Laser Software upgrade

[PickyBiker]

My new Chinese 40W Laser machine was supplied with the following software:
CorelDraw 12
LaserDRW2013.02

Before I invest much time and effort into learning how to use these, I would like some opinions on either using these or moving to something more common, functional or suitable. Is there a "standard or dominant" laser control software for the hobbyist? Same question for the drawing software. Free software is great, inexpensive software is also nice. I am just a hobbyist so I don't want to spend a lot of money on professional software.

I am running Windows 10
This is the machine I purchased: https://www.ebay.com/itm/182339750352
I will be happy to provide any other information that will help with recommendations.

[jgarciaa]

Considering your situation with the supplied software for your Chinese 40W laser machine, it might be worth considering the Monport laser as an alternative. Monport lasers are known for their user-friendly interface, high-quality performance, and affordability. You can find more information about Monport lasers on their product page at https://monportlaser.com/collections/co ... ka374VZjm3 Switching to a Monport laser could potentially provide you with a more common and functional laser control software, as well as a suitable drawing software for hobbyists. Plus, with Monport's reputation for ease of use and affordability, you may find it a suitable option to enhance your laser engraving experience without breaking the bank.

[MPjohn_10]

My new Chinese 40W Laser machine was supplied with the following software:
CorelDraw 12
LaserDRW2013.02

Before I invest much time and effort into learning how to use these, I would like some opinions on either using these or moving to something more common, functional or suitable. Is there a "standard or dominant" laser control software for the hobbyist? Same question for the drawing software. Free software is great, inexpensive software is also nice. I am just a hobbyist so I don't want to spend a lot of money on professional software.

I am running Windows 10
This is the machine I purchased: https://www.ebay.com/itm/182339750352
I will be happy to provide any other information that will help with recommendations.

As a fellow enthusiast, I am fully aware of how crucial it is to select the appropriate software for your laser device. Although Chinese laser machines typically come with CorelDraw 12 and LaserDRW2013.02, I've discovered that switching to more approachable and adaptable software, such as Lightburn, has significantly improved my laser engraving experience. It comes with easy-to-use controls and works with a variety of laser devices, such as the Monport Laser https://bit.ly/48Fxwm7, which I've been using for a few months now with great success. Lightburn is now my go-to option for laser control software because of its extensive features and user-friendly interface, which offer affordability and functionality for enthusiasts like us.

[betty_k]

My new Chinese 40W Laser machine was supplied with the following software:
CorelDraw 12
LaserDRW2013.02

Before I invest much time and effort into learning how to use these, I would like some opinions on either using these or moving to something more common, functional or suitable. Is there a "standard or dominant" laser control software for the hobbyist? Same question for the drawing software. Free software is great, inexpensive software is also nice. I am just a hobbyist so I don't want to spend a lot of money on professional software.

I am running Windows 10
This is the machine I purchased: https://www.ebay.com/itm/182339750352
I will be happy to provide any other information that will help with recommendations.

If you're evaluating software for your new Chinese 40W laser machine, I recommend considering the Monport laser. It's very nice, easy to use, high quality, and affordable. Check it out here: https://monportlaser.com/?sca_ref=5031521.ka374VZjm3

For better software options, try LightBurn for laser control and Inkscape for drawing. LightBurn is user-friendly and affordable, while Inkscape is a powerful, free vector graphics editor. Both are popular among hobbyists and offer more functionality than CorelDraw 12 and LaserDRW2013.02.

Hope this helps!