Hi Tally
The CW machine and the Sears are the same machine just diff.names, I think Sears is the controller of the machine or to say they set the prices.
"learning curve" = YES , Software,it took me 30 days to get it down and then I'm still learning something new every day..I use...
Play with the software and it will come to you in time....but nothing like using the machine..the software is just part of it and it's the easy part, most don't read the manual/user guide and it's must....
You will see many post by some that just got piss off and gave up and returned the machine, it's a new type of tool for most and it's takes time to get the hang of it.
The norm depth is 1/4" by default and that works best for most of the items you will do.
You can push it to 1/2" but remember the bit is a pointed bit the norm (tapered) to a round point and it will jump up and down to the set depth that can be hard on the bit and it needs to jump up by a 1/2" and move over to the next cut that can be tricky , I have broke one bit but that was my error not getting the bit in the chuck right ( the manual thing again) ..
Play with the software and then play with it some more and then somemore then get the card out and get one.
They are great machines and are just going to get better as time goes on.. Updates all the time and many tips on the CW forum....
Bj