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I have been on a mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked but the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. Also, we added a helpful user guide for MH series cutters that addresses grounding issues, loud printing, rip software and others: http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf cheers.

I use Rapid Tac II for surface prep prior to appling decals or bonding using expoxies. I have wondered if there was a cheaper alternative available on the shelf at my local stores. The key ingredient in RT2 is Glycol Ether. Look at the MSDS. The reason why it works good is the Glycol Ether softens the pressure sensitive adhesives (tiny beads if you look through a microscope) on the vinyl making it grab better to surfaces. I personally never apply with a wet surface but I do apply immediately after it evaporates from the surface. All my application is on flat surface in very favorable conditions (75F 45%RH) so I don't need to apply wet. Based on this, I'm not sure I would use soap in my home brew. Probably just Glycol Ether and water (maybe dionized water). Based on the MSDS, I think it is p-series (Propylene) Glycol Ether at about 30% by weight. But I'm not a chemist so don't take my word for it. (p-series is produced by reacting propylene oxide (PO) with alcohols). Here is a gallon for $50 free shipping. A gallon of RT2 goes for $31. So you may be able to save a few bucks making your own. I bet you can use 5:1 water:glycol. But again, I'm not a chemist, just doing rough math. The MSDS for RT and RT2 appear to be the same so the formulation between the two are minor. If you want to compete with RT, you can get 55 gal drum for $16/gal. Probably cost about $4 to produce a gallon of RT. The one down side to RT2 is smelling the Glycol Ether day to day. I use a respirator when I need to use it a lot. I would like to find a healthier alternative. An interesting window clearner brew. Not sure what vinegar does. Maybe helps with streaks. 1 tablespoon - vinegar 1 cup - water 1 cup - rubbing alcohol There is also this one: 1/4 cup vinegar 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent 2 cups of water Mark www.mystat.com

6.05 has worked flawlessly for me so far. there are some annoyances though. The best way to use SB is to import AI files version 5.x from CorelDraw. I never cut and paste any more. Also, I make sure all lines are off and only export fills. for more tips and tricks, check out http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf

We added a helpful user guide for MH series cutters that addresses memory upgrading, grounding issues, loud printing, rip software and others: http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf

We added a helpful user guide for MH series cutters that addresses memory upgrading, grounding issues, loud printing, rip software and others: http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf

Hey SouthShoreDecal, just curious as to what rip software you were using at the time. Here is an interesting note on STATIC Does the weather affect static electricity? Static charge build-up is enhanced when the air is dry. So, static problems and effects are often noticed in dry air conditions. The air outside can be very dry when the weather is cold and dry. Indoors, central heating or air conditioning can give very dry conditions which promote static electricity. Heating warms the air and reduces its humidity. Static shocks are often noticed in cold dry weather, especially when in a centrally heated environment, and may disappear when the weather gets more humid. Static shocks may also be encouraged under air conditioning in hot weather. You'll often find shocks are worst in the winter when the air outside is cold and dry. They may disappear in warmer damper weather. Reference So a "humid day and raining pretty heavily" may not warrant additional static.

If you look at the pull down menu of the cutter drivers you will see RedSail RS1360C. I would suggest this driver if using MH 1351. I attached a screen shot of the drivers that get installed with this version of SignBlazer. http://www.hflaser.com/Vinyl-Cutter.html As for virus warnings, I did not get any and I have Microsoft Security Essentials updated.

Poor taste is overcharging customers who bought your machine and who are trying to make it better or trying to solve/debug problems.

For those who appreciate this effort, thanks. Just trying to summarize several hours of research (information provided by all of you). For those that say the information was elsewhere, you are right because that is where I got it from. But the information is jumbled and confusing. This is straight forward and is working for me so far. I hope that future posts to this thread will be constructive as I linked to it in the instruction manual. Please limit posts to questions and tips for others. In the near future I will post the following: 1) Memory upgrade instructions and where to buy the memory module for $19 as opposed to $39 listed here. 2) How to make your US Cutter Refine quieter. 3) How to ground your US Cutter Refine.

I have been on mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked by the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. cheers.

I have been on mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked by the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. We added a helpful user guide for MH series cutters that addresses memory upgrading, grounding issues, loud printing, rip software and others: http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf cheers.

I have been on mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked by the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. Memory upgrade and install instructions is available there too. cheers.

I have been on mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked by the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. We added a helpful user guide for MH series cutters that addresses memory upgrading, grounding issues, loud printing, rip software and others: http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf cheers.

I have been on mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked by the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. We added a helpful user guide for MH series cutters that addresses memory upgrading, grounding issues, loud printing, rip software and others: http://www.mystat.com/user-guide-tips-fixes-uscutter-mh.pdf cheers.

I have been on mission lately to debug a problem I had with parts of my file not being cut. In summary, it wasn't static or memory but more likely Signcut Pro. I have a US Cutter Refine MH 721. I running XP and CorelDraw X4. I was using Signcut Pro but was having difficulties on larger file size cuts. It would skip over large portions. Sometimes it would just misbehave. So I grounded everything, didn't fix it. I bought the larger memory, didn't fix it. I installed Signblazer 6.05, fixed. Not exactly sure what the root cause is but has to do with how data is being transfered to the plotter. Signblazer 6.05 does not have the Refine drivers but I'm using RedSail RS720C which is working very well (note: The DMPL driver worked by the scaling was slightly larger than actual size (1"x1" was more like (1.01" x 1.01")). After all this research, I decided to make it more simple for newbies. If you want the latest and best version of Signblazer Elements with a crack that gets rid of trial mode, visit www.mystat.com and scroll down to the bottom. cheers.

