PixelPusher

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Everything posted by PixelPusher

  1. PixelPusher

    What am I missing?

    Ask for the PRODUCT SKU number for the version they're selling (not THEIR SKU number either, but the one Corel provides). If they provide it then post it here and we'll tell you what the "version type" is (Academic, Full Retail, Home and Student, etc.) they're trying to sell you. If they don't/won't provide this critical information, then DON'T BUY FROM THEM! CDGSX8EFDP = Full Retail CDGSX8MLDPA = Academic CDHSX8EFMBAM = Home and Student If in doubt ever, send Corel an email asking them. http://www.corel.com/en/contact-us/ They even have an online chat window and will gladly tell you.
  2. PixelPusher

    Vinyl Mastrr V4?

    Donnie, I'm no expert on VinylMaster at all (know nothing except that I like what I've seen of the software in videos on YouTube) but in looking at your question and "doing the math" given the numbers you've posted, it works out cheaper to buy two separate licenses at $299 each (total of $598) than it does to buy one "online" pro version at $475 and an additional license at $275 (for a total of $750). Difference being a savings of $152 buying two full licenses on eBay. Am I missing something here?
  3. PixelPusher

    best tutorial on inkscape ive found!

    I put this info in another forum thread but Lynda.com has an excellent Inkscape Essential Training by Mike Rankin online video https://www.lynda.com/Inkscape-tutorials/Inkscape-Essential-Training/418854-2.html It is 5hrs long. Lynda.com offers a FREE 10 day trial too so if you get motivated, you can watch this title for free within that timeframe. Create great vector graphics with Inkscape, the open-source illustration software. In this Inkscape tutorial, Mike Rankin, a design professional for over 20 years, covers everything from installing the software to outputting files for print and the web. Follow along to learn how to work with vector paths; draw shapes; add colors, patterns, and gradients to drawings; transform objects by scaling, rotating, and shearing; and creating special effects with Inkscape's nondestructive filters. Members don't need any prior experience with Illustrator or other drawing apps to get the most out of this course. Just download Inkscape and start following along. Topics include: Downloading and installing Inkscape Creating new documents Importing AI and EPS files in Inkscape Working with input devices like tablets Drawing basic shapes Scaling and rotating objects Adding fills and strokes Using Inkscape extensions Adding and editing text Printing and exporting Inkscape artwork
  4. PixelPusher

    Good Software to replace Signblazer

    I know you are asking to replace SignBlazer but in my opinion, it makes sense to keep using SignBlazer to CUT ONLY and design in another program like Inkscape and export the design to SignBlazer to import and cut. Inkscape https://inkscape.org/en/ is 100% free (it's open source) and they are about to release a new and powerful upgrade to 0.92 soon. The current version is 0.91. Though I use Coreldraw and have since version 4 (now on 18), it costs a lot of money. Adobe Illustrator does too of course. But getting your feet wet with Inkscape would easily allow you to feel comfortable in either Illustrator or Coreldraw if you ever got that far. You can design and do so much more (much much easier) in Inkscape than in Signblazer. Inkscape has a learning section on their site too with all kinds of tutorials. YouTube is full of them of course and Lynda.com has a 10 day free trial and an Inkscape Essential Training DVD https://www.lynda.com/Inkscape-tutorials/Inkscape-Essential-Training/418854-2.html?srchtrk=index%3a1 linktypeid%3a2 q%3ainkscape page%3a1 s%3arelevance sa%3atrue producttypeid%3a2 so if you got motivated, you can learn Inkscape within their 10 day trial FOR FREE! Lynda.com is essential and worth every cent if you need to learn software quickly. There are NO vinyl cutting software tutorials on Lynda.com FYI. YouTube generally has plenty however. Anyhow, perhaps it's time to think about splitting the design and cutting aspects of creation and production into separate (and more powerful) programs? If you wanted my opinion, for a PAID FOR cutting program, I'd go with SignCut Productivity Pro 1.9x. They are going to release version 2 eventually and it has design and cut components joined together in one program. But it costs money of course and is essentially a subscription service - though you can buy a lifetime dongle edition that won't expire. http://www.signcutpro.com/webshop/
  5. Direct link to installer: http://download.uscutter.com/SBEforUSCutterSetup.exe This is the USCutter Edition (contains drivers for their cutters). Better Yet, here is the directory http://www.uscuttersupport.com/downloads/Software/SignBlazer/ Also contains their manual. signblazer_elements_trial.exe signblazer_manual.pdf signblazer_setup.exe
  6. Though this thread is old, I did find a kind of a work-around video for contour cutting using a Copam and Signblazer Elements (I can see the cutter he's using is indeed a CP-2500). It's a multi-step process unfortunately but does seem to yield good results. I warn ya, there is music throughout so watch muted for volume.
  7. PixelPusher

