Thankfully, the answer is straightforward: SketchList 3D’s standardization feature allows users to create an object or assembly, and define it as a standard, which can be saved and reused in other designs.

Creating a Standard Object

A standard can be an assembly, a drawer, a door, or an individual board. To create a standard object, you can simply create the object as you would any other in SketchList 3D, by inserting boards or materials. With the standards, you want to carefully name the object so that you can identify it sometime in the future. For example, if you clone a cabinet, modify it, and choose to save it as standard, you might want to change the name from “cabinet” to something like “24-inch base cabinet with three drawers.” This way, when you are looking for that specific cabinet in the list of cabinets, it’ll be easier to identify.

Inserting a Standard Object

To insert a standard object, go to the SketchList 3D menu, select “Insert,” and then choose the “Standard” option. Ensure that you are at the appropriate hierarchical level before inserting a standard object. For example, you can insert an assembly into a project, but you cannot insert a board at the project level. Boards are inserted at the assembly, door, or drawer levels. Insert a board anywhere you would create a new board in SketchList.

Creating a Library of Standards

The beauty of the standardization feature is that you can create a library of different assemblies. You might create a library of kitchen assemblies, frames, or different types of doors, for example. Using the combination of different standards from your library, you can very quickly assemble your project on the computer screen. You can also, in terms of cabinet design software, take a standard object, say a 24-inch base cabinet, and change its height from 32 to 96 inches – again, making you more productive.

A Quick Summary

Standardization is a useful feature in SketchList 3D that can help users save time and streamline their design process. By creating and utilizing standard objects, users can quickly and easily replicate elements from previous designs, allowing them to focus on new and unique elements in each project.

The post Streamlining Woodworking Design with Standardization appeared first on SketchList3D.

CNC woodworking was the topic for our special online meeting.

CNC woodworking is a topic of interest for many of our SketchList 3D users.  Our leader, Ralph Bagnall, is an author, consultant, tool designer, and shop owner.  During this hour he shared some of his CNC knowledge with us.   This quote is from Ralph.

“I started programming operating CMCS back in mid-90s 1995 or six. I’ve been teaching and programming and operating and training operators and installing and servicing machines since the mid-90s.   And so it’s just an area that I’ve really come to love and enjoy my work. And so when I got the opportunity to write a book about it.

But while the book is designed for beginners and for primarily for what I call the desktop CNC market, a lot of the programming strategies and things I talk about are applicable to professional shops as well.  I’ve consulted with professional shops for the last 20 years on their CNC acquisitions and operations. So, for those of you who are in the business and are working with your CNCS. Again, feel free to ask any questions.

A lot of the photos I will show you are from my benchtop unit.

But a lot of the things we’re going to talk about is the same as you face in as a cabinet maker, or as a furniture maker.

I know I learn more easily when what I’m trying to learn is in context.  Knowing how to figure out the formula for the area of the given size doesn’t really mean anything to me. But when you frame it as  “okay if you measure the wall you can figure out how much paint you need to buy, in order to paint the wall” that makes sense. And it puts everything in context so I understand the concepts.

And I did that with my book about CNC woodworking.  I  divided  the book into individual projects with each designed to teach a specific skill set or a different tip or trick or technique.”

I just got my copy and asked Ralph to share some CNC woodworking tips.

See the video [Zoom recording] here.

The book — Beginner’s Guide to CNC Machining in Wood — is a number one seller at CAD book on Amazon.

The book is it gives you insight into Ralph’s approach to thinking,  It covers his approach to the processes of the prep, cutting, and assembly through all stages.

If you want to know more, read the post of Ralph’s demo on using SketchList 3D and VCarve.

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From cool woodworking tools to woodworking sales tips, there’s a lot of strategies you can take advantage of.

What would work best for your situation? How can you maximize the work that you do?

Keep reading to learn about 5 pro woodworking tips to boost sales!

1. Get the Right Tools

The key to being a pro woodworker is, of course, having the right tools for the job. The last thing you want to tell a customer is that you can’t do a job right away because you need to order a specific tool, for instance.

The main difference between a woodworker in a shop and a woodworker in a factory is that in a shop you can use your hands for a more personal touch when completing your projects.

This concept is embodied in the chisel, which is an essential tool for any serious woodworker. When you’re completing a job that involves joinery, then you’ll need accuracy. A chisel will give you the precision you need to remove excess wood for a perfect and solid fit.

