Setting up a plotting job is pretty straightforward once you understand the concept. That AxiDraw extension is open source, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the connection. They look and act very similar, and the original version of iDraw Control even says it is based on AxiDraw. In fact, when you use the Inkscape installer provided by iDraw, it adds both the iDraw and AxiDraw extensions. It is worth noting that the iDraw extension for Inkscape seems to be derived from the AxiDraw extension. Inkscape is a convenient solution, since you can create your digital artwork, prepare it, and control the machine all in the same place. The iDraw 2.0 is controlled through Inkscape vector drawing software or LightBurn laser engraving software, though one could probably also use just about any g-code sender software if necessary. The pen mount can accept a wide range of pen sizes and shapes, which is great if you plan to use something other than a typical ball point Software The lift mechanism has a spring, which allows for some flexibility if the configured drop distance is incorrect. A thumb screw secures the pen and a stepper motor moves it up and down. Speaking of the pen, the lift mechanism is simple and effective.
Though it would be nice to also see some thorough printed instructions for those who can’t watch videos. There is an instruction video to follow along with, which makes the process easy.
I was taking my time and I was still finished in around 20 minutes. It doesn’t take long to put together the iDraw 2.0. There is also a laser engraving head available for the iDraw 2.0, which I will talk about later in this review. But the iDraw 2.0 is significantly cheaper than the AxiDraw, which makes it quite attractive. The iDraw 2.0 borrows many features from the AxiDraw and even seems to use firmware/software derived from AxiDraw’s. The iDraw 2.0’s biggest competition is Evil Mad Scientist’s AxiDraw line of pen plotters. And pen plotters like the iDraw 2.0 aren’t limited to paper, which means users can draw onto other materials (like wood, plastic, fabric, and more). Because these machines physically move a pen, users can create beautiful drawings using everything from ballpoints to paint markers. While pen plotters do still have some utility in the engineering world for producing technical drawings, they are now most popular in the hobby crafting world.
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