s, as well as help with testing whatever output I come up with.
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Jeff
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #3 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 3:04pm » |
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Rob,
You will also need to consider the 5mm holes for shelves, drawer slides and hinge plates as well as the ability to edit their location as different people use different methods for attaching hardware.
You will also need to be able to create dados and grooves.
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Jeff Mills
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Rob
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #4 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 3:10pm » |
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Right, that's what I meant by editing the results.
Are you using a cnc?
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Jeff
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #5 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 4:08pm » |
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I dont use one, nor do I know how to operate one.
I do build a frameless cabinet using the 32mm system so I am very familiar with hardware placement and the specifics of where system holes need to be.
People that are using CNC have typically surpassed my production requirements.
Where I use a slider to cut my sheets, 23 spindle boring machine for my system holes, separate saw to groove for backs, and a construction boring machine for dowel assembly, the CNC will perform all these functions (and more) at the one machine. You need to output code for all these functions and more, hence the $4k + price tag for KCD or similar.
You should focus on brining your software in line with KCD in terms of graphics, pricing, cutlisting, cabinet customization, cabinet libraries, etc. Then worry about adding the output to CNC as you really need to be able to get all the holes and grooves in the panels before you can leap to CNC. I guess what I am trying to say is the software must design a cabinet exactly as its built, not by fudging a few variables to make the picture look right, all the variables need to be correct in the software. And I dont just ,mean how I build a cabinet, it must accommodate how everyone builds a cabinet as nobody does it exactly the same.
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Jeff Mills
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NickB
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #6 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 5:01pm » |
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Rob,
I use cnc and man would it be great to stream line right into toolpathed out put!!
I have CabinetPartsPro and I showed your program to that guy and thought the two of you would have an awesome package if it was combined!
Do you not want to be involved with another programer on this?(That is why I have no buisness partners!!) What can I do to help work this out?
Even a dxf with the vectors after nesting for toolpathing the cab parts would be cool.
I'm still new at cnc
THIS WOULD BE GREAT!! 
Nick
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Bergstrom
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #7 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 5:25pm » |
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on Nov 11th, 2009, 1:53pm, Rob wrote:Well I'm not real sure.
I've looked into creating a DXF file but haven’t been able to make heads or tails of them.
The program currently has the ability to create the parts lists in a CSV (comma separated value) format that can be pasted into an excel file and then be imported into third party programs to create the g-code. I can skip the pasting step and just create the CSV file.
I've also looked into creating the g-code during the panel optimization process but that gets pretty involved and needs a way to edit the results.
Basically I'm looking for someone who is familiar with the whole process of working with cnc’s, as well as help with testing whatever output I come up with.
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Rob,
I would be happy to help with whatever you need. I still have access to 2 cnc machines so I could test whatever you come up with.
As far as file type I still think DXF files are the most universally accepted extensions but I am sure that something could be worked out with the CSV files as well.
The Planit software associates part types with "external operations" which means that a part tagged as an end panel would have the predefined machining operations applied to it such as line boring,climb cutting etc.
In the "CNC Center" the user assigns these external operations based on their construction technique.
Here is an example of a DXF file that I made and then machined.
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Rob
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #8 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 5:33pm » |
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Quote:| You should focus on brining your software in line with KCD in terms of graphics, pricing, cutlisting, cabinet customization, cabinet libraries, etc. |
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I'm a step ahead of you here  For the last six months or so I've been working out some of the kinks in adding a customizable library to the program.
http://cabinetplanner.com/cabfab.html
In the past one of the biggest problems I've had with adding new features is making them work with existing ones. Since I know I want to add some sort of cnc output in the future, I thought it would be wise to check into it now before going to far with the library.
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| « Last Edit: Nov 11th, 2009, 5:37pm by Rob » |
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Jeff
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #9 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 7:09pm » |
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Dont get me wrong Rob, I think the software is great. If I didnt, I would have purchased KCD or something similar a long time ago.
I just dont think you are quite there yet for CNC, but by the looks of that link you will definitely get there and are on the right track. Just dont forget about all those holes and grooves.
Personally I put priority on the 3D graphics. I would like to see the lines a little cleaner and less jagged. This is what helps sell the job in the first place.
I would also like to see a cutlist diagram that works how most will actually cut their sheets. All side rips then crosscut, all bottoms rips then crosscut, etc. In other words put parts of like width together.
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Jeff Mills
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Rob
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #10 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 7:34pm » |
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No, I understand what you're saying. It’s just that with something like this program I need to think 10 steps ahead so there isn’t a problem with forward compatibility.
One of the main reasons for wanting to add the cnc output is that I loose about 100 sales a year from not having it. If it turns out to be a simple matter of adding the ability to create a CSV file I can to that in a day or so.
As to the 3D rendering, I've tried every method I can find to get it to look better but none of them seem to work. On one of my test machines I'm able to go into the video card settings and switch from software anti-aliasing to hardware anti-aliasing and the results are awesome. Unfortunately that isn’t an option for most users and it will effect any other 3D programs they may run.
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NickB
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #11 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 7:49pm » |
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Is it hard to turn the nested sheets to dxf output?
I know nothing about how that stuff works. But I can import dxf into my toolpathing software and have it ready to cut in no time.
Nick
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Rob
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #12 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 8:00pm » |
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on Nov 11th, 2009, 7:49pm, NickB wrote:Is it hard to turn the nested sheets to dxf output?
I know nothing about how that stuff works. But I can import dxf into my toolpathing software and have it ready to cut in no time.
Nick |
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It shouldn't be if I could figure out the format of a DXF file. They seem to include a lot of info that isn't really needed for something like this.
Can your toolpathing software export a DXF file. If so it might help me to take a look at it and compare it to the info about the file structure for them.
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| « Last Edit: Nov 11th, 2009, 8:06pm by Rob » |
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WarnerDesigns
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #13 on: Nov 11th, 2009, 9:58pm » |
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No not using cnc at this time but looking into it every day. I use e-cabinets as well as your program. When I get a big job, I design on e-cabinets and send file to a woodshop with a machine that can handle file and they cut for me, I assemble. Would really like to see your program handle cnc, looking into shopbot. Thanks again Rob for everything you do.
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NickB
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Re: Anyone using CNC?
« Reply #14 on: Nov 12th, 2009, 07:56am » |
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Rob,
I sent you an email with a dxf attached let me know if it works.
Warner look at CAMaster CNCs they are really nice and I have meet the guys that run/own the company and they are outstanding guys! I have a Chinese import and would NOT recommend going that route to save a few thousand.
I have spent more than that in head aches 
Shopbots are nice as well I have seen those and there forum is FULL of knowledge but they seem a little arrogent to me 
Just my thoughts.
If you or any one else has questions I will gladly direct you to what I have thought to be some of the most generous people in the cnc world to help you!
Nick
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