    Reading a Ruler

    You know, that may be the case but I still think it's not very productive to do so on a SUPPORT (help) FORUM where I know very well that many users on here can not read a ruler or a tape measure. It simply causes those who are struggling with that to be embarrassed unnecessarily. I thought people on here were supposed to be role models and teachers? I think it just shows POOR FORM by those who are publicly venting on this, especially when they are the ones serving a teaching role in 98% of their other threads on here that's all. Think of any one thing that you can not do "perfectly", if someone on here called you out as SAD for not knowing how to do it, how would you feel? I think I've said my piece on this and offered those who are struggling, a path for enrichment. Enjoy slamming those who have problems...shows a lot of self-character. I'm out...
  8. PixelPusher

    Reading a Ruler

    That's not true at all and you know it! Reading millimeters on a tape measure that has these measurements IS much easier since there are only 10 in a centimeter and 100 cm in a meter (1000 mm). It's natural for people to learn their counting progressions from 1-10, 1-100 and even up to 1000. When looking at a ruler or tape measure, people often use the metric system for this reason. Doing the mental adjustments of converting fractions to lowest common denominator is where people often struggle reading an imperial ruler. It's that simple... Why don't you do something positive and teach those who are struggling instead of complaining? Otherwise you just look stupid AND ignorant.
  9. PixelPusher

    Taking forever to cut?

    One thing you can do to speed up processing large designs is to reduce your vector node count as much as possible (the 'curve' drawing points) on the drawing. The more nodes a design has, the more complex it is and more processing time is needed to chug through things and figure out how it's to be cut by the software algorithms. Autotrace functionality often creates a large number of unnecessary nodes. Reducing node count can help speed up complex designs dramatically (both redrawing on screen and in cutting with a cutter). Drawing a design manually by hand is superior for this reason. Relying on autotrace isn't ideal (though it can be helpful to start with) and clean-up of a drawing is often required.
  10. PixelPusher

    X8 subscription work with cutting master 3?

    Found this on Graphtec's site: http://www.graphtecamerica.com/graphtec-america-faqs-video-software-video-faqs-cutting-master-3 Doesn't say X8 is supported for CM3 (says up to X7) at this time. An interesting aside, on that page, they include a caveat about pirated software in red lettering that states: WARNING CUTTING MASTER WILL NOT INSTALL INTO PIRATED OR PATCHED COPIES OF ADOBE® ILLUSTRATOR OR COREL DRAW® Must do some calling home or some checking somehow.
  11. PixelPusher

