Rod Williamson
05-04-2005, 10:01 AM
Question from a self confessed computer neophyte...
I do veneer inlays as decorative features in various types of projects and am growing tired of the amount of work to hand cut intricate inlay designs. I have scoured the archives and have read threads on the time saving techniques used by others on this forum regarding inlay processes and procedures.
I have worked with some basic computer programs...Photoshop (very primitive work), Print Shop, Microsoft Publisher and some other like programs. I have not done any work with Illustrator or other vectoring type programs.
I may try outsourcing these inlays, but may consider my own equipment to do this type of work.
OK, finally my questions. VersaLaser "seems" easy to use...scan or import a file, then simply engrave or cut the design. I work with veneers, usually less than 1/8" thickness and have read about the trials and tribulations of making these cuts correctly. Is it as simple as their web site makes it sound...draw a pattern, scan, import and cut? Do other machines work in similar fashion? Do I have to become proficient in vector type programs?
I do veneer inlays as decorative features in various types of projects and am growing tired of the amount of work to hand cut intricate inlay designs. I have scoured the archives and have read threads on the time saving techniques used by others on this forum regarding inlay processes and procedures.
I have worked with some basic computer programs...Photoshop (very primitive work), Print Shop, Microsoft Publisher and some other like programs. I have not done any work with Illustrator or other vectoring type programs.
I may try outsourcing these inlays, but may consider my own equipment to do this type of work.
OK, finally my questions. VersaLaser "seems" easy to use...scan or import a file, then simply engrave or cut the design. I work with veneers, usually less than 1/8" thickness and have read about the trials and tribulations of making these cuts correctly. Is it as simple as their web site makes it sound...draw a pattern, scan, import and cut? Do other machines work in similar fashion? Do I have to become proficient in vector type programs?