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Programs for designing

I have Woodturner Studio by Jerry Bennett. I don't think that it is still being sold anywhere. The last time that I saw it in the Craft Supplies catalog they said it wasn't compatible with Windows 7 and above. I originally had it installed on a computer running Windows XP and now have it on my Windows 7 Pro 64 bit computer without any problem. Even if there had been a problem, Windows 7 Pro has the capability of running a fully functional XP virtual machine within itself. There might possibly be a problem running it in Home or Student versions of Windows 7. I haven't tested it in my Windows 10 computer. If you look at Jerry Bennett's website you will see that it says Woodturner Studio is being updated, but it has said that for years so I'm not holding my breath waiting. There is one issue that hasn't been a show stopper, but without driver updates you can't get full screen on newer 16:9 format monitors so you're stuck with 4:3. I think that the largest window size allowed is 1600 X 1200.

As far as functionality goes, it was state of the art about fifteen years ago, but that's OK because I'm not exactly state of the art myself. It uses Bézier curves to create a nice flowing form and I think it's great for generating the cut list for each ring. The program can also be used for solid hollowforms. You can also view a 3D solid or wireframe model which is something that doesn't really yank my chain. The color palette is sort of like Windows 98. I've heard about another segmented vessel program that is supposed to be pretty good, but I don't recall the name.
 
Bill,
Do you have a link for Jerry's program? Looked around on his site and didn't see anything.
Thanks
Bob

I have Woodturner Studio by Jerry Bennett. I don't think that it is still being sold anywhere. The last time that I saw it in the Craft Supplies catalog they said it wasn't compatible with Windows 7 and above. I originally had it installed on a computer running Windows XP and now have it on my Windows 7 Pro 64 bit computer without any problem. Even if there had been a problem, Windows 7 Pro has the capability of running a fully functional XP virtual machine within itself. There might possibly be a problem running it in Home or Student versions of Windows 7. I haven't tested it in my Windows 10 computer. If you look at Jerry Bennett's website you will see that it says Woodturner Studio is being updated, but it has said that for years so I'm not holding my breath waiting. There is one issue that hasn't been a show stopper, but without driver updates you can't get full screen on newer 16:9 format monitors so you're stuck with 4:3.

As far as functionality goes, it was state of the art about fifteen years ago, but that's OK because I'm not exactly state of the art myself. It uses Bézier curves to create a nice flowing form and I think it's great for generating the cut list for each ring. The program can also be used for solid hollowforms. You can also view a 3D solid or wireframe model which is something that doesn't really yank my chain. The color palette is sort of like Windows 98. I've heard about another segmented vessel program that is supposed to be pretty good, but I don't recall the name.
 
Bill,
Do you have a link for Jerry's program?.....

There isn't much to see beyond what I said, but here is the link: http://www.jerrybennettart.com/products.htm
You could contact him to inquire about purchasing a copy or ask if it will ever be released again.

Tom Marken recommends Woodturner Pro software....

That's the one I couldn't remember. There is a lot of similarity in the UI between Woodturner Pro and Woodturner Studio. However it looks like Woodturner Pro has had a lot of time to mature so Woodturner Studio would have a challenge competing if it were ever to come back to life.
 
I have used Segmented Project Planner ( http://segmentedturning.com/ ) for a number of years and find it works well. It will do both open and closed segments. Bill Kandler is the person who developed it and is easy to work with. He even answers the phone if you call.
It has video tutorials, samples of projects, etc. The website gives lots of information.
 
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