Cabinet making involves crafting custom storage solutions by selecting appropriate materials (like solid wood or plywood), assembling the structural boxes (carcasses), and installing functional hardware and finishes. Whether you are a beginner planning a project or a custom woodworking expert, these FAQ’s will cover the essentials. If you have more questions, contact us!
Software System Requirements & Compatibility
Q: Can I run this software on a standard Windows or Mac computer?
A: Yes. Most dedicated cabinet making tools are designed for Windows and may require specific hardware (like dedicated GPUs) to handle heavy rendering. CabBuilder is one of the only CNC softwares in the industry that run on a Mac OS.
Q: Can I evaluate the software prior to purchasing?
A: Yes. Nothing beats getting your hands on the actual software and trying it out. Is it intuitive? Easy to use? Is it a tool you will use often? Our Free 7 Day Trial will be a great fit for you.
Software Production & Integration
Q: Can the software generate files directly for CNC machines?
A: Yes. Convert your 3D cabinet designs into machine-ready code (G-code) tailored to your specific CNC router.
Q: How does material optimization (nesting) work?
A: The software arranges all the required parts onto standard sheet sizes (like 4×8 plywood) to maximize yield. This reduces material waste by 15-20% and exports DXF or CNC layouts to minimize overall costs.
Software Design & Capabilities
Q: Does the software automatically update cut lists when I change a design?
A: Yes. Automatically update cut lists, material reports, and costs when you alter a dimension in your 3D model.
Q: Can I use cabinet software for custom, non-standard cabinetry?
A: Yes. Customize styles, dimensions, and hardware without relying strictly on preset, modular libraries.
Q: Can clients view the cabinet designs in 3D?
A: Yes. Design in 3D and use images created in the software to show your designs in 3D to clients and for presentations.
Software Cost & Licensing
Q: Do I own the software, or is it a monthly subscription?
A: You will have an annual subscription for the software that is available online on any device. Log in from anywhere on any device at no additional charge. The Enterprise subscription also allows for multiple devices working simultaneously within the same license. Subscriptions include regular updates and ongoing tech support.
Q: Are there hidden fees I should watch out for?
A: Ask your dedicated account manager about upgrades, and the advanced technical support that comes with your annual subscription.
Q: How much does training cost?
A: Our online classes are $995 and includes a deep dive into the software. Plus one-on-one time with our professional trainer to get your specific shop set up and running after the class is over.
Materials & Construction
Q: What is the best material for building cabinet boxes?
A: Cabinet-grade plywood (such as Birch or Maple) is considered the industry standard for cabinet boxes because of its stability and durability. While particleboard or MDF are cheaper options, they are less resistant to moisture and structural stress.
Q: Should I use solid wood for my cabinet doors?
A: Solid wood (like oak, cherry, or maple) is excellent for doors, though it naturally expands and contracts with humidity. To prevent warping, many modern makers use a 5-piece shaker design, featuring a solid wood frame with a stable, veneer-plywood center panel.
Q: What is the standard size for kitchen cabinets?
A: Standard kitchen cabinet sizes are designed to fit most spaces uniformly. Cabinets fall into three primary categories, with standard dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) as follows:
- Base Cabinets (Sit on the floor): Typically 12″ to 48″ wide (in 3″ increments), 34.5″ high (or 36″ high with a standard countertop), and 24″ deep.
- Wall/Upper Cabinets (Hang on the wall): Typically 9″ to 48″ wide, 12″ to 42″ high (30″ and 36″ are most common), and 12″ deep.
- Tall/Pantry Cabinets (Floor to ceiling): Typically 18″ to 36″ wide, 84″ to 96″ high, and 12″ to 24″ deep.
Hardware & Assembly
Q: What are the best methods for assembling cabinet boxes?
A: The two most popular methods are dado/rabbet joints and pocket-hole joinery. Dados require more precise milling but create a very strong, interlocking joint. Pocket holes are highly favored by DIYers because they are efficient, easy to learn, and incredibly strong when used with wood glue.
Q: Which drawer slides should I use?
A: Undermount soft-close slides are considered the gold standard. They remain hidden beneath the drawer, can support a heavy payload, and feature mechanisms that prevent the drawer from slamming shut.
a DEEP DIVE INTO Computer numerical control
Q: What is CNC?
A: Computer numerical control (CNC) is the automation of machine tools by means of computers executing pre-programmed sequences of machine control commands. This is in contrast to machines that are manually controlled by hand wheels or levers, or mechanically automated by cams alone.
In modern CNC systems, the design of a mechanical part and its manufacturing program is highly automated. The part’s mechanical dimensions are defined using computer-aided design (CAD) software and then translated into manufacturing directives by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. The resulting directives are transformed (by “post processor” software) into the specific commands necessary for a particular machine to produce the component and then are loaded into the CNC machine.