Chisels are also important when creating mortises, dovetails, and tendons. You simply can’t do woodworking without it.

Another tool you’ll need is a circular saw, whether mounted on a table or handheld. A circular saw gives you the ability to set the height of the blade so you can make narrow slots, dados, and other cuts. Just make sure your circular saw has overall stability which will prevent it from moving in any significant way. Otherwise, you could ruin the project or even injure yourself.

Other tools that you should invest in include a router, a Japanese saw, a power drill, a jigsaw, a compound miter saw, and more.

2. Use Pro Woodworking Software

Woodworking software like SketchList3D can make your life a whole lot easier.

By generating 3D models in no time, you can show off your skills to your client and make sure they’re absolutely in love with your design. If not, you can alter it with a few easy clicks. Clients want to see that you’re business is state-of-the-art rather than stuck with outdated methods.

Additionally, such software can give you precise estimates, shop drawings, material layouts, the ability to duplicate recurring design aspects, and more.

Never before has it been so simple to design kitchens, furniture, cabinets, and other projects.

Best of all, you’ll be able to accurately asses the cost of a job and easily provide a reasonable quote to any prospective clients. That way, you can beat out the clients who either estimate too high from the start or who disappoint clients by estimating too low.

The best woodworking software is easy to use and can be tested using a free trial.

3. Emphasize Visuals on Social Media

The world of social media is highly visual. More and more people want to see intriguing images accompanying a post.

What’s so great is that woodworking provides great visuals and aesthetics in addition to function.

What better way of attracting customers than sharing stylish photos of the work you’ve done, whether for yourself or for happy customers?

When you’re active on these social media sites and are regularly posting engaging content, you can expect loyal customers and potential customers to share your posts and get excited about your business.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. With woodworking, a picture of beautiful kitchen cabinets on Instagram can be worth a thousand bucks or more.

Consider it a woodworking “sales hack”.

4. Safety is Important

Whether you’re in your workshop or working on a project inside a client’s home, the last thing you want to do is injure yourself on the job.

Not only will it make you look unprofessional but it can cost you a lot of time, money, and maybe even a limb.

Clients want to know that you’ll do a superb job without hurting yourself. If you have a bad track record, they’ll probably go with someone else rather than risk having someone in their home who doesn’t put safety first. It can be a liability for everyone involved.

For starters, you should read the safety information on each tool you have in your shop and any others you plan on using. You should also be wearing the right equipment.

5. Wear the Right Equipment

When using a circular saw, for instance, you could easily get a piece of wood in your eye. Rather than risk blindness, it’s paramount that you always wear proper eye protection when woodworking.

Tools can be loud, even with minor projects.  So you should wear ear protection any time you plan on firing up a noisy piece of equipment. Not only could you become deaf over time without ear protection but you might develop tinnitus in the meantime, which is a constant ringing sound in the ears that never stops.

Another thing you should be aware of is dust. Sawing, sanding, and other woodworking actions can produce a lot of it. Breathing this dust can negatively impact your health, which is why you should wear a face mask for jobs that’ll make a ton of hazardous dust.

Sometimes an accident can happen despite the best safety measures. However, if you’re prepared for it, then the damage can be as minimized as possible. It’s better to come away from an accident with a bump or a bruise rather than a missing finger.

Are You Ready to Use These Pro Woodworking Tips?

Now that you know all about 5 pro woodworking tips to boost sales, you can start working toward a new level of success for your business.

SketchList3D can provide you with all the woodworking software you’ll ever need. Using our expert tools, you can save time, money, and impress your clients with your beautiful 3D models. It’s even great for recreational use.

If you have any questions about our high-quality products, feel free to contact us.

The post Pro Woodworking – 5 Tips to get you ahead appeared first on SketchList3D.

“I got the order thanks to my craftsmanship & Sketchlist 3D! They told me they couldn’t believe how fast I produced Concept drawings of their new kitchen. They told me the other contractor had come back to see them. He had a pencil drawing of their new kitchen.  They told him they were all set. I will do the final  kitchen in the next 2-3 weeks, including  the island. After I complete that I can send it to you. Take care and talk soon.”

Over the past 12 months this shop sold a lot of new jobs using SketchList 3D.
Another shop owner wrote us that he is “Starting to get the hang of SketchList.  I just got the go ahead on a couple orders where I used your software for renderings. They said they “loved” the look.”
The next image of an island demonstrates the type of details possible.