    Reading a Ruler

    It's all just memorization and practice. I wouldn't call it SAD that people don't know how to do something - there was a time that you didn't know either, nor I for that matter. I tell you what's SAD though is the attitude of some of you people with your superiority complex over this! Schools these days don't spend a lot of time training on how to read an imperial tape measure as a youth, especially in Canada and European countries who use metric as their primary measurement. I think it comes down to the fact that there is a LOT of things we don't know how to do. I personally respect someone who is willing to learn and can demonstrate satisfactory results that they can and have learned how to do something when shown or given a learning aid (in this case I provided a free and functional flashcard website in my post #15). Instead of berating someone and making them feel inferior or stupid, I'd encourage them to learn via that website at their own pace or outright personally teach them. The ball is ultimately in their court though... If I was to hire someone, one of their conditions of immediate employment would be that they could read a tape measure and demonstrate proficiency - this seems like a fair skill request. If they couldn't I would tell them that their employment with my organization is contingent on learning to read a tape measure via that website (on their own time) before they'd be allowed on board. I'd give them a week to practice using that site and then ask them to demonstrate to me what they've learned in a live test. If they scored 100% then the issue would be put to bed and I'd give that person a pat on the back for they'd have earned my respect for their success. A score of anything less, I'd make a determination on their suitability going forward and encourage them to keep practicing, everyday until it's second nature.
  12. Something to keep in mind with large format printers (that may or may not cut) is that they often require RIP (Raster Image Processor) software to do their thing which is expensive too. That software must also have drivers for your printer (and if an operating system is ever updated to a new release, the manufacturer of the printer may or may not continue to support said printer on that OS version). HP is notorious for discontinuing their printers (and computer products for that matter) and making their drivers be tied into a maximum OS version. I've been burnt by them before on a computer and its drivers not supporting Windows 8.1 or higher for example - my last HP machine ever no doubt. I've seen their planned obsolesce model on desktop printers too. I wouldn't chance an expensive investment in an HP large format printer no matter how great they are. Roland's are typically eco-solvent ink printers that can print on vinyl substrate and come with Versaworks RIP software (for both printing and cutting) and it is very capable and very easy to use (YouTube has lots of videos to get up to speed quickly). Roland is a very big name and won't disappear overnight. They have fantastic support too. Getting their RIP software at the same time as a printer purchase is a great incentive. They'd get my suggestion. Another thing to source out is the cost of ink and ink cartridges. If you buy a new printer, using third party ink or ink cartridge may invalidate your warranty if you ever need service (which you will one day). Source out replacement blades too if you get a cut capable device. There are cheap Chinese eco-solvent printers available through Aliexpress.com for example. BUT, when things break or need fixing or replacement, not many (if any) North American support techs will have their parts or know how on how to fix them. The good thing about them though is that you can typically buy TWO machines for the cost of ONE Roland printer/cutter though so you could technically have a back-up.
  13. PixelPusher

    Reading a Ruler

    Here's a free site for someone needing to learn how to read a tape measure (Imperial Measurement): https://quizlet.com/5897930/reading-a-tape-measure-flash-cards/ No need to be shy any longer that one doesn't know...You weren't born knowing how to do it. Learn at your own pace and practice until you've nailed it. You can learn by flashcards and test your progress (Under STUDY and PLAY). Here's one to memorize the fractions and their decimal equivalents on a typical ruler: https://quizlet.com/24526928/reading-a-tape-measure-flash-cards/ (useful - screenshot attached). There is a VAST amount of other things you can learn too. Kids can learn their math flashcards too or pretty much anything that needs memorization. Great site. (Type in a search term to bring up all kinds of results. In this case, type in TAPE MEASURE and go nuts).
  14. You should have seen the faces on my fellow sign workers when I called that knife a Snitty knife a while ago. They were like, HOW in the heck did you know what that's called? Once you know though, it's hard to forget. Oh and eBay has lots of them - just use "snitty" as your search term (the better quality ones with exchangeable blades are more expensive obviously). $3.99 USD changeable blade model, free shipping from China http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Snitty-safety-cutter-Vinyl-Car-Wrap-Cutter-Cutting-Tool-Carbon-Fibre-ZIPPY-/201327780076?hash=item2ee01220ec:g:XkgAAOSwPhdVJ3jP
  15. PixelPusher

    Have you noticed?

    Though it may be a bit unreliable, it is one of the better forum systems I have used. Go see Coreldraw's forums at http://community.coreldraw.com/ or Make the Cut's forums at http://forum.make-the-cut.com/ to see two examples of how NOT to do user forums. Corel's is so annoying with that stupid 'Log in' beggar tag that constantly pops up regardless of how many times you say "Ok, got it!". Annoys me just as much as CNN's red "Terms and conditions have changed" popup. At least I can fix that one with Adblock Latitude to never show on my computers - not so lucky on my phone though. Make the Cut's is just...uh, bad!
  16. PixelPusher

    CP-2500 Compatible Blade Holders

    One more thing, Sharpie felt pen adapters (someone 3D prints these to order) $8.99 USD http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Sharpie-Marker-Pen-Adapter-For-Most-Makes-Of-Vinyl-Cutters-That-Use-Roland-Blade-/141669963245? I have two of them (fine tip and large tip Sharpies). They work awesome (you need to take an inch off your usable/cuttable width though due to the offset of the pen). Very useful however when plotting on paper when testing and learning.
  17. PixelPusher

