Daigneault used AutoDesk CAD software to feed his design concepts to a computer, where they were fed to a CNC milling machine that cut out the pieces. The cabinet, his largest to date, required 80 hours of computer-assisted design work as well as 150 hours for building. It is expected to sell for between $4,000 and $5,000 at the Seattle gallery where Daigneault is already creating a name for himself as an artist and a craftsman.
Technology is increasingly being used to enhance woodworking processes as manufacturing plants rely on CAD software, milling machines and other automated processes to build their products.
A British Columbia native, Daigneault first discovered he enjoyed woodworking in high school, and searched across the country for a post-secondary program that would help him hone his skills and launch a successful career. He chose Conestoga’s Woodworking Technology and Architectural Millwork, and credits the program for providing him with a broad education, “starting off with the fundamentals, progressing into the machines and finishing with the advanced computer equipment and technology.”
Now that he has graduated, Daigneault has opened his own cabinet-making and carpentry business in his hometown of Aldergrove, British Columbia. He is currently designing and installing kitchens for two customers and will make cabinets to order for any interested clients. Eventually he hopes to focus on industrial clients.