Design-to-production workflow for a bespoke bedroom chest and side table in Newbury — showing how 3D CAD design, client renders, and CNC machining work together to deliver ready-to-install joinery.

Cam Woodwork Ltd
Nov 20, 2024
2 min read

The Brief

The client required a bespoke chest of drawers and matching bedside table, designed specifically for their bedroom and tailored to complement the existing interior. The furniture featured a warm wood finish with inset panel detailing and needed to fit the room precisely. Before manufacture, the client wanted to review and approve the design, while ensuring the finished components would be produced accurately enough to avoid fitting adjustments during installation.

Design and Visualisation

The furniture was modelled in SolidWorks and SWOOD using the room's exact dimensions and design requirements. Photorealistic renders were then produced, allowing the client to visualise the proportions, material finish, and detailing before production began. This design stage helped refine the project early and ensured the final result met the client's expectations before any materials were cut.

From CAD to CNC

Once the design was approved, component dimensions, panel details, and manufacturing data were extracted directly from the SolidWorks/SWOOD model. Cutting lists were generated automatically, while panel profiles, drilling operations, and pocket details were programmed in Alphacam for CNC machining.

By working directly from the approved 3D model, the manufacturing data remained consistent throughout the process, eliminating the need for manual re-measuring or interpretation and helping to reduce the risk of production errors.

brushed bronze and oak chest — Bed storage chest cad drawing

Process

Client brief and room dimensions recorded
3D model created in SolidWorks and SWOOD
Photorealistic renders produced for client approval
Cutting lists and manufacturing data generated from the model
CNC toolpaths programmed in Alphacam
Components machined, checked, and prepared for installation
Furniture installed with no on-site adjustment required

Outcome

The finished chest of drawers and bedside table matched the approved renders and fitted the room exactly as intended. By combining 3D design, client visualisation, CAD/CAM file preparation, and CNC machining, the project progressed smoothly from concept to installation while reducing installation time and minimising the potential for costly rework.