I copy/paste curves from CorelDraw X4 into SignBlazer 6.0.17. When I do this the curves will have thickness (i.e. a straight line will be a rectangle). If I copy/paste a rectangle, then I will end up with two rectangles offset by the line thickness. I can copy/paste the rectangle correctly if I fill the rectangle and eliminate the outline. So it is clear that SignBlazer is treating outlines as objects with thickness rather than just a line. I would prefer to copy/paste curves rather than filled objects. Any thoughts? Also, I have found that the copy/paste doesn't always work. When this happens I export as a EPS and then import into SB. there is some more info here www.mystat.com

Been having problems with my Refine MH-721 and Signcut Pro software. I grounded the heck out of the plotter and even upgraded the memory. The problem is the cutter seems to jump over sections it was suppose to cut. And it is very repeatable. Only happens on larger files (the file sent to the plotter was 503KB which isn't that large). So I wanted to try to cut using SignBlazer but there are several links that are old. Anyways, I finally found one that works: http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/19/5/download-signblazer-software I'm going to install per this YouTube video: We will see.

see my post http://forum.uscutter.com/index.php/topic,10.msg222077.html#new I think that the MH 871 and MH 721 are the same from a drivers perspective, just more width. I too would like to print directly from CorelDraw X4, but the Sign Cut Pro may have some advantages. I only tried it for a few minutes and it seems easy. It is almost like a sophisticated print setup box. It is optimized for cutting whereas a printer driver through CorelDraw will always look like a printer which can be confusing and limited. You get a 1yr license for free with the UScutter. I will continue to test it. I'm sure I'll find something I don't like about it.

Continued from my previous two posts.... well, I have confirmed that the driver for CE5000 does work for my setup but it is flawed. Per the suggestion of UScutter tech rep Benjamin, I installed the Sign Cut Productivity Pro version 1.07. This software has built in drivers that work very well with the MH 721. It also works well with CorelDraw X4 from my initial test. You have to convert text into curves. There is a "send to" sign cut option which works. It did a much better job on my test print than the other driver. so everything is cool right...well, sign cut is free for a year so how much does it cost after that? It depends on which site you visit! http://www.signcutpro.com/ has a lifetime license for $259 and a Hobbyist edition (whatever the hell that means) for $68. Ya, I'll take the hobbyist edition, but only if it does what I want, right. A 5 year license is $172. If you buy the license from http://www.sc-x2.com/purchase.html the cost for a 5yr license is more at $198. there is no hobbyist edition. Is this the same software? give me a break. whatever. the software seems to work and it is tailored more for cutting vinyl than CorelDraw is so it may be worth it. I didn't want to learn another software but it only took about 10min to go through the help section which is well written.

This is a continuation of my previous post: Last night I spent several hours (about 3) trying to figure out which printer driver I should use to work with CorelDraw X4, I found that the Graphtec 32bit driver for CE5000 works and can also be found here http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=view&parentcategoryid=14&nav=0. So is Graphtec and UScutter the same company or does UScutter sell Graphtec machines? Whatever! It is extremely lame why this process isn't laid out clearer. My system and cutter is probably the same as 90% of all customers (XP, coreldraw and MH 721). If I was UScutter, I would spend 10min and create a quick start guide for this market. Seriously, why is the documentation so weak? Why bother creating nice hardware, decent website and a and marketing campaign only to fail in the documentation. I'm sure the response will be, "there are too many different systems and software to cover all". I would agree, but at least get the manual right for the most used config (ie mine). Ok, I'm done with my ranting. Hopefully this post will help others in my situation. I also hope that Graphtec CE5000 driver is the right one. After more testing I will post a follow up.

I like the hardware but the software is a mess. The CD that came with the unit has several drivers but no help file to tell you which ones to use. It is a guessing game. I'm connecting my MH721 via USB and I have Windows XP. I successfully installed the FTDI driver that converts the serial to USB (I guess). I have mine set up as port COM7. The documentation tells you to set it as COM3 but I don't think this matters. You just need to have your printer driver use the right port. That's the other problem. I'm using CorelDraw X4 and I want to print directly from that. There is a word document http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?_m=downloads&_a=viewdownload&downloaditemid=11&nav=0,1 that is partially helpful but it suggests to use Graphtec CE1000-60 printer driver but that didn't work for me. I tried a few other printer drivers like the Raindrop Cutok but that didn't work. So, I went to Graphtec's website and downloaded this driver http://www.graphtecamerica.com/imaging_software/CP-Drivers/CE5000/OPS662V200E2.ZIP I unzipped the files and then went to Add Printer in XP. I only selected the "local printer" option and hit next. I then chose port COM7. I chose the printer driver for CE5000. And that was it. I did change the "config port" in the printer properties to match that word document (ie flow control set to Xon/Xoff). Anyways, I'm able to print from X4. It seems to work fine. Can anyone tell me why this may not work? Right now I just tested with a pin and it seemed to miss a few lines (like 5% of the lines). I tried reprinting and it missed the same lines again.