Getting Started in eCabinet Systems

[Jesse L Layman]

I'm sure this concern has been posted here before, but I was wondering if anyone could give me some general pointers for getting started in eCab. For example, what are some things that you learned the hard way, or things that I could learn to avoid a lot of re-doing. Especially, I would like some tips on forming a library and materials lists. I have spent about 40 hours in eCab and have begun this process, but can see already that while learning the basics, there is a lot of "doing and re-doing" as Kerry Fullington has mentioned. Thanks!

[Jeremy Schiffer]

Hi Jesse,

Personally I'd recommend you start in the cabinet editor. Play around modifying the standard cabinets to make them exactly as you would build them. Learn how all the insets affect the different parts (don't forget negative insets come in very handy), play lots with the stretcher editor, if you do face frames, play with that too. Just learn all you can by playing in the cabinet editor, don't forget to save your progress. Once you get the basic cabinet to your liking, it's easy from there to create a library by using your cabinet as the seed and modifying it. That way all the boring stuff (materials, clearances/insets, hardware defaults, etc.) will already be in place.

Then learn the custom layout...

As far as tricks and tips, there are hundreds depending on what you're trying to accomplish. Don't be afraid to post here and ask questions if there's something stumping you.
Most of all read the help stuff. Lots of good context-sensitive stuff.

Good luck!

[Jesse L Layman]

Thanks for your reply, Jeremy. So far I've spent most of my time in Cabinet/Assembly Editor and have begun to work with Custom Layout. The help files and new video tutorials have been a great aid. Anyone else have tips or references to similar posts?

[Geo Noeth]

The best tip I can give you is to take one of Thermwood's classes, You will come out nearly up to full speed.