Full Version: Wondering about engravelab
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#13]
22 Apr 2007
To: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#11] 22 Apr 2007
Larry,
This is my first rotary machine, so I do not have anything to compare it to.
What I can do is copy the pages of the manual that explain the funtion of each button on the controller and fax them to you...if that would help.....but it seems to do just about everything except lay yout the graphics and text for you.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#14]
22 Apr 2007
To: joyce (JLADY) [#12] 22 Apr 2007
Joyce,
I am certain beyond a doubt that it will not take you long to get comfortable with the software.
If you have been using Xenetech previously, what made you decide to go to Vision? How do you like your MaxPro?
Currently, I am having trouble with the software crashing. I think it is a conflict with Norton, but yesterday was a very frustrating day......I kept getting "port won't open" and "Err sending file" messages and the job server kept going to sleep on me. ( lazy bum.....no raises for him)
Let me know if you encounter any of these problems....if you would not mind.
Thanks
From: Andrew [#15]
22 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#1] 22 Apr 2007
Excellent program. I am far more productive with this software than the proprietary software I have used in the past.
My biggest gripe was the poor selection of engraving fonts supplied with this package. Spent another $300 or so to get a decent set of engraving fonts
From: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#16]
22 Apr 2007
To: Andrew [#15] 22 Apr 2007
Hi Andrew,
Where did you buy the additional fonts and how many did you get for $300?
Thanks,
Jim
From: Andrew [#17]
22 Apr 2007
To: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#16] 22 Apr 2007
Hi Jim
Lamro have a good range of fonts (www.Lamro.com) where you can buy individual fonts, or buy the complete CD. Site doesn't seem to be up at the moment
I think it may be closer to $400 for the CD, but I remember they were looking for $100 per font if buying them individually. You will get the CD with the fonts with the .vef extension. If you are looking for fonts for other software then its another CD to buy.
I was after 6 fonts I used regularly before moving to Engravelab
Can't remember exactly how many fonts on CD - around about 300 with a good mix of single line, 2 line, 3 line+ Several of them are duplicates ( amended for different languages that use accents etc).
I did a lot of searching for these, Lamro was the only place that came up trumps. it was a good investment in my opinion.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#18]
22 Apr 2007
To: Andrew [#15] 22 Apr 2007
Thanks Andrew.
Something that just occured to me today though is that it appears to me that in EngraveLab, one cannot have multiple windows or files open as one can in Corel. Or is there a way to do it that I do not know?
Thanks
From: Larry B (PALMETTO) [#19]
22 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#13] 22 Apr 2007
Oh, I'm sorry Chuck..danged old age is catching up on me. My reading comprehension ain't what it once was.
I did download that trial version on EngraveLab. Jury is still out. I played with it a little today, but without any onboard help I am still trying to figure out a couple of things. It may be OK, but I doubt I'm going to make an investment in it.
From: Andrew [#20]
22 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#18] 22 Apr 2007
Hi Chuck
Multiple files/windows is possible with Engravelab 7.1:
MENU: options > multiple instance
This is one of the things I don't have in my other software packages (I'm not a Corel user). I continually work on 4 to 8 files throughout the day and used to hate closing and opening each file.
Regards, Andrew
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#21]
22 Apr 2007
To: Andrew [#20] 22 Apr 2007
Thank you Andrew.
I suspected there had to be a way......I appreciate the tip. Thanks
EDITED: 22 Apr 2007 by C_BURKE
From: joyce (JLADY) [#22]
23 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#14] 23 Apr 2007
I was looking for a gift/multi purpose engraver as my second machine. Xenetechs was big and bulky as well as about $4000 more (I think). I haven't been all that pleased with xenetech hated the software at first but got used to it.
I haven't even run anything yet on the new machine. Still playing with the software, which I think will be my biggest learning curve.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23]
23 Apr 2007
To: joyce (JLADY) [#22] 23 Apr 2007
Joyce,
As I learn the ins and outs of it I will be happy to share them with you...here comes one now as a matter of fact......
I was experimenting with a medallion, so I created a circle, and wanted to put text on a curve. Well, THAT was easy enough, just click the text tool, put your cursor over the curve and start typing.....but HOW do you make any adjustments?
Well, cleverly hidden in the tool bar along the top of your screen about 6 icons in from the right, is an obscure looking icon which upon clicking opens a property bar at the top of the screen with all of the controls needed to manipulate the text.
