Version 3 of the  CHBD (Custom Home Bar Designer) Resizing Web Tool has been released.
So far we have three plans added to the CHBD. The demo has also been upgraded with the sample workbench project. Version 3 improvements include:

1. Full compatibility with MSIE ver 6+ AND Mozilla Firefox. That will make MAC users happy!
2. Improved user interface.
3. Many added admin side functions.
4. Provisions for multi-section modules.
5. Better user management
6. Sheet area calculation.
7. Scrap calculation.
8. Improved printing.
9. Several other minor bug fixes.

We are now focusing on building our database with many more projects.
Version 3.1 will bring more surprises. But we’ll hold off on releasing any info at this time.
If you’ve tried the new CHBD 3.0, tell us what you’d like to see in the future versions and we’ll do our best to work them in. Thanks & Have Fun!

Browser speed and reliabilty may be one factor that determines if someone either loves or hates the web.
Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has never been a great performer, well maybe IE version 6 was faster, but IE version 7 put on the brakes by adding many security checks that some experts say are poorly implemented. Now IE version 8 is lumbering onto the scene with more features and much fatter than previous versions.
Apparently this bloated version is intended to run on Vista, but it’s resource hungry footprint is sure to bog down even powerful dual core systems. IE 8 eats enormous amounts memory, gobbling 350-400Mb per serving and requires 150-200 concurrent execution threads and 6 servings of iexplore.exe discrete process instances.  To top it all off, Internet Explorer 8 is twice as demanding as Firefox.

This is an example of one of our members’ home bar project as it progresses from dark, dank, wasted basement space to a warm & inviting home bar that will rival any corner bar or tavern. This particular member had some help from a local contractor, along with plans and design ideas found at barplan.com.

After it’s initial release, we have found the CHBD 2.0 (Custom Home Bar Designer) Resizing Web Tool is working out well, but is in need of a few enhancements, so I am working on getting version 3 out as soon as possible to include the following:
1. Full compatibility with MSIE ver 6+ AND Mozilla Firefox. That will make MAC users happy!
2. Improved user interface.
3. Many added admin side functions.
4. Provisions for multi-section modules.
5. Better user management.
6. Integrating the membership and CHDB databases.
7. Several other fixes.

After the release of version 3, expect to see a wild rash of new projects released that will allow for nearly an infinite number of bar size variations. Our database development will grow rapidly in 2009.
Version 4 will bring more surprises. But we’ll hold off on releasing any info at this time.
If you’ve tried the new CHBD 2.0, tell us what you’d like to see in the future versions and we’ll do our best to work them in. Thanks & Have Fun!

After several years of development, our exclusive CHBD bar planner web application is ready for use. Existing Barplan.com members can now use the CHBD resizing tool to customize the dimensions of our core plan sets. The CHBD handles all the calculations in 3D for all length, width and height related parts.
In the past, those who wanted to modify plans had to sit down with a pencil, paper & calculator along with a set of plans to mark up and trudge through the plan set trying to decide which parts needed to be shortened or lengthened. It was a real pain in the butt!
Now you simple load the plan, then in exactly TWO CLICKS of your mouse you can dynamically change the length, width or height of the overall plan. This change is then reflected in all related parts, instantly!
Once you’re happy with your changes, you can save your project under your own user account for printing or more modification later. After you print your new cut and material list, you use this information along with the assembly movie and the original plan document to complete the project. This is the best bar planning tool you’ll find anywhere, but that’s not all…
Our new Unlimited Bar Project will uses the CHBD extensively to offer literally thousands of possible variations to our core plans AND the CHBD can be used not only for Bar Plans, but any other wood working or construction project where customization of overall size is desire.
The CHBD is a work in progress and we’ll be delivering upgrades and new feature as they become available. For more information, see http://www.barplan.com