NichoDesign 5 Posted January 4, 2013 This might also shed some light on these 2 vinyl cutters I had in mind to help others decideon which cutter might be for them. I have my eyes on the GRAPHTEC CE5000-60 and the Roland GX-24. From specs and such they both do the same thing but at the end I have few concerns. The key points that I like about the Graphtec vs. Roland are: For about 1,700 bucks not only do I get the stand but I get free shipping. It works very well with Corel and or Illustrator or other software like Flexi. The key points that I like about the Roland are: Name brand, been around and huge community online. Be able to find parts or able to fix it/etc. Support and Warranty? Well they both do the same stuff, with the exception of price. The concerns I have are. Can I cut vinyl with enough down-force to do the type of vinyl that it is used forSandblasting. I will most likely be using multiple vinyls for 2-3 color t-shirt printing so accurate cuts is a must. Can I cut Magnet Vinyl (car magnet) Magnet vinyl for cars? Replacement parts are Graphtec parts as easy to find as Roland, and I’m guessing Graphtec parts are cheaper. I read something about Contouring that Roland was way better vs. Graphtec, trueor untrue. What I read is Graphtec does contouring just as good. Roland uses quality bearings on metal parts (metal on metal) and Graphtec bearings on plastic (causing problems down the road) Hope that I am not asking too much of a vinyl cutter, but it would be ideal to be versed all around and put it to good use in various areas nut just vinyl decals, but t-shirts, sandblasting glass, mirrors, or even plastic. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted January 4, 2013 You get more bang for your buck with a Graphtec, You will find many, many more Graphtec owners on here , just because of that reason. A Graphtec has more speed and down force. and you will get the stand, which is a major plus. You will regret right away not getting a stand. I have had my Graphtec going on 5 years, and never a problem. Will cut very detailed work. Great warranty, But I have never had to use it. From what I have read about magnets, you dont' cut them all the way thru, only score and break a part, or you will ruin your cutting strip. I have never regretted a Graphtec. I don't print vinyl, so I don't contour cut. And the tracking is great on a Graphtec. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted January 4, 2013 Did you look at the side by side comparison that USCutter provides for the specifications? http://www.uscutter.com/index/page/static/subpage/buying_guides Both have nearlly identical specifications. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted January 4, 2013 From what I read on another comparison chart Graphtec force is 300 and speed 24in a sec,, max accepted thickeness 0.25 mm Roland 250 GF 20in a sec max accepted thickness 0.1mm Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted January 4, 2013 I would think if you found an independant comparison ( not factory giving specs ) , you would get realistic data . I would trust the data USC gives if they themselves tested & were not using what they were supplied with . You bring up some interesting points . Have you compared the Gerber ? At the Atlantic City sign show I attended a few years ago the Gerber was considered head & shoulders above everything else by everybody . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted January 4, 2013 I've owned about 3 of each the GRAPHTEC CE5000-60 and the Roland GX-24 and for most things I prefer the GRAPHTEC CE5000-60 - that is my daily cutter now Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted January 4, 2013 I did some checking with the Gerber Tempo 600, Force, speed, and media thickness the same as the Graphtec, I just can't find a new cutter price. I went to about 5 distributors and they say call for pricing. ..in several different states. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted January 4, 2013 There was a MAJOR jump in price over a Roland when going to the Gerber a couple years ago . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted January 4, 2013 I figured it was a scary price, that's why they want you to call, so a sales person can talk you right into it. LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted January 5, 2013 Sorta like Snap-On tools .. they advertise " the most expensive tools you can buy " Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NichoDesign 5 Posted January 11, 2013 Perfect timing, the GraphTec 6000 came out, so that's my 1st choice right now. I think there are different specs on the Japan / USA products, one has a set of specs the USA has a different one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites