Just looking for a little advice

[BLOCKADERUNNER]

Hello Guys,
I'm looking to get started with the Sears carving tool. And I have a few questions if someone would care to answer them for me. I was wondering if there is a place where I can down load some software to work with before I go and buy one of these things. I figure if I can't deal with the software then there is no need in me buying the machine(LOL). Also is Sears the only machine out there in this price range? And what is the purpose of the scanner tool? I have been forced into retirement due to 15 back surgeries and I'm bored to death and looking for a new hobby. If anyone can give me some advice on this machine and where I can get some practice software before I make the plunge, it would be very much appreciated.
Thank You
BLOCKADERUNNER

[Kenm810]

First off, Welcome to the Forum

The CarveWright and Sears CompuCarve are the same Machine
The CarveWright home site has the soft ware you can down load to try
out and see if the machine is for you as a new Hobby
The purpose of the scanner tool is to physically scan an item and load it into the designer program,
and to be carved by the CW or CC machines. --- neat huh!

Ps you've come to the right place for Answers ( The CW Forum ) loads of folks here willing to help
Downloads


Trial version of the software. (http://www.carvewright.com/softreg/)
Carvewright Manual (http://www.carvewright.com/downloads/CarveWright_manual_01_09_08.pdf)
CW Probe Manual (http://www.carvewright.com/downloads/CW_probe_manual_01-18-08.pdf)
Updated FAQ (http://www.carvewright.com/downloads/FAQ_07-20-07.pdf)
Exploded view parts list (http://www.carvewright.com/downloads/parts_list_manual.pdf)

[sweliver]

http://carvewright.com/downloads.php and download the trial version of the software. The software is pretty facinating, I've just started to get the hang of taking a picture and making a halfway decent looking pattern which carves with some accuracy.

I'm just beginning with my machine so I'm no expert but my compucarve from sears is running well so far. Any problems are due to user's error. Knock on wood.

The scanner probe scans existing surfaces and renders it into a pattern for you to replicate. Remember, the scanner probe and cutting bits only function to an inch depth so it's not like you can cnc a watermelon.

Sorry to hear about your back. I've had several co-workers forced off the job
(fire dept) due to back injuries.

I'm still working and this machine has completely taken over my life. I'm still in practice mode so I better get to cranking out a real project before SWMBO starts complaining.

Good luck, it's a lot of $$$$ but so far worth it. I got the 3 year policy from sears also, a little extra $$$$ but a lot of piece of mind.

Steve