MDF Doors

[woodturner]

Looking for input (please) regarding an inexpensive (or was it "free"?) door program. I remember something that was out there but it was causing machines and computers to lock up. I searched the archives and don't see anything mentioned since '07.

Can anyone shed some light on what will provide code for a dual spindle (no tool changer) machine? Thanks in advance.

[Gary Campbell]

Ed...
Here is a link the Bruce's Free Door Page: http://home.centurytel.net/bwclark/

Can you explain your question about the code a little more? What are you trying to do? What software are you looking to or are using?
Gary

[woodturner]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the link. I just remember it originally causing a lot of problems. In fact, several years ago, someone sent me a CD and then warned "don't run it!" Has this worked well for you (or others)? Or is there a reasonably priced program that I could input sizes and get appropriately scaled output for raised panel sections using one cutter and round over/cut out profiles for the second cutter? I am trying to AVOID tool changes during a run. I am not expecting to create sharp square corners with my current set up. Maybe down the road with a tool changer, but simple for now.

As far as the code, I just meant that it will create the sbp file if possible. Currently, I draw them one at a time in Acad LT and save as a dxf, then post them using Insignia. I also use Kcdw for designs, but have ever had success exporting it for CNC. Plus, I don't think it puts out information for making doors, but I'm not sure. I know you can order pre-made doors through it, but again, I never have.

Thanks again!

[Gary Campbell]

Ed...
Since the introduction of the ShopBot Link my emphasis has been on eCabinets for design. I get very few calls for MDF doors, but have done a couple jobs for other shops. eCabs does not do MDF doors. We have done these using VCarvePro and implemented VCarved square corners.

I believe that Ryan has added some scripting to CabinetPartsPro that does this. Maybe he or Jim McGrew will chime in with the details.

Insignia has a toolchanger post that would allow you to nest your Acad doors and cut them with 2 heads in one cutting file per sheet. Assuming you can cut your files with 2 bits, this is a fairly simple process. You have "toolchanges" but you are not changing bits, just swapping heads. A little more explanation here: http://www.shopbottools.com/garysmusings.htm#Link1

If you need more info, let me know.
Gary

[richards]

Ed,
The FreeDoors program that Bruce Clark and I wrote requires three tools, a straight cutter to cut the groove, a V-cutter to cut the bevel and to square the corners, and a round nose cutter for the cove cuts. As far as I know, it doesn't "lock up". It costs absolutely nothing except a little time to try it out. I'll admit that I haven't used it that much myself, only about one thousand doors, but everyone of them was cut exactly as expected.

If you need help, send me an email (just click on my profile for the address).