Interest continues to grow in CabinetSense - the best solution for SketchUp-based CNC cabinet making. But new users are often intimidated by the setup process.
So here is a summary of all the related software required, followed by the pros and cons of running in Mac vs Windows.
What You Will Need to Make Full Use of CabinetSense:
1: CabinetSense is a subscription-based software extension built exclusively for use within SketchUp, and cannot run without it. It will not run in SketchUp free, nor in Sketchup for iPad. You need SketchUp Pro and an annual subscription will cost you around £360 inc VAT per year. You can run SketchUp on either a Mac or PC.
By working within the SketchUp environment you can supercharge your CabinetSense cabinetry designs and presentations with direct access to SketchUp's 3D Warehouse and constantly improving visual features.
2: Once you've got SketchUp Pro installed and you are familiar with using it* you can download CabinetSense as a 2 week free trial. See how to install it into SketchUp here. When you are ready to commit, you'll need to sign up for a monthly subscription at $75 to include decent part export features or $100 for full CNC features per month. CabinetSense itself can run within either the Mac or Windows versions of SketchUp.
With the above setup alone, you can manipulate sophisticated dynamic cabinets, doors, drawers etc, and export part sizes and names and other production information data as .csv files which you could open in any spreadsheet program, or import into a variety of cutlisting softwares or apps for panelsaw cutting.
3: ...But CabinetSense integrates better with CutlistPlus for parts list, sheet layouts for panelsaw, and bills of materials. This cutlister is for Windows only. You will need the Gold edition for unlimited parts processing and it costs $249 as a one-time purchase, no ongoing subscription.
4: If you are a CNC user (and this is where the real power of CabinetSense comes in), you will need to use CabinetSenses's machining database to set up drilling and other machining operations - this requires Microsoft Access database software, which again is only for Windows, not Mac. Just download the free runtime version, and you will be able to open and edit the machining database provided with CabinetSense, to generate the machining date for visualisation in 3D within Sketchup (see first image above); and for output for toolpathing as DXF data (see below).
5: To apply toolpaths and generate the G-Code that ultimately controls your CNC machine, you will need Vectric Cut2D Pro for a one-off fee of £420. Again this is Windows only. You can also pay more for Vectric V-carve, but the additional 3D shaping features of this software are not required for general carcase parts cutting, drilling and grooving operations.
You will need to setup Vectric with the appropriate post-processor to suit your CNC machine, and then you will be ready to generate the code to begin cutting panels.
Mac or Windows?
If you've read all of the above you may conclude that a Windows PC is the only way to make full use of CabinetSense's potential. And my advice to anyone starting from scratch and ready to purchase a dedicated computer for this work would be to go with a PC.
But...
What if you are already a committed Apple user - reluctant to let go of your Macbook and it's ease of integration with your iPhone, iPad (airdrop, icloud, etc), Airpods etc...
Well, then (like me) you could use Parallels Windows emulator to get the best of both worlds.
This will cost you around £80 per year as an annual subscription.
I was skeptical of this for a long time but when I finally gave it a go I was surprised at how easily I could swipe between the Mac or Windows working environments on the same screen.
You will have the option of running SketchUp and CabinetSense on either the Mac or Windows side (there are minor differences in SketchUp interface that you may prefer one way or another); then for the related software processes you can jump over to windows with no interruption.
Let me know in the comments below if this was useful
My name is Alastair Johnson and I run Freebird Interiors Ltd in Sheffield. We provide CNC-manufactured components for other small to medium fitted furniture making business in the UK and beyond. Follow our workshop account on instagram @freebird_trade
I also offer training resources via this membership site. For only £7 per month you can receive fortnightly exclusive training content about all aspects of fitted furniture, under basic tier membership.
If you are serious about learning CabinetSense, sign up for the Pro Tier at £49 per month (cancel anytime) where you will find a growing library of up to date CabinetSense training resources, alongside training content on all aspects of running a fitted furniture making business.
*If you are a new user of SketchUp, try my free YouTube SketchUp training course aimed at UK bespoke furniture makers. Don't start with CabinetSense until you learn the basics of 3D modelling with native SketchUp tools!