Oddly enough ONCE I found this, I discovered that the Engravlab "text to a path" feature is easier to manipulate than in Corel.
There ya go......my first tip. WOOO HOOO.
Good luck
From: Peter [#24]
23 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23] 23 Apr 2007
Engravelab : purpose built engraving tool , designed to ensure your success in engraving , very powerful.
It will take a learning curve, but once you have done it, you will begin to realise just how important industry specific tools are.
We run several engraving programs in our production room. + Corel
Corel is great, but wait until you unleash the power of Engravelab.
The most simple things wll make your production life that much easer and streamlined. Efficiencies will be up and you will understand why these programs are " so dear"
regards
Peter
From: joyce (JLADY) [#25]
23 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#23] 23 Apr 2007
I really haven't gotten farther than typing a few lines. The software came with a tutorial but in my opinion it is not very thorough and the help index isn't much help......they tell you what things do but not how to do them.
Is there any other tutorials out there???
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#26]
23 Apr 2007
To: joyce (JLADY) [#25] 24 Apr 2007
Yes there are. Go to cadlink.com and you will find a link to some tutorials....mostly video....not completely thorough, but they do give you something to work with......
I agree EngraveLab documentation leaves a LOT to be desired.
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#27]
23 Apr 2007
To: Peter [#24] 23 Apr 2007
It will take a learning curve, but once you have done it, you will begin to realise just how important industry specific tools are.
Howdy Mate,
Been wondering about you lately. How ya been?
Yes, I can see the power of EngraveLab.....and YES it will take quite a learning curve....it would be easier if there was better documentation.....even the help files and PDF manual leave a lot to be desired........for example.... Text to Path or Text to Curve..... in help they show you how to do it, but don't explain how to get to the tools to do it......Once I found the tool it was easy.....
Oh well, I shall keep on keeping on.
Thanks. Please say hi to Kathy!
From: Fred (FREDQ1E) [#28]
23 Apr 2007
To: Jim (PUZZLEHEAD) [#16] 25 Apr 2007
Jim,
I have created an excedllent selection of engraving fonts. Advise and I can send some info or a couple to try.
Fred
Quality One Engravers
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
fred@q1engravers.com
From: Fred (FREDQ1E) [#29]
23 Apr 2007
To: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#18] 23 Apr 2007
A real problem with EngraveLab, however in version 7 you can open multiple instances of the program, usually 3 is the max I ever have running at a time.
Fred
Quality One Engravers
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
fred@q1engravers.com
From: Fred (FREDQ1E) [#30]
23 Apr 2007
To: ALL
My experience with EngraveLab is it is medium hard to get past initially but the most powerful software available. Only true competion is GravoStyle, but that is twice the price and also hard to learn. And drivers are geared to the NH line of engravers. Not to mention multiple copy pricing. EngraveLab -40%, NH ? -10% (please correct me if I am wrong here). Another new software to join the race is FlexiEngrave, also more expensive than EngraveLab.
There are a lot of things I'd love to see improved in EngraveLab, but in my opinion they are the clear leader.
Fred
Quality One Engravers
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
fred@q1engravers.com
From: Chris (CHRISJ) [#31]
23 Apr 2007
To: Fred (FREDQ1E) [#30] 23 Apr 2007
Fred,
Thanks for your input on EngraveLab. Do you know why CadLink hasn't done more to promote this program at trade shows? I know there have been a few ARA seminars about EngraveLab, but I have never seen a hands on workshop offered or much being done by CadLink or their distributors to promote this program in the exhibit area. At sign shows, they have a very nice booth with a demonstration area set up to promote SignLab. I am sure there are not as many potential customer's for the engraving software as there are for the sign making program, but they seem to treat EngraveLab as an after thought to their primary product. I hope these comments don't sound like a criticism of you because I have never seen anyone work as hard at trade shows as you do.
Thanks for your comments,
Chris
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#32]
23 Apr 2007
To: Fred (FREDQ1E) [#30] 23 Apr 2007
Fred,
Thank you for the insight. This is my second time around with EngraveLab.....but THIS time at least I have had "some" training.
The bummer with EngraveLab as *I* see it, is the lack of decent documentation.....as I mentioned before, even their help files are severly lacking.....any insight as to why?
Thanks
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