If your want someone to pay you make a project for their home, office, or store they need assurance what you deliver meets their expectations.   Paper and pencil won’t do that.  Everyone knows that.
And we will work with you to bring SketchList 3D into your business so you product a high quality kitchen cabinet image for your proposals.   More than that working together we train you to start producing the necessary kitchen cabinet image needed to win jobs in the shortest possible time.

The post Read how a kitchen cabinet image helps sell a kitchen job. appeared first on SketchList3D.

If you want to enhance your design and make it more realistic and meaningful to your prospect, you should use the import image feature in your custom woodworking software.  This article contains a link to a video which will show you how it’s done.

Try to get a straight on photo of whatever it is you want to import.  In this case the camera was not parallel to the back wall and the result is distorted a bit.  It still works though – and it’s probably light years ahead of your competition. Camera quality doesn’t matter that much.  The image above was captured with a cell phone.

The steps are as follows.

1. Make a new material for a board.
2. Select new texture for that material from you computer
3. Set the scale to equal the size of – in this case room – the image.  If it looks funny in your design you probably got the wrong size.
4. Enter the material sizes in the stock database – keep it thin.
5. Insert a board and pick the material from the list.
6. You may need to try different grain directions.
7. Then push this wall to the back of the design and add your own design over the top.
8. In the design above the cabinets were added to the sides and under the window.

The post Custom Woodwork Software Imports Photos appeared first on SketchList3D.

“I’ve been using SketchList for a VERY short time, less than a month. I have some experience with 2D drawing from working 35 years as engineer, but I do have some wood working experience, about 50 years. But I’m far from being a journeyman. Now that I’m retired I’m working on replacing all 3 of my bathroom cabinets and completely redesigning my kitchen, which will require about 20 to 30 new cabinets. What I found in SketchList was that it was very intuitive and I was able to begin designing a simple medicine cabinet immediately without taking the time to investigate the available attributes of the software. Which is a mistake as learning by try and error is not as proficient. I purchased the Pro version because of the complex cabinet designs that I expect. The following is a response to the 3 questions you sent me.

What did SketchList do for you?

Simplified the design process of cabinets.  It is very intuitive and the basics can be learned within hours.  SketchList has a very well written manual.  The table of contents are hyper linked to each of the sections and most of the sections have hyperlinks to YouTube videos, illustrate the process very clearly.  In addition, there are numerous YouTube videos that illustrate how-to.

How did SketchList 3D help you?

I have only used SketchList for less than a month and within the first 3 days of using it I was able to design a bathroom medicine cabinet. Not just a box design but I was able to place the peg holes in the panels, dado set the walls to the face and set and check clearance tolerances. In addition, add a raised panel door to the cabinet with hardware. I have cabinets to design and build for 3 bathrooms and 20 to 30 kitchen cabinets to design and build.

What would you say to others?

While SketchList is not a high end software package like AutoCAD, which would be an overkill for designing cabinets, it is easy to learn, has the capability needed to initially design cabinets and is very well worth the price. I’ve reviewed several other software packages and their cost/capability doesn’t compare.”

Terry added in this email:

“I sent you an email regarding the design of a Roman Ogee raised panel door.  I attempted your recommended approach but was not successful.  The software limited the contouring to the edge of the board.  I’ve also investigated every other potential approaches but the software would not allow me to contour the face of a board.  Is there an approach?  I’ve also attached what the contour of the door face should look like.  I may be wrong, but if the algorithm attributes of the Edge and Surface had the same capabilities, the capabilities of the software would be well enhanced.”

My response email to him:

“I thought I got back to you about the contour.  Yes SketchList 3D does not contour a surface – in my mind [scary place sometimes] it doesn’t belong there.  Now it’s on an edge – but in V5 we will probably put contours on corners – where edges meet.

What we really need to add is a more flexibly contour definition form.

I was able to use the roman contour to do this – which isn’t exactly what you want….  But the Roman contour is a very flexible contour in SketchList 3D.

Now if you REALLY need that you can change the orientation of the board onto its side [surface face up and down] and use the shape tool.  You will be able to do the shape.   The downside is that board won’t optimize or appear correctly on the cut list.

SketchList 3D is not a CAD tool so the level of detail is less than CAD might do.  We are working on more detail in V5.  If you like – you have lots of experience – take a pass at designings a universal contour form.  We’ll certainly take any input you may give.”