    CP-2500 Compatible Blade Holders

    I was going to mention you in my thread by the way but I forgot how to spell your username specifically (the "fx" part) so I erased it... Was thinking of you though! Honest.
  18. PixelPusher

    CP-2500 Compatible Blade Holders

    Hey fellow Copam user. You and I are the two main users of them on here these days it seems. I have my Copam working fine and can help you get yours working too no problem. I need to know a few things first: What kind of computer are you running (Windows, Mac or Linux)? What OS are you running on that platform? What bit version of the OS are you running (32bit or 64bit)? I'll make an assumption you're running Windows 7 64 bit (I am myself) for now until told otherwise. Good news though in that the Copam CP-2500 can run on Windows, Linux or Mac. Start here: https://support.uscutter.com/hc/en-us First thing to download is you need the latest FTDI Virtual Com Port (VCP) drivers from http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm for your computer to communicate with the Copam and to assign it a COM port in the Windows Device Manager via Windows Control Panel. Other OS drivers are found on this page too. If you're running 64 bit Windows (any version) look in the COMMENTS section of the driver table for a self installation executable. Otherwise, adding drivers manually is a pain in the rear. Bookmark this page. The COPAM START link above is a bit outdated and the drivers they suggest are ancient. The link I just gave you is from the source who created the drivers in the first place... Second major thing you'll need is SignBlazer elements (cutting software that used to be paid for software but is now free as the author died and it has been generally assumed around here to be free to use now). https://support.uscutter.com/hc/en-us There is an entire section on SignBlazer here on the USCutter forum. I'd post your specific questions there if you run into trouble. The Copam CP2500 will work with SignGo, SignCut Productivity Pro, FlexiSign Pro, Flexistarter, SignTools, CoCut Pro, WinPCSign, SignBlazer Elements, Sure Cuts A Lot Pro 3 or 4, SignLab, Vinylmaster, ya...pretty much all of them work with the Copams. They're excellent cutters. The second part of your question, Roland Compatible Blade Holders are compatible and work perfectly. Same with the Roland blades. Blades Roland Compatible Blades are bought through eBay.ca (usually shipped from China for free). Search for Roland Compatible Blades and you’ll get all kinds of results. Blades Diameter: 2.0 mm Length: 23mm±1 offset: 0.25 mm The blades come in three types and vary on the angle of the blade itself: 30° Roland Blades (Yellow Cap) For Cutting large fonts and thick materials. 45° Roland Blades (Red Cap) For Cutting general fonts and vinyl film. 60° Roland Blades (Blue Cap) For Cutting very small fonts & intricate line-art logos. NOTE: Be sure and slow down the speed of your plotter as slow as possible when cutting very small details, also ensure you're using a 60° blade for best results. Cutting Knife Holder The Copam CP-2500 uses Roland (F2) style knife holders that are 11.5mm! IMPORTANT! This blade holder makes it easier to adjust the blade depth by turning the black part of the knife holder on the bottom. It also has a push button “snap” to change blades quickly, simply push the top aluminum rod like a pen and pop the blade out. And while it’s still depressed, pop in a different one just as easily. Then release. No more adjusting blade depth every time you change blades or clean them. Aluminum composition Double bearings Screw adjustment Diameter (Clamp) 11.5mm Diameter (Blade) 2.0mm Length (Clamp to down) 25mm Length (total) 46.5mm Pen Holder Used for Pen Plotting. Used for pen plotting (drawing the design instead of cutting it), mock-ups and installation masks for accurate sign letter placement. Search on eBay for 11.5 mm pen. Screw adjustment Made of high quality aluminium material I will give you specific links from eBay: Pen adapter: $3.00 USD/Free shipping ebay: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/11-5-28MM-Cutting-Plotter-Vinyl-Cutter-Pen-Holder-50mm-for-Roland-Holder-Pcut-/231132132896?hash=item35d08c7620:g:CEMAAOSwZQxW53Fp Knife holder with 15 blades $13.00 USD/ Free shipping ebay: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/15pcs-30-45-60-degrees-vinyl-cutter-plotter-ROLAND-blades-ROLAND-Blade-holder-/221928567364?hash=item33abf93244:g:bWcAAOSwZ8ZW8yO2 Something I should have asked you is are you using USB connection? Or a serial connection? Or even serial to USB connection (requires a Tripp-Lite Keyspan adapter to connect your serial port to USB port (A STRAIGHT THROUGH SERIAL CABLE IS NEEDED ON THE COPAM). That's kind of important so please answer that question too. I can provide you photos of things if this is all jibberish at this point too. Anyhow, that's a lot to digest so take it slow. I can give you manuals too and all kinds of stuff for the Copam.
  19. PixelPusher

