Please help

charlie cheatham · Post by **charlie cheatham** » Fri, May 04 2007, 9:59AM

I am new to ecabinet systems and new to all design software I have tried to play with the program a little but I have no idea where to start. I run a small but high volume cabinet shop. We build all framed cabinets with raised panel doors and decorative corners. We do all our drawings and cutting tickets by hand, we do not have any cnc machines just saws and shapers and a good crew that I am haveing trouble keeping up with. That is why I am trying to use a software program, and also to give the customer something other than line drawings for a proposal. If anyone can help me get started please let me know.

Charlie

Pete Riddle · Post by **Pete Riddle** » Fri, May 04 2007, 11:57AM

Charlie,

I'm sure this is not an exciting prospect, but if you would like to get the most out of the software in the shortest period of time, I would recommend you attend and eCabinets seminar. There is also an eCabinets user guide included in pdf format with the eCabinets. Or, you can order a hard copy through our Catalog Dept.

You can contact the Training Dept. here at Thermwood to find out when and where the next one will be offered. 1-800-533-6901 Or, you can ask for Catalog to order a Guide.

Thanks,

Kerry Fullington · Post by **Kerry Fullington** » Fri, May 04 2007, 4:53PM

Charlie,
I don't think there are any \"Short cuts\" learning this software other than the training classes. I agree with Pete that you should print out or purchase the eCabinet Systems manual and the eCabinet System Made Easy manual. Read through these and work through the exercises. If you catch a snag use this forum to get answers. Plan to invest some time learning this software and the payback will be tremendous.
Kerry

Al Navas · Post by **Al Navas** » Fri, May 04 2007, 5:04PM

Charlie,

I had become totally frustrated with version 4, and abandoned it for several months. THEN version 5 came along, I installed it, and was unable to run it properly on my old laptop.

Long story short:

I bought a new laptop, enrolled in the course for earlier this week, and spent Friday last week (one week ago today) and them part of the weekend doing nothing but \"playing\" with the eCabinet Systems program. All this in an effort to try to get ready for the three-day course in Kansas City.

It paid off! Although still learning, I am hoping that with practice, this forum, and the experts who are always willing to help us out, I can become proficient.

In summary, be prepared to spend some serious time at the keyboard with the latest version of eCabinet Systems, practice and practice, and ask for help from others here.

Good luck!

.

Mark Taylor · Post by **Mark Taylor** » Fri, May 04 2007, 8:45PM

Hi Charlie,

Here is the link where you can check the training schedule for ecabinets...http://www.woodworkerswholesale.com/eCa ... s/1158.htm

Unless you are extremely computer literate...the quickest way to become reasonably familiar with this software and make it work to your benefit is to attend one of the training programs.

There is no question in my mind it's one of the best investments you can make. You don't need a router to take advantage of this software and increase your own productivity, your shops productivity and produce 3 demensional photographic quality renderings to increase sales as well.

Don't wait...make the investment

Mark

Rick Palechuk · Post by **Rick Palechuk** » Sat, May 05 2007, 12:26AM

Another tip Charlie, don't try to learn the software on a job your trying to get out the door. Your going to have to set some time aside to learn it. The more you spend, the more it pays.

PS Welcome to the forum

Kerry Fullington · Post by **Kerry Fullington** » Sat, May 05 2007, 8:46AM

Charlie,
I forgot to mention that the eCabinet Systems software is a training tutorial in itself. With the Learning Mode on (the software starts this way) you can mouse over any icon or object and a balloon will pop up telling you what this item is. Read these balloons. As you enter every editor in the software you can click the red question mark located at the upper right hand corner of your screen and an overview of that editor or area will open to tell you just what this editor does and how to use it. Read these. This way you are not having to thumb through a manual looking for answers. You still need to get printed copies of the manuals and read through them. Don't just skim through the pages hoping knowledge will jump out at you.
Kerry

charlie cheatham · Post by **charlie cheatham** » Mon, May 07 2007, 1:33PM

Thanks for all the advice. If I was to attend a training seminar and then come home and run a few trial jobs through how well would I be able to use the program. Im no computer genius but I know a little about computers and alot about cabinets. I also have to convince the owner of the company that it is worth sending me to the class. He is stuck in his old ways and still thinks we can do a better job without the computer. He is not the one doing all the work though. So any information I could pass onto him would be great.