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Yes, as previously stated, I know how to build the file. I was hoping somebody had already done so to save me the time involved in measurement tweaking. Anyways, I got it done a few days following the original post when I finally got some free time.

I have no doubt he is responsible for the banner that's now stretched across those pearly gates -- "Welcome to Heaven" Peace.

The blade settings might not have been the cause of this problem, but the half credit card is way too much exposed and getting the correct blade setting will make your cuts even better.

That is so sad to hear. John was one of the very first people who stepped up to really a help a struggling newbie to cutting - who live out in the middle of the ocean, and didn't even have a scrap of vinyl, app tape, or squeegees to work with. I will never forget the time and effort he put forth to help me when I first got started, and packed up a box of some of his old scraps and a few squeegees and shipped them out to me. Without him, no doubt the learning curve would have been much, much steeper for me. I am indebted to him (and a lot of other forum members as well). I am eternally grateful for all the guidance that I've received over the years. I couldn't have come this far without y'all. MAHALO! RIL Banner John!!

It sounds like maybe a build technique issue. If you are trying to align the word in a certain spot are you using some sort of tape hinge? Some layered work needs to be tight registration with other parts and the parchment paper works really good for that but just as often it's simply alignment with a substrate and if you are new you might not realize that most of us use some masking tape to get the design where we want it and hold it there. To be effective you will want straight edges or the hinge will go wonky. I usually trim my masked work with equal reveal on all sides to aid in keeping things straight on the install. I use a side hinge if possible and hinge it on the right side so I can flip it over and remove the carrier then handle the app tape with design with my left had while I squeegee my way across using my right hand (I am right handed). A top hinge or a bottom hinge is also functional and each of us develop our own methods that we like best. On really large graphics a center hinge is often used but takes practice and sometimes an extra set of hands. ALL of these require a little practice.

try putting some parchment paper behind it first. It won't stick to the parchment paper.

cleaning out an old desk and found this from 9 years ago - before I knew the word "Buyer" at the bottom made you a target - almost like the year someone from USC offered me "staff" tags and I thought very cool - then found out that made you about as popular with the other vendors as having malaria :/ still like the shows but they moved them farther away

I got a bunch of Greenstar interior and exterior vinyl with my cutter and burned through a lot of it learning. Then I ordered some Oracal 651 and couldn't believe the difference. The 651 is 10x better to work with. It doesn't stretch as easily, it cuts smoother in curves, finer details hold up, etc. Do yourself a huge favor and stay away from the Greenstar, and cricut and any of the other low-end "house brand" vinyls. The little bit of price difference will pay for itself in how much better it cuts.

RIP my friend

I've trolled eBay to find random pieces of reflective. It would help to know what size (and color) you're actually looking for - someone in the forum might be able to work something out with you. As far as settings, if you search, there have been several postings about cutting reflective. The bottom line is that each machine is different, you will probably need to up the pressure, slow the blade down a little, and possibly do it in more than one pass.

No one probably will read this but I swapped the fuses and Im glad to say that 22 year old plotter is now 24 and still tracking straight

You should have been looking at competitor's products and offerings from the beginning. That is how 'comparison shopping' is done.

If you're willing to spend that kind of money. One word - Graphtec. But, whatever you decide, three words - Clean Cut Blades.

You can pull them straight up and they will pop out . . . Boy do I feel old now

I have not been able to find an obituary but I read on banner johns facebook page where his brother said he passed away. ( knew he had been in the hospital three weeks ago and all I could get out of him was he was staying with a friend - never offering any more info nor that the situation was that serious. So many or our great contributors have passed away over the years but none that had been around since the beginning of the forum to my knowledge. When his mother got to frail to live alone John moved in and cared for her till her passing in 2015 and within a month or so his beloved dog Fred passed away. after his mom and fred passed John took up wood turning - making pens, mugs, magic wands for the kids etc. I will always cherish a pen he made our of a walnut from my property - - - John spent countless hours on the forum for many years helping others and for the past few years moderating in the background, usually taking the very early morning shifts. Rest in peace Mountain Man

ohh the old timers read every thread and your post can help someone in the future looking for similar help - thanks