Q: What is CNC Machining?
A: CNC machining is a manufacturing process in which pre-programmed computer software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery. The process can be used to control a range of complex machinery, from grinders and lathes to mills and routers. With CNC machining, three-dimensional cutting tasks can be accomplished in a single set of prompts.
When a CNC system is activated, the desired cuts are programmed into the software and dictated to corresponding tools and machinery, which carry out the dimensional tasks as specified, much like a robot.
Q: What do CNC machinists do?
A: CNC machinists work with heavy machinery from setup to operation to produce parts and tools from metal, plastic or other materials. Computer numeric controlled equipment is precision machinery that cuts, grinds, or drills into the material.
Q: What language do CNC machines use?
A: The industry has standardized on G-Code as its basic set of CNC machine codes. G-Code is the most popular programming language used for programming CNC machinery.
Q: What are the most common types of CNC machines?
- CNC Mills: The material is held stationary while rotating cutting tools shape and drill it (ideal for complex blocks).
- CNC Lathes: The material rotates while a stationary tool cuts it (ideal for cylindrical parts, shafts, and threading).
- CNC Routers: Used to cut larger, softer materials such as wood, plastics, and aluminum.
- Laser & Plasma Cutters: Use high-power beams or ionized gas to slice through sheet metal with high speed and detail.
Q: What materials can be machined?
A: CNC machinery is highly versatile and can process a massive range of materials, including:
- Metals (aluminum, titanium, brass, steel, and copper)
- Plastics and polymers (ABS, Nylon, PEEK, and acrylic)
- Woods, foams, and fiberglass
Q: What is the difference between CAD, CAM, and G-code?
- CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Software used to draw and design the digital 2D or 3D blueprint of the part (e.g., SolidWorks or Fusion).
- CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing): Software that takes the CAD design and calculates the specific cutting paths, speeds, and tool requirements.
- G-code: The underlying digital language generated by CAM that the CNC machine directly reads to move its motors and cutting tools.
Q: What are the 5 axis on a CNC machine?
A: The term “5-axis” refers to the number of directions in which the cutting tool can move. On a 5-axis machining center, the cutting tool moves across the X, Y and Z linear axes as well as rotates on the A and B axes to approach the workpiece from any direction.
Q: What does the CNC process look like?
Step 1: Design Creation: A designer or engineer creates a 2D or 3D model using CAD software.
Step 2: G-code Generation: This design is then converted into G-code, which the CNC machine understands.
Step 3: Machining: The CNC machine reads the G-code and performs precise operations, such as cutting or drilling, on the raw material.
Step 4: Finishing: The machine finishes the part with smooth cuts and accurate dimensions.
Q: What industries rely on CNC machining?
A: Virtually every heavy and light manufacturing sector uses CNC technology. The most prominent include aerospace, automotive, medical device manufacturing, defense (which often requires ITAR-certified facilities), marine, and woodworking/furniture.
Q: What factors determine the cost of a CNC part?
A: Quotes are highly dependent on the material chosen, part geometry (e.g., tight internal radii vs. loose tolerances), total volume (set-up costs are amortized over larger runs), and post-processing or surface finish requirements (e.g., anodizing, plating, or polishing).
Q: What is a Part Program?
A: The part program is a sequence of instructions, which describe the work, which has to be done on a part, in the form required by a computer under the control of computer numerical control (CNC) software. It is the task of preparing a program sheet from a drawing sheet. All data is fed into the CNC system using a standardized format. Programming is where all the machining data are compiled and where the data are translated into a language which can be understood by the control system of the machine tool.
The machining data is as follows:
- Machining sequence classification of process, tool start-up point, cutting depth, tool path, etc.
- Cutting conditions, spindle speed, feed rate, coolant, etc.
- Selection of cutting tools.
Q: Who is the father of CNC machining?
A: John T. Parsons. Born January 7, 1913, Detroit, Mich.; the father of numerical control. Parsons discovered how to calculate airfoil coordinates on an IBM 602A multiplier. He then fed these data points into a Swiss jig borer. To date, this was considered the first true numerical control machine as it manufactured goods – helicopter blade templates, in this case – by feeding punched cards into a system, and the system then read and produced the parts based on preprogrammed information.
Q: The future of CNC Machining?
A: With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, CNC machines are becoming smarter and more efficient. 5-axis CNC machines have been around for a while, but now, when coupled with new technologies like cobots, advanced sensors, and AI-enhanced software analysis, they can create even more complex parts in less time. Not only that, these advancements make programming the machines easier and help minimize errors. Moreover, CNC machines are playing a crucial role in the growth of additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing, by seamlessly blending traditional machining with cutting-edge technology. As a result, these innovations are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in manufacturing.