You just received the latest release of that whiz-bang software application that runs your entire production. You just can't wait to load it up and take advantage of all the improvements that will make your life so much easier. But wait....

What would happen if suddenly, your whizbang software was not able to do what it did? Would your business screech to a halt? Before updating any software that is critical to your business, always take the time to investigate and prepare before taking the plunge by asking yourself the following questions:

• Did you perform a backup of your current data?
• Does the updated version have the option to be installed concurrently with the previously installed version?
• Is the update "reversible"?

But most importantly...

• How long has the update been out? You should also evaluate if you really need to be "one of the pioneers".

In addition, if you have access to a support forum or other form of technical support for the software in question, contact them and see if they have encountered any issues with the new installation. Remember, in most cases, a dialog box will pop up and state - "an update for whiz-Bang is available.  Do you want to install it now?" and usually has a "not now" or "later" option. If you are not ready... play it safe by selecting the "later" option.

Originally publish in CNC Automation's eBulletin newsletter - June 2008

This past September at the WMS 2009 Show, CNC Automation in collaboration with our Suppliers and customers built kitchen cabinets, wardrobes and vanities that were then donated to the Habitat for Humanity Restore Program.

Many of the people who worked together during the show to not only illustrate what our products and machines could do in a real time production environment, were humbled by what was being created for the Habitat for Humanity program.  Too often during shows, raw material is wasted and finished products are destroyed once the show is completed.  This time CNC Automation and our partners wanted to make a difference.  We contacted Habitat for Humanity to see if there was a need.  This partnership proved to be rewarding to all concerned.

I would like to share with you, a letter that was received from Stewart Hardacre, President and Chief Operating Officer for Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Habitat for Humanity Letter of Appreciation

Version 1.1 packs a whole lot of new features to do with DXF manipulation that we hope you will find useful .

• Geometry selection - individual, chain and windowed mode.
• Zoom and Pan.
• Create new layers.
• Copy or move geometry between layers.
• Delete geometry.
• Layer and geometry information.
• Keyboard "mouse" actions for use on a controller installation.

With some of the above features, you can basically take an unprepared DXF file and layer it on the fly with DXF Buddy ! ** The geometry has to be good to begin with though.

See the video -

DXF_Buddy_1_1_0_Preview_EN.avi

Voir la vidéo -

DXF_Buddy_1_1_0_Preview_FR.avi

The DXF List mode has also been enhanced in the DXF Buddy Pro version -

• Add DXF's to the list with drag and drop.
• Modify material and other common parameters across multiple rows.
• Interpretation of actual Z depths found in DXF files when layer names have not been defined.
• Support of the new CAB packaging of Control Nesting 5.49.

See the video -

DXF_Buddy_1_1_0_Pro_Preview_EN.avi

Voir la vidéo -

DXF_Buddy_1_1_0_Pro_Preview_FR.avi

On the 16th and 17th of November, CNC Automation will have our doors open to interested parties looking at new ways to automate their facilities.

- New Thermwood CS43 in operation featuring "Quick Cut"
- 20/20 Cad and Design links direct to a Thermwood Router. Staff from 20/20 will be present to demonstrate and answer any questions you may have.

 -Ecab Software presentation.
- Profile modeler. Curved mouldings , carvings, and more.
- Panelmetrix and CPG software. What's new and how it can help your bottom line.
- Giben Smart saw and Hirtz throughfeed CNC boring machine presentations.

-Makor Q-one spray machine. We will be spraying water base RENNER products.


-Loewer Brush and Moulding sanders. Demonstrations will be done on solid and MDF doors both white

Please feel free to look at the pictures taken during our last show at WMS 09 in Toronto.

WMS09 pictures library

We are always looking for new ways to present our products and illustrate machines in a real production environment. We quickly realized that the amount of raw material we toss in the garbage was a total waste and thus the idea of donating a finished product became our goal. With the help of Habitat for Humanity we found a great partner to work with while benefiting a great cause and assisting the environment.

CNC Automation has successfully finished yet another WMS show. This year was by far the largest we have ever been thanks to all our valued suppliers and dedicated staff. Our booth was designed as a fully operational plant producing numerous cabinets, complete kitchens and closet organizers for Habitat for Humanity's restores. Steve and Loris from Silhouette Cabinets and Emil from Lovech donated their time to assemble the cabinets with the volunteers from Habitat for Humanity .

Over the next couple of days we will be adding various information regarding the show as well as pictures.

Emil form Lovech Cabinets




Steve and Loris from Silhouette Cabinets




Ken Susnjara, CEO of Thermwood, Standing next to the NEW CS-43




Assembly Area

 

About QuickCut: QuickCut is available on all Thermwood CabinetShop series machines and offers the fastest, easiest and simplest possible way to make custom cabinets. Everything is done right at the machine. You don't need separate computers, design software, networks or anything else other than the machine.

Once again the AFDICQ golf tournament has come and gone and was very successful. Our presence as a sponsor and provider of refreshments at 2 holes on the course was greatly appreciated. It was also the first preview showing of Festool Tools which caught the attention of many. We had time to speak with many business owners while offering them a cold beverage which is a great door opener for future sales calls. The turnout was excellent with close to 200 golfers and 250 for supper.  I would like to thank everyone for their assistance and participation. 

See pictures of our last event in Ontario

Open House - Lovetech 2009