Quick review of contours – watch this video.  [Some of the forms in this video maybe have been modified after the video was captured.]

Thank you Terry for taking the time to communicate.  With this type of feedback we can continue to modify SketchList 3D to be even better for designing for woodworking.

The post Woodworking Design Comments appeared first on SketchList3D.

I am reading a book on dimensioned shop drawings and drafting practices for woodworkers using furniture design software.  A survey we did showed us that users place a very high value on shop drawings.

The book starts with an explanation of drawing by hand, transitions to using computer programs to generate two dimensional drawings, and then moves to how to create full three-dimensional images.

The author says  you began your 3D design effort by drawing a front side and top view in two dimensions and blend them together to create your  three-dimensional design. I’ve not done that so I don’t know if that’s right or not.

I have read articles and online comments and commentary that say that  two-dimensional design is simpler than three. Makes sense and I think I agree.

Then I thought since drawing in two dimensions is easier than drawing in three dimensions it might help new users of SketchList 3D understand the process if I put together a video creating a model using the two dimensional method.

In the video you’ll see that I use the side, top and front views to create a bookcase.

If you are a novice to SketchList 3D this video will help you understand some of the tools and processes  one goes through to create a three dimensional design using two dimension representations.

But the best thing to do is watch the video.

The post Furniture design software – 2 dimensions? appeared first on SketchList3D.

SketchList 3D has a new feature to make this kitchen design software even faster and more accurate – without keying in any numbers. Our latest release – due out this week – supports a powerful align tool. Using the align tool you pick the board [or object] you want to align to, hold down the shift key and mouse click on other boards [or objects] then click the align tool object.
You can align in three directions – left / right, bottom / top, and front / back. You can choose to align to the inside of a board [like butting boards] or to the outside of the boards. You can also align to the center of a board.

Again – click the ‘target board’, hold down the shift key and click one or more ‘moving boards’, and click the appropriate icon. Simple.

You can also combine align functions. Move a board so it butts against the edge of the target board, then click the centering icon so the moving board is also centered on the target.

You can also insert a temporary board, set it in place, and use it as a bit of a target or snap to line. When you are finished – delete the temporary board.

Make a quick book case? Insert the left side. Insert a shelf. Align the shelf to the inside of the side board. Red dot-drag the shelf to the proper side. Clone and space shelves. Clone the left side. Click one of the shelves. Hold down the shift key and click a side board. Click the align right – outside icon. Boom. How easy was that?

Watch this video…

Align is a very powerful and flexible tool. Think about the ways you can use it. Experiment and see what it can do for you.

The post Kitchen Cabinet Layout Software Designs Numbers-Free appeared first on SketchList3D.

A manufacturer wanted to see how SketchList 3D would work as case design software.

There is plenty of detail here, a review of all reports, and a good example of the kinds of information you get from SketchList 3D.  It applies to manufacturing, cabinet making, remodeling — anywhere you need to model, manage and produce your work.

The first step is to determine your output requirements, the first of which are the images.

The door would have a hinge allowing it to close against the back part of the box.  The two drawers would also ‘close’.  There is a round metal bar for hanging clothing and a set of heavy rubber casters on the bottom.

A large part of the quality of the image has to do with images available for use [like the handles], angle or view of objects, background color and light adjustments.

One report available in SketchList 3D is PDF output.  This exports the design to a file that Adobe PDF reader [free software available from Adobe] can open or your or your client’s computer and actually move the design around on the screen.

In addition to being able to examine all views of the design, the
users can change lighting, make a line drawing, and modify their view of it.  SketchList 3D users tell me they love this feature.  Remember they can rotate it with their mouse.

The PDF can give different looks.  And it’s free.

Other types of outputs include the following:

1. Shop drawings – this example shows a standard drawing. You can make as many drawings, as detailed as needed, as you want.

2. Parts List – any part of the design can be shown or not on the parts list. The list can be sorted many different ways.  You can specify – for example – only parts of a certain thickness to be shown on a reports list.  The parts list can be exported to a spreadsheet for more work – for example inventories.  Of course you can print it.

2. Optimize material layout diagrams. SketchList 3D will take all parts and lay them out on the specified materials in a way the reduces waste.
3. Purchase report.SketchList 3D takes the material requirements from the layout function, aggregates them, and produces a report showing how much of each type of material is needed and what that costs.  This example from the travel box is very simple.

