Help on size vs detail selection

[mike10]

I am looking at the Laserpoint vinyl cutters.  Want to know if there is a tradeoff between getting a 24" and being able to print in greater detail then if I purchased a 48" unit.  Will the detail be there for detail letters that have a lot of tails and thin end points?  I probably only need the 36" size but did not see Oracal material in that size.

[mars]

Welcome to the forum.  The size determines the maximum width of material you can use.  You can use any other size rolls that are smaller than the maximum.  So make your choice on that basis.  The cutting "resolution" will be the same for two different sizes of the same machine.  There are differences between the lower priced machines and the mid to high priced ones in the ability to cut small details and the ability to run over longer distances and keep the vinyl on track (for making long cuts)  Most machines will do the job - some higher priced ones just make it easier - you do get what you pay for in buying a cutter.

No matter how wide your cutter is you may need to cut a larger graphic in pieces (tiles) and apply with an overlap to make the finished size.   So if you only need to do larger stuff once in a while don't be afraid of getting the 24" and cutting the job in sections.  If you will do larger stuff often I would go with the 48". 

I have the Copam  CP-2500 and cut mostly 15" vinyl - I've had it for about 3 years and it does a great job.  I cut mostly vehicle graphics and signs and have had to tile some larger logos with 24" vinyl for the side of trucks and vans.  It would have been a little easier to do in one piece, but in 3 years it's been only on 2 jobs for the same catering company - so I'm not sorry I didn't go with a larger cutter.  Hope this helps--

-mike

My wishlist has a Graphtec CE-5000 - don't need it just WANT! one.

[mike10]

thanks for the input.  it will help with the decision.  Any benefit to the laser cut over the pcut?

[mars]

I'll let somebody who has one of these machines answer - I haven't seen either of them in action.

-mike

[Dakotagrafx]

really not much difference on accuracy until you get up to the copam IMHO

[LeviHartzog]

really not much difference on accuracy until you get up to the copam IMHO

I completely agree.