Leaderboard

I started off as a hobbyist, and still consider myself a hobbyist. 10+ years ago I started off with an original LaserPoint (LP). Even as a hobbyist, I had word of mouth jobs and got that machine paid in a very short amount of time. Last year I picked up a Graphtec CE6000-60 Plus, haven't regretted it. It will take me a little longer to get this machine to pay for itself, but I know it will. The Graphtec is so much better, it actually makes me wish I bought it a lot sooner - it would have made some of my jobs a lot easier to get done. BTW - Nothing is wrong with my LP, just thought it was time to get a "back-up" machine since the LP is very well taken care of, but also getting old. Now the LP is my back-up machine Like Slice recommends - go directly to Graphtec. (Do not pass Go, do not collect $200, just head straight for the right machine the first time out)

go olfa, you won't regret it. Hahaha. I've only had to change my cutting mat once - because the sun caught the corner of it, and warped it like crazy. I wrote to the manufacturer and asked if there was any way to fix the warp, they said no - and that it should have never warped in the first place, but wanted me to ship it to them so they could see if for themselves. No shipping labels, no offer to get a replacement one for a slight discount. I still have it, and it now protects the glass top of my main desk. It's convenient that I can just cut stuff right in front of my keyboard and now worry.

.47 is kind of a big offset. set your blade depth correctly. slow the machine way down for those tiny 2mm circles.

I like to use a rotary cutter, and one of these for weeding.

Thanks everyone. I plan on ordering as soon as I can determine what supplies I think I may need to start out.

Customer's attitude often dictates prices for me - that includes their attitude that my time is not as important as theirs. If they're a problematic customer just trying to set up an initial meet, I can only imagine what kind of customer they will be when it comes to picking-up the job and actually paying for it. I am not the only game in town, and it they do not like my prices, or my business hours - they can find someone else who will be more inclined to get their time wasted. I know, it's kind of a harsh way of looking at it, but a) I'm a hobbyist, that is willing to take the 'one-off' jobs what some shops won't; and b) I have yet to meet a job that pays so well, that I'm willing to accept the aggravation that goes along with any lack of respect for what I do, and my time to do it.

Thanks for the input. I have fought this kind of thing before. I can understand getting a full 24" wide machine for not much more then the Silhouette. It makes sense. If this goes as well as I hope, I would then be looking at getting the Graphtec. I may just bite the vinyl bullet and go directly to the Graphtec. I'll have to think about it. Thanks again!