    Ioline cutters

    I just had a very informative and generous phone call (time wise) from Ioline themselves to discuss my "new to me" cutter purchase and welcome me to their brand. I was pleasantly surprised and happy to have had this conversation and I felt it worthy to post about my experience here on this thread for I don't know of any cutter manufacturers who will take time out of their day to talk to a random customer (essentially a complete stranger) about their products and remind me that since I'm a new customer, that they'll take care of me support wise as long as they're in business and as long as I own their product. Mr Armstrong shared with me the history of Ioline and how their products were ranked right up there with/or better than Roland and Gerber at one time and if one dug through the old reviews in magazines of cutters "of the time" that I would see plenty of praise for Ioline machines. It turns out many of the high end names you and I would think of in the sign industry (the two I've just mentioned and one I haven't, Graphtec) now outsource their manufacturing to China to save costs and the quality of parts and products, as expected, has deteriorated as a result as compared to earlier times of manufacturing. Ioline is still made and manufactured in the USA with as many parts as possible sourced from US companies. They also employ Americans and feel that's an essential part of their business process to actively do their part for the US economy rather than outsourcing support overseas. I could appreciate this point, even though that I'm Canadian, for I would rather buy American products myself (unless I could buy them in Canada) just to keep our economies going - we all should! Speaking of support, I was told that Ioline will offer support, parts and information to their customers for life and are proud of their industry leading level of customer service. It turns out companies like Boeing, Nike and other large apparel companies use Ioline first and foremost because to them, they can't afford to be down in production due to broken, defective or misbehaving machines. They're more concerned with reliability and they can afford a higher costing, yet much higher quality product in their processes. Obviously, high quality does come with a higher monetary cost however (as it should) and I was reminded that Ioline products will typically cost more than the cheap Chinese cutters but will outlast them as I've already noted earlier (my cutter is 15 years old and still running like new). These days, Ioline has targeted a different segment of the industry (specialty plotters and apparel primarily) and will most likely not be returning in full-scale to sign cutters simply to the fact that it's not able to compete on a cost level with the outsourcing to Chinese manufacturers and their cheap labor costs. Customers are too focused on saving money initially, at the expense of quality, and it's difficult to explain to them that they'll pay for that choice in the long run in job re-do's or outright failure of their equipment. As such, Ioline doesn't often go to the sign trade shows any longer as a result. Though Ioline has discontinued sales of their larger swath cutters a few years ago (because of this Chinese cost undercutting), they still offer a smaller 28" unit the Smartrac I/S 60. http://ioline.com/prod/st_is_feat.html and still has a very high level of tracking and reliability as has come to be expected from their products. So, again, I feel it necessary to say this but if you can find a used (or new) Ioline cutter in your travels, buy it with confidence! It will not disappoint you. If today's phone call from Ioline demonstrated to me, that I still matter to them as a customer even though I'm using a second hand machine from 2001. Pretty awesome stuff!
  20. PixelPusher

    Transfer Carrier Sheet???

    You know, you're probably on to something there. Like why can't one use parchment paper or wax paper (are they the same thing? ) wrapped around something stiffer like thin cardboard? Then spray the parchment paper with repositioning glue? Hmmmm, I might just try this...
  21. PixelPusher

    How should I best store and ship vinyl banner?