5. Export to DXF files for use by your CAM software is generated from the layout function.

Consideration of the objects of each output is important.  Certainly drawings and reports go to the shop.  They will also be part of proposals to potential customers, input for estimating and quoting jobs, and web page and marketing materials.  Each use of output starts with the same information and perhaps presents it a bit differently.

The other desired output is a library of standard designs, components, and parts.  The travel box design incorporates wheels, handles, and corner material which can be saved as standards.

One early task in implementing SketchList 3D might be to create a list of the contents of the library.  Of course this can be done as you go along, but experience shows this can result in multiple parts which are really the same with different names.

Once a library of “boxes” is created, new projects can be a matter of taking an existing ‘box’ and changing its size.  This may be the entire process or you may make other types of modifications – such as adding drawers.

The output will definitely adjust as you gain experience with the software and the process.

Planning the setup steps is important.

Again this can be done as you progress, but some thought should occur front end.

When you start you will put some effort into determining the elements of your design.

1. Joinery types – what kinds of joinery do you use and where?
2. Materials – standard materials for all jobs and/or custom material for custom jobs?
3. Materials cost – entering what you pay for the materials and vendors.
4. Report contents – what data will be on the reports.
5. Customer setup – entering customer information and including it on report headers.

Thinking about design structures. 

The effective use of assemblies and sub-assemblies greatly enhances productivity.  This is a skill you will develop as you become more experienced with SketchList 3D.  For example, in the travel box I used one assembly and included in it a large door.  That might have been two assemblies – there are advantages to each approach.

Starting

There are several steps.  Once you purchase SketchList 3D you can begin training and setup.  We do remote training via the internet and telephone,

Many customers find they become very productive with only two training sessions.  In the first we cover basics and begin to design a project they are about to begin.  At the end of that session probably 80% of the work is finished.  The user will attempt to finish the other 20% on his or her own.  During this time, I answer questions via email, phone, of sometimes with an online computer connection.  The second session covers final questions, resolves problems or misunderstandings, and reviews report generation.

The two session approach works because in the case of a customer woodworker – there is really not that much complexity.  They know how they build, build more or less the same thing over and over, and usually do not use the entire set of features of SketchList 3D [at least at first].

Your situation may be like that or may be more complex.  The more detailed cutting of foam inserts, more complicated case interiors, different use of materials all can affect the time to learn and adjust.

SketchList 3D will provide you an easy to learn and use design tool that will enable you to create both custom and standard parts and products.  Your customers will love the images they will see before buying.  It is certainly easier to get sign off when you have a detailed picture of what they are paying for.

Creating a standard library of objects will help you quickly and accurately create new designs.

The parts list, purchase list, cutting diagram, shop drawings, and DXF files will help you manage your production.

The post Complete solution case design software appeared first on SketchList3D.

Kitchen Cabinet Design Software For fast design cabinet boxes.

Each week I train new users of SketchList 3-D.

I think a problem in these sessions  is that the “student” is anxious to get into the details – probably too quickly.  We create an assembly, insert a board and begin applying joinery, contours, drilling holes, and shaping that board as necessary. I understand that all of these details need to be included in the design.  But I think some idea of context would help understand what we are doing.   Take a look at the forest before carving a corbel from a tree…

I decided to put together a video creating cabinets– boxes really  – in a way of quickly creating more of a context for our work.
You are using kitchen and design software design cabinets for kitchens or maybe a wall unit for an entertainment center. Get started with some broad strokes to create size and locate the boxes that are going build.  These make up the foundation of your design.

It is really very easy to go back in and apply the details later. Because SketchList 3-D has the ability to clone, clone and space, clone and mere, or save objects as standards to be used over and over.  You can quickly apply the details everywhere needed in the design.

This video shows one way to do make quick boxes. Create an assembly and click as many of the different types of board (shelf, side, back) as you need. Then use the spreadsheet and name each board. At this point you can use the spreadsheet size and locate the boards, or you can use the blue dot and red dot techniques of sizing and locating objects.

At the end of the video I show the shop line, optimized layout diagrams, and partners/Cutlass reports that were generated as part of this design. Remember records are totally integrated and are created during the design process.

Watch the video and see if this isn’t a quicker way to get started. As always contact me directly if you have any questions, comments, or problems.

The post Kitchen Cabinet Design Software appeared first on SketchList3D.