Segmented bowl software recommendation

[Michael McNally]

I have never turned a segmented bowl but I will do so soon. I have a wedgie sled with a range of wedgies built and ready to go into action sitting on my table saw. I want to choose some segmentation design software and begin there.

I found some older forum same asks on this subject but they are either "old" or "out of date" or "not very informative".

There seems to be a long list of choices for free and paid for. The popular candidates I have found and looked at so far:

0. Paper, pencil and calculator.
1. Segmented Project Planner (http://www.segmentedturning.com/)
2. Segment Pro (https://woodturnerpro.com/)
3. Woodturner Pro (https://woodturnerpro.com/)
4. Segmented turning designer (https://cdelker.bitbucket.io/segbowl/)
5. APP (https://worldwidewoodturners.org/designing-a-segmented-project/)
6. Blocklayer (https://www.blocklayer.com/woodturning-segmentseng)
7. JMP (https://www.blocklayer.com/woodturning-segmentseng)
8. Marley (https://larrymarley.com/online_tools.php)
9. Woodturners (http://www.woodturnersresource.com/extras/projects/segmentcalc/)
10. All the other ones out there that I missed that might be better!

So, not considering cost, which one is best one? Easy to learn and effective. I would rather pay for something that is effective and easy to use than getting something free that is clunky. You know, time is money. With that said, I am not apposed to free.

I am leaning towards Woodturner Pro.

Would love to hear your opinions on what you like and why.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Doug Drury]

Hands down, purchase the suite from Lloyd Johnson, numbers 2 and 3 on your list. The suite comes with 3D Design Pro, and Lamination Pro.

 

[Peter White]

Another vote for Lloyd Johnston's Woodturner Pro 4 great programs and great backup service on their forum page.

 

[Brian Gustin]

Agree with the others - Woodturner Pro is the only thing I'll even consider, but I havent bought it yet (Too many other things on my plate at the moment) but when I do get around to it , that's the package I'll be getting.

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Go with Woodturner Pro. We have used it for a few years now and it is great! Make sure you get some help understanding the software, because there is a lot to unpack....

 

[GRJensen]

Another vote for Lloyd Johnson's suite of programs (Woodturner Pro, Segment Pro, and 3D Design Pro). I have dabbled with several of the other software packages on your list and keep comin back to Lloyd's products.

 

[Paul May]

I would encourage you to watch Lloyd Johnson's videos to get a feeling for how useful it is. Well worth the effort.

 

[Gene Pitstick]

I also recomend Lloyd's Software.
Check out This AAW Chapter - segmentedwoodturners.org

 

[Michael McNally]

Wow, everyone agrees! When does that ever happen in life? Woodturner Pro it is! Thank you guys for feedback! I am feeling really good about investing my time and money to heading down this path.

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

Wow, everyone agrees! When does that ever happen in life? Woodturner Pro it is! Thank you guys for feedback! I am feeling really good about investing my time and money to heading down this path.

Awesome Michael! You will really enjoy segmenting and the creative process it involves. Be sure to get some advice from expert segmenters and maybe join the segmentedwoodturners.org like Gene recommended.
Also if you really need help, @Russ Braun will gladly help you, (right Russ haha!) He is a nice guy and a magnificent segmenter.

 

[Michael McNally]

Awesome Michael! You will really enjoy segmenting and the creative process it involves. Be sure to get some advice from expert segmenters and maybe join the segmentedwoodturners.org like Gene recommended.
Also if you really need help, @Russ Braun will gladly help you, (right Russ haha!) He is a nice guy and a magnificent segmenter.

Thanks Gabriel! I just this minute joined segmentedwoodturners.org.

 

[Gene Pitstick]

Welcome to SWT - Make a post in our forum

 

[Doug Freeman]

I use #1, purchased 12-15 yrs ago, based on cost. It works well but doesnt have all the capabilities of the software others picked.

I’m posting to say, while there are more “manual” ways to do segment design, its worth the $ to get a software pkg. It really aids and simplifies the process.