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Danny, please start your own thread. When you do, indicate what software you are using (VinylMaster is preferred, and SignBlazer will also suffice --- RedSail driver --- but you are saying Corel with plugins, which is not really an ideal method for MH series units with their serial emulation chipset). Also, you indicate that the cutter completes a full cut, then fails, can you be more detailed in what you were doing when that occurs? When you say "6 different drivers" can you explain what this means? Finally, there is no such thing as 'printouts' when describing plotter activity.

After more than 18 years of strictly cutting vinyl as a side gig I am taking the plunge and have ordered some equipment to upgrade. After several years of research and putting it off I have decided to purchase an HP Latex 700W, a rollsroller work table, and am upgrading my current cutter (graphtec fc7000-160) to a new FC9000. Its all been ordered and within a month I should be up and running. I am seeking advice from members of this forum who have done something similar. I prefer to learn from the mistakes of others so if you have encountered "newbie" struggles when making large purchases and care to share your experience I would appreciate it. Theres going to be a learning curve because I've never printed on vinyl...are there any resources that will help flatten this learning curve?

How about your test cuts directly from the TEST feature on the cutter...Are they correct? No cutting software is involved with those? If so, try a different cutting software. This is how you set your blade depth correctly. To start with, you should set your blade depth correctly, by taking the blade holder out of the machine, and firmly cut across a piece of scrap vinyl, you will be cutting. You should only be cutting the vinyl and barely a mark on wax paper backing, Adjust blade to get there, Then put the blade holder back in machine, and use the force of the machine to get there, same results, only cutting the vinyl and barely a mark in wax paper backing. You should barely see and feel the blade tip out of the blade holder. Regular sign vinyl is only 2-3 mil thick. You only cut with the very tip of the blade. When you think the blade is so far in the blade holder, that you think it would not even cut, that is probably correct.

hotrodz0321 my biggest advice is have a good tax accountant help you stay out in front of the tax burden. You will probably see a significant jump in earned income through your new venture. Also if you have not been collecting sales tax (assuming your state does that like most) be prepared to toe the line. I almost went down the first year I got some big contracts. With new equipment purchases you have a great write-off but after this tax season you may find yourself surprised how much money uncle sam takes if you don't have significant purchses to write off next year set some money aside. Most tax accountants can work you a forecast and you can and should pay quarterly estimates if it will be a lot of money. Not sure what Florida tax laws are like so gettting some sound advice from a good tax man would be smart. I can't give you much help on the printer. I've talked myself out of them several times just due to the need to keep them busy. My business model has shifted away from sign vinyl and I do primarily aparrel work now so the need for a printer has dropped.

I am fortunate to have an old mirror mounted to a door that's next to my cutters. I use it as my cutter notebook. I have the speed and force settings written on them, for each machine, and the different types of vinyl that I'm cutting.

You will have to remember that some vinyl may be older/stiffer than others, depends on where you buy it. Some colors may be thicker or thinner. Great, Value cutters take more fine tuning.

Ok I adjusted the blade according to MZ SKEETER then tried to cut. After several tries and adjusting the pressure I got a good cut at 180g pressure and 90mm/s speed. No lifting and fairly easy weeding. thank you to all that responded.

Good to know. I cut a few sample decals for them, just so they can double check to see if they want to run with the color they initially chose, and once I have either a confirmation on the chosen color, I'll be putting in my order. I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed that I can get the vinyl fast enough to give myself some time and not be in a complete rush to finish the job. The one and only store that sells vinyl locally only two 10-yard rolls. The only 751 50-yard rolls they carry are white, black, and red; all other colors are in 10-yard rolls, and they only two in stock. That's not even enough vinyl to put a dent in the order.