CNC technology for custom woodworking.

Thermwood developed the first CNC router in the mid-1970s. Since then, it has continuously developed unique technology, much of it aimed at woodworking. Today, Thermwood focuses on making CNC routers and the associated technology practical for custom woodworking.

Traditionally, CNC routers have been used by large companies to produce long runs of complex parts. The approach used for this doesn't work for small shops building custom products. Thermwood is the leader in developing a new body of machinery, technology and software that makes custom manufacturing easier, more productive and more profitable. Thermwood will highlight this new technology at the upcoming AWFS show in Las Vegas.

The latest version of eCabinet Systems software will be demonstrated. Version 4 has the ability to design complex cabinets and true furniture and makes it easy to exchange designs. You can create virtually any part in the software and then assemble these parts into virtually any product. You can design MDF doors, or any part design, and send them directly to a Thermwood CNC router and then machine them without the need for separate CAD, nesting or Post Processor software. All these functions are done in the CNC control and they are all automatic.

eCabinet Systems operates as a cooperative. The software is free to professional woodworkers, offering them not only powerful design software, but also allowing them to purchase parts and supplies through the cooperative at a discount. These purchases pay for the software.

Thermwood also will show its current library of CNC carving programs that are available for rent. Three-dimensional carving files can be downloaded from Thermwood's web site and incorporated in eCabinet Systems designs. Anyone with a properly configured Thermwood CNC router can rent the program and carve the part. Rental cost is typically $1 to $5.

A unique feature of this program is that the size of the carving can be scaled up or down as needed. Individual axes, in fact, can be scaled differently to adjust the carving for specific applications.

Thermwood's current library of carving programs includes a variety of both flat and rotary [post and leg) carvings. Thermwood has thousands of carving designs available that it intends to add to the library. Designs cover every era including French, English, French Provincial, 18th Century, Caribbean, Roman and Greek, Gothic, Early American and eclectic. Artists and carvers are invited to add their own unique designs to the library and share in rental fees. Thermwood expects this to become the largest collection of carving programs in existence and each carving program can be rented for just a few dollars.

Thermwood also has expanded the already unmatched compatibility of its CNC control, trying to eliminate complexity typically associated with trying to get parts designs from different sources to run on a machine. In addition to accepting DXF files directly from every major CAD and design software program, then nesting and running them without the need for CAM, nesting or Post Processor software, the control now also accepts CPOUT files intended for panel saws or an Excel spreadsheet of panel sizes. The panels are then nested and cut right at the control. You can even type a list of lengths and widths directly into the control and it will nest and cut them accordingly. Should you find a defect in your sheet, you can nest around it, right at the control.

Another unique feature of the control that will be highlighted at the show is the ability to model shaped edges.

When the design for a moulding, MDF door or other part with a profile edge is sent to the machine, if the custom tool needed to machine the edge is not available, the control will develop a program to model the shape using standard modeling tools. This saves a great deal of time and money when only a few parts are needed and gives custom shops tremendous flexibility. The edge that is modeled can be either straight or curved, allowing the modeling of curved mouldings, table edges or the like.

Thermwood also will be introducing a new program to distribute Valspar finishes through eCabinet Systems, offering "Furniture Quality Finishes for Cabinets: Thermwood will be providing material, finishing schedules and techniques to bring a level of quality and sophistication to cabinet finishes heretofore not available to the small cabinet shop. Materials specifically blended by Thermwood are available anywhere in the country, in the smaller quantities needed by custom shops. Other aspects of the program make it ideal for the smaller shop.

Thermwood again will design, run and assemble complete cabinets in its booth, taking visitors through the entire process of nested-based manufacturing. This clearly demonstrates the ease and speed at which the process occurs, and will also demonstrate some of the advantages of nesting right at the CNC control, rather than creating a rigid program in the office.

Thermwood

Phone: [phone]

www.thermwood.com

AWFS Vegas Booth #3028