SignAmigo

I aquired a used Graphtec CE 2000 which at the time seemed like a good deal, but now I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to use it I'm using a newer windows 7 64 bit computer with no parrallel port. I've installed the Graphtec Driver for Windows 7 64, but I'm not able to get the computer to recognize the device. Honestly, I'm not even sure what port I need to use, LPT port or USB? Should I install a parallel port card? Or has anyone had success with this setup?

Sounds good guys. Thanks!

I'm currently a sign designer who hasn't actually produced a sign in about 10 years. I'm considering starting a small custom sign shop. I have no intentions of producing lots of banners, yardsigns or similar production work. Mainly custom dimensional and handmade signs. So my cutter isn't going to be running everyday by any means. In the past I've had a couple of Rolands and a Graphtec, but at this point, I don't think I need anything like that. I was looking at the Copam, since I've heard great things about it, but now the TC series has caught my eye, and that seems to get great reviews as well, and at half the price, just might serve me fine. What would be the main differences between the 2 machines?

Thanks guys for all the help. Sounds like an older Roland is the way to go. Anyone have a PNC 1100 they'd like to let go of?

How long have you owned yours? Have you owned other cutter brands to compare it to? Are you happy with the reliability and cut accuracy?

Thanks Dan. I appreciate the honest input. Maybe I'll keep looking for a used PNC 1100. Those tend to be in my price range ($300 or so)

Hey Guys. Been a long time since I posted. I am a sign designer looking to get back into making some signs. (www.signamigo.com) So I'm shopping for a vinyl cutter. I'm not looking into getting into quick sign shop type signs (banners, coro signs, magnetics etc), rather I only want to make higher end hand made dimensional type signs. So this cutter won't be used 8 hours a day. I really only want to use it for cutting paint mask, possibly plotting patterns, and where vinyl might be needed as embelishment on a sign. I thought about an older Roland PNC1100, since I've owned one in the past and loved it. It's slow, but a real workhorse. But I think I'd rather have something newer, only because I forsee less problems getting it setup and running off of windows. So I'm looking for something reliable that will be there when I need it, and that hopefully I can run directly from Corel Draw Do any of the US Cutter models fit that description? Would the SC series be enough for me? I've always owned Rolands before, so I don't want to be disappointed with my purchase. I can always look for a used unit if need be. Thanks! Phillip

Thanks again for all the kind remarks. I hope I can be of help here.

The arch on MacGrafix is a little odd, doesn't fit the graphic well. I also think you have too much spacing between letters.

Amen!

I totally understand your point of view. We all run our businesses differently and that's ok. But I see a lot, and I mean A LOT, of shoddy sign work now days. Bad design, poor application etc. I'm not pointing fingers at anyone in particular, but I feel that when you charge less, you tend to maybe work a little faster, cut a few more corners, not spend so much time on layout. When you charge a little more, you can spend more time on these things and not feel like you're losing money. You can create a quality sign. Now I understand some customers just want a basic black on white banner, helvetica lettering. That's fine. But what really gets me is when you see a $10 - 20,000 pole sign that is so ugly and poorly designed it hurts to look at it, or lettering on a 2 year old vehicle that is shrinking or peeling, or again, just poorly designed. But, I respect your business and you can run it the way you want, as long as you have fun doing it.

And that's fine, I totally understand that. But don't sell yourself short on the $200 banner then. Stay inline with the industry. Don't undercut prices just to get the job. You won't be doing anyone a favor, including yourself and your customer. Again, I'm not saying this to anybody in particular. Everyone has their niche in this business. But a cutter and some vinyl alone won't turn you into a good sign maker or a good business man. I'm really only saying all of this to help you and help the business. Not to slam anyone.

I'm sad to see the responses to this post. Most of you talk about keeping the prices low and how shocked you're customers are to hear how much lower you are than the sign shops. That's exactly the problem with the industry. Sign shops who have put time and money into their business who have the best equipment, employees, a shop, can't make it anymore. These are guys that actually know the sign industry too. They've been in it for years. They know what 'second surface' application means, they know the benefits of negative space, they have a good design team or know how to design themselves, they understand how to install signs properly, which materials will last under certain conditions, etc. I'm not saying this to disrespect anyone here, but try to see things from the other side. Many in the industry think that the sign world has been ruined because of people going around and undercutting them. Sure, you're making money now, but what about if you wanted to grow a bit? What about the day you want to expand and move into a shop? Or hire an employee? Or buy some new equipment? Are you going to raise your prices then? What will happen to all of the customers you have that are only with you because your price is so cheap? Please don't sell yourselves short! And please take the time to learn the industry, not just vinyl, learn about what makes a good layout. Learn why negative space, contrast and balance are important. Making decals is one thing, and if that's your cup of tea, great! But designing and fabricating a sign that is going to be viewed by thousands or millions of people and that becomes a part of our urban landscape is quite another. Again, I'm not saying this to offend anyone, just some food for thought.

Me too Dave. Unfortunately, all of my work is done for other shops, I VERY rarely ever get to see the final product. I should start asking some of my clients to snatch some pictures.

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