    Ship them in a "cardboard core". https://www.google.ca/search?q=poster+core&biw=1366&bih=623&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjcyNWWru7LAhXkzoMKHeFWDEUQ_AUIBigB#tbm=isch&q=cardboard+core Typically, if local, I wrap them on the outside of the core and then put a plastic bag over it (or wrap paper and then shrink wrap it all securely - the paper won't damage the print or vinyl and serve as a buffer for the shrink wrap). If being shipped through the mail or via courier, I wrap them in a cylinder over itself but in a tighter fashion than the width of the cardboard core. Then you can put something over the ends to secure them and tape to secure that. Eventually you will amass your own cores from rolls of vinyl you go through. Keep them for a while to stock up your inventory. For now, you may wish to purchase some or go to another sign shop and ask if they have any extras in their garbage. Bring them a beer on a Friday afternoon and you'd be amazed at what you can come away with. Oh, and now a days, you can outsource a banner to be printed directly onto the banner vinyl - no stickers needed. Then, if you wish, you can use good quality double sided tape to fold over the edges and then grommet the banner so it can be hung up (and not tear in the wind). In your design stage you need to take into account 1.5-2" on each side for this folding over part. Banners can also be sewn in this way but it's way more expensive to do - and I can't run a sewing machine myself (as I don't currently know how) so I tape mine. Grommet spacing: https://www.esigns.com/grommet-spacing.html
  22. PixelPusher

    How cheap is too cheap?

    How much do you feel your time and vinyl are worth? Stated another way...how much do YOU want for it? If you feel that putting some vinyl stickers on a car for $150 is too cheap, then you need to be comfortable saying $175-200 take it or leave it. And if they walk away, say to yourself, thank goodness. If a customer is going to be a cheapskate and try and nickle and dime you, I wouldn't bend nor chase them just to get some cash because they're not going to be a returning customer you want to deal with. The vinyl doesn't cost a lot as you know. It's the prep time designing it, masking it, (cleaning the car) and lay time. Stress that it's going to take X amount of time/side to apply these properly - or, you can do it yourself (then you can come up with a price minus the install labor)! Then remind them that when they go to a car garage for a repair, the shop labor is over $100/hr or more. Again, "if they balk, let them walk"...Wear a heat-pressed t-shirt that says that on it when you make that "suggestion". It will empower you.
  23. PixelPusher

    Application Tape Roller Question?

    COOL! I'm going to dig out my 36" Garant snow shovel and make some modifications.
  24. PixelPusher

    venting

    Funny, I just got this email in my spam box: RECEIPT: PAYMENT ON HOLD - ID: 496687573 PayPaI. [message-mmazcandcw@atlanticsignature.com] (that's an uppercase i from PayPai and that's one awesome atlanticsignature.com email address) Dear "ME (my email went here)", We're investigating a payment reversal (Case # PP-059-174-719-459) We recently notified you that a payment you received was made without the account holder's permission, or was the result of a transaction error. To help resolve this issue, log in to your PayPaI account within the next 24 hours and respond to our request for information in your Resolution Center. Thanks, PayPaI.Email-ID: pp088917149 OH JUST IN CASE I NEED TO STATE THE OBVIOUS, DON'T CLICK ON THE LINKS, IT'S A FISHING SCAM! HOVER OVER THE LINKS TO SEE WHERE THEY LINK TO mail.kinyat.com.hk/taskware/uploads/ca/7.php PS, I'm not responsible if you bork your computer by going there.
  25. PixelPusher

    amazing flippin plotter

    You know, now being a new Ioline owner of the larger version of this exact cutter, I can assure you it gets better than printing a full color grommeted banner directly... IT ACTUALLY PRINTS MONEY! Full dollar bill currency in any denomination...since it's made in the USA it prints US dollars too! So I actually make $0.30/dollar extra in Canadian dollars! PHAN-TASTIC! Oh, FYI, April Fools! Ok, for real, after resurrecting my new-to-me 15 year old Ioline beast recently, I can honestly say that this particular eBay advertisement, while poorly executed maaaaaay not have been so bad for the person who bought the cutter being sold. But, unless they had some technical chops, they would have most likely been disappointed originally. If they read my recent post for the Smartrac I/S 130 they would have gleaned some useful information to make this cutter potentially work again. I never knew it had solenoids in it though... I'm going to have to go look at the Repair Manual to see how much these cost. I may also name my next Goldfish Solenoid just because that's a cool name... The saving grace though is that Ioline still sells parts for these cutters 15 or so years later so the person buying would have eventually got it working, I think.