MDF Doors

Adam Hollohan · Post by **Adam Hollohan** » Tue, Sep 11 2007, 6:14PM

We are presently debating if we should start cutting mdf doors on our router. Just wondering if there is a alot of profit in doing so, because we do at least 5-8 painted kitchens a month. Also can we use the latest version of ecab to do this, or do we have to buy panel matrix?

Nick M Singer · Post by **Nick M Singer** » Tue, Sep 11 2007, 10:41PM

It is very worth it doing your doors on the Thermwood. We produce all types from DXF's so no real need to buy Panel Matrix then.

Adam Hollohan · Post by **Adam Hollohan** » Wed, Sep 12 2007, 5:46AM

Could you elaborate a little more about creating mdf doors through dxf files?

Mark Hesketh · Post by **Mark Hesketh** » Wed, Sep 12 2007, 2:16PM

we use Panelmetrix to run our doors. generally takes a couple of hours of testing to create an acurate profile, due to the fact that there is no graphical representation of what you are doing (you need to input the location and depth each tool will run... sounds complicated, but after a day or two of training it is not too bad). one of the bonuses is that you can set the order in which all the tools are used, which just helps tihngs run a little faster and ensures things are done in the order you want. the drawback there is that if something goes wrong, you basically can't blame the program for the mistake

we generally have about 4 painted kitchens in a month, though i have 9 in the next 2 weeks. the program has it's limitations, as does any program, but it works well for us.

Joe Soto · Post by **Joe Soto** » Wed, Sep 12 2007, 9:17PM

I feel its well worth it to cut your own mdf doors. He is a sample file of a 3 pass door .dxf file. Be sure to read about layer names in the Control nesting manual. http://order.ecabinetsystems.com/update ... Manual.htm

Post by **Jason Susnjara** » Mon, Sep 17 2007, 8:57AM

Hi Adam,

Generally Panelmetrix is used for higher production. They have hundreds if not thousands of different styles to choose from. If you just plan on cutting doors for some kitchen cabinet jobs then eCabinets should work for you. You can model the doors out or you can use custom tooling as well. Parametrically, eCabinets has three styles to choose from or you can make whatever you want by using display panels.