Creating a Cabinet Template With a Cut List

Up until recently there have been two ways programs generate cut lists. One way was for the user to set up parameters in the program like Cabnetware, Cabinet Vision, Cabinet Solutions, etc or use formulas like in Pattern System and DecoTech. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. They are not easy to set up depending on how you make your cabinets. Some of these software companies have made great improvements over the years. 

Pro100 has a new way to create cabinets and create a cut list. You build a cabinet the way you would in your shop. What you see is what you get, it is that simple. You build the cabinet using what ever method you want, frameless, framed or custom. This is easy because when you create a part for your cabinet in Pro100, you are essentially creating your cut list. If you follow some simple rules you can change the size of the cabinet and the cut list is updated accordingly. Think of this cabinet as your template for all wall cabinets because you can re-size it to what ever size cabinet you will need in the future. If you sell ready-mades or stock cabinets, then all you need is build your catalog using our existing ones.

Things you should know

1. Copy Elements: Click on element, drag to new location, at the same time right click. There will now be a new element at the location you first clicked on the original element.
2. Name Parts: If you are going to export a cutlist you need to name the parts twice, once in the General Tab and once in the Advance Tab. Example Side and in the advance tab [Side]. You have to have the square brackets or it will not work.
3. Measurements: You will want to show the dimension of the cabinet but not the parts. So un-check Show Measurement when you create parts.
4. Group Objects: A group object is any two or more elements combined to create a new object. A cabinet is a group object and can be named, resized and show its dimensions in the drawings.
5. Parts Scaling: Parts will scale properly if you follow a few simple rules. Empty spaces will resize so use spacers. If you look at this example you will see that I use a spacer that you can not see in the finished product between doors. I do this because I want the space to remain at 1/8” regardless of the size I make the two doors. If I had only an 1/8” space, that space would change when I resized the two doors. The 1/8” spacer’s dimension is locked at that size. Also the thicknesses of all parts are locked.
6. Moving an Element through an other Element: If you are moving an element and an other element is in the way, just hold down the shift key and it will move through the element.

Let’s make a Euro Wall cabinet then turn it into a face frame cabinet with the back rabbeted in to the sides ½”.

Step 1

Create the part by clicking on New Element (Red Square) then click on the west wall. After you do this, double click on the element. You will see the Properties Dialog Box. Click on Position. The bottom left corner of the room is 0, 0, 0 and is where I create all new objects. It makes for a good reference point for all parts of an object.  This will be a side so position the side at 0, 0, 0.

Step 2

Next size the part.  You will notice that you can lock the size of a part.  We are making the cabinet with ¾” material so lock the side at ¾”.  When the cabinet is stretched the side thickness will not change. Un-click Show dimension.  You will want to see the size of the cabinet not each part.

 When you create a cabinet part, make sure the "Property" dialog boxes looks like images as shown below.

Step 3

Next create all the parts of the cabinet you see in this picture below. Use the copy command to duplicate parts. Create the adjustable shelf with the spacer then group the three parts. You can now move the three as one shelf. Make sure you fix the width of the spacers so when the cabinet is resized later that the shelf will scale properly.

Be sure to have the "Show Measurement" checked so you can see the size of the door. You will then uncheck when you put the cabinet together. Notice the 1/8th spacer between the doors. Put the name in the advanced tab. You do not want to show the spacers in your cut list. Move the doors so they contact they make contact with the spacer, group the two. Now position the doors 1/8th from left and 1/8th from bottom and 11 1/4 from the back. You are done! Please call 1-800-608-0159 or set up online demo if you would like us to give you a quick walk through.