Ecab 3 Day training

[Gregory Hairston]

Im looking at taking their 3 day course. Could someone who has taken this give me some information on how it is structured, what you got out of it. How did it help you. Was there a huge improvement in your ability to manipulate ecabs. ETC ETC


Greg

[FredHirsch]

Greg,
This is a fantastic class. I had been using eCabs for several years and wasn't sure what I would get out of the class.. I got a lot out of it. eCabs is very deep in features, which means not only is there a lot to learn, but many different ways to accomplish what you are after. As an example I had been using a crazy round about method for adding cuts to side panels and positioning them. Dennis demonstrated a way to get what I wanted in about 1/3 the time. It comes with an excellent step by step workbook that is worth the price of admission. Also, I had two gentlemen from our shop with me that had only a couple hours on ecabs before the class and they got a tremendous amount out of it. I don't have the class workbook with me right now but I'd imagine that Thm could provide some sort of a class outline to you (for some reason I seem to remember seeing this on the web site somewhere).
Fred

Edit: I believe the 3 day covers the same material as the 5 day, but because of time constraint, has to move pretty quickly and I believe we did skip over an item or two (but the step by step is still in the manual). Because they cover so much material one tip I can give to the new user when taking the class: because you are "doing as you are learning". If for some reason you get flustered and your cabinet is not coming out properly, take your hands off the keyboard and watch the teacher.. The idea is to get the BIG concepts, what it is cabable of and generally where to go in the software to get it done. All the "keyboard" details are in the manual. Better to get BIG ideas than frustrated on some little detail that is explained in the manual. There is no way you will remember every little bit covered in the class anyway (hence the manual and this message board). Also, Dennis was more than willing during breaks and after class to walk you through any problems you may be having.

[Dennis Englert]

Thanks for your very good accounting of what to expect from the seminar particularly for users that varying degrees of experience. I concur with your comment about getting the concept of the big picture rather than being mired in particular keystrokes. If the student at least observes, listens and keeps mental track of where we are in the workbook, I'd say that most of the steps are in the workbook, line-by-line, stroke-by-stroke.

For those who may be thinking about attending any of the upcoming seminars, I've already conducted one seminar with the beta of 5.2 and we've conducted one class at Thermwood with the beta. We've encountered very few problems with the beta version, particularly when I compare it with some of early versions. Until the release of 5.2 we will be training the beta version and next week I'll be at Fredericksburg, VA and Dan Voges will be training at Thermwood.

I've just completed a new training manual for 5.2 that covers primarily its changed features. The workbook is more detailed and more step-by-step than the previous version and is at 250 pages. The main emphasis of 5.2 was to make that area easier by combining the Custom Layout Parameters, Wall Editor, and Detail Room into one module. The workbook for 5.1 contains just under 350 pages. In that workbook, I created an appendix section that details things that I've seen requested on the internet and questions posed during the various classes and seminars that I've taught. How to use the Part Editor to create fluted rails, how to make clipped corner cabinets, how to design various profiles in the shape editor, and a few more. Eventually, the remainder of the subjects in the 5.1 manual will be implemented in the new manual for 5.2 to make one complete manual. Currently, the only way to get one of these manuals is by attending one of our classes or seminars.

I didn't mean to get long winded, but wanted to thank you for your response to Greg's question.


Dennis L. Englert
Product Training Manager

[Gregory Hairston]

Dennis,
Unfortunately I could not make it to Fredricksburg. I will plan to take the 5 day course up in Dale real soon.

Thanks for all the information.

Greg Hairston