I saw a thread a while back discussing programs to aid in segmentation design. Im wondering if one of them is effective in open segment design as well. My search terms didnt return anything so not sure how to find the information.
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?.....
Tom Marken recommends Woodturner Pro software....