slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 20, 2014 I went ahead and plunked down the $170 for the MH mini cutter. The form factor appeals to me, and I'm going to create a sign-shop-in-a-box, with everything needed to make stickers/decals all together in a portable kit. As I go forward, I'll make available some more photos here. The cutter should be here tomorrow. This is the taping station: (transfer tape, ruler, scissors, picker tool, utility knife, cheaters/specs for weeding) Here's the carry case and my Power Inverter: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KYSIGN 233 Posted August 20, 2014 Does that power inverter output a pure sine wave? I heard that the cheaper inverters cause problems with the motors in the cutter. Maybe someone else can chime in with more info. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 20, 2014 I dunno about sines waves. It worked good with the MH unit that I previously owned. (had to avoid plugging in with the third -- ground -- pin, and only used a two pronged plug) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
101LEDs 100 Posted August 20, 2014 If it's regulated it should work fine, larger induction motors lag on startup due to drawing more current to get going. You will always get better performance using alligator clip connections over the lighter plug if so equipped. Less resistance/voltage drop, larger gauge wire, and not having to worry about the circuit the plug is on popping fuses. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 21, 2014 I am thinking of obtaining a separate 12v battery and a solar panel charging system, but that's another few hundred $$ In the meantime, I''ll run the machine from the lighter plug, and see how it goes. That's how my other MH operated when it was in the Astro van, and was OK. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
101LEDs 100 Posted August 21, 2014 You shouldn't have any problems then, it doesn't appear that the cutters use much. I might check mine just to see what it does draw. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcextreme 475 Posted August 21, 2014 Slice, what size vinyl will u be running in that 14" cutter....i was gonna get one for the same portable reason, but it would be way better if it would at least cut 15" wide for HTV shirts, and do the 15" wide regular vinyl, but i recall it will only cut like 13.75" wide stuff, and can u get 12" wide materials?? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,708 Posted August 21, 2014 Slice, what size vinyl will u be running in that 14" cutter....i was gonna get one for the same portable reason, but it would be way better if it would at least cut 15" wide for HTV shirts, and do the 15" wide regular vinyl, but i recall it will only cut like 13.75" wide stuff, and can u get 12" wide materials? ? We got him going in the right direction.. http://forum.uscutter.com/index.php?/topic/46040-whats-the-deal-with-14-plotter/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcextreme 475 Posted August 21, 2014 Ok cool, thanks for the link. i may follow you in this endeavor, i want a smaller cutter to take with to do simple jobs on the go. Next week i gotta letter up my friends truck windows for his remodeling company, just two side windows and a large back window, (two 12x12, and one 12x36", and i really hate having to lug my big graphtec all the way to his house. Yes i could do it all before hand and take the finished stuff with me, but its a 2 hour drive, and if i goof up or have issues i want to be able to fix it there and make a new one.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 21, 2014 Max. cut width is only 10.75" so you would not be able to get a 12" wide decal prepared with it. That, honestly, is an engineering flaw in this machine, IMO. Both the TITAN and the Graphtec CE6000-40 accommodate the 15" wide vinyl and have the ability to produce 12" designs. I am quite surprised that the MH365 doesn't allow this capacity. It really makes no sense to me that they just didn't make it 2" bigger. Anyway, for what I'm intending to do, it will be enough (mini parking signs) http://www.clipartandfonts.com/Swapmeet_Clipart.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dakotagrafx 7,297 Posted August 21, 2014 Max. cut width is only 10.75" so you would not be able to get a 12" wide decal prepared with it. That, honestly, is an engineering flaw in this machine, IMO. Both the TITAN and the Graphtec CE6000-40 accommodate the 15" wide vinyl and have the ability to produce 12" designs. I am quite surprised that the MH365 doesn't allow this capacity. It really makes no sense to me that they just didn't make it 2" bigger. Anyway, for what I'm intending to do, it will be enough (mini parking signs) http://www.clipartandfonts.com/Swapmeet_Clipart.html where it's made they think in mm not inches 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcextreme 475 Posted August 21, 2014 yep i get ya, but its just lines of text, i can do 3 lines then the other 3 lines, wouldnt be an issue...just couldnt do it all as one piece yeah. I will probably end up taking my 24" graphtec with me anyways, wont have time to order a smaller machine by then anyways, but it would be nice for future on the site jobs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gcextreme 475 Posted August 21, 2014 where it's made they think in mm not inches very true...buts its sold and labeled as a 14" cutter, not a 355.6mm cutter, LOL 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 21, 2014 Placed my order yesterday, the cutter will be here tomorrow. Instant delivery. I've built this contraption for holding a roll of vinyl. (I had these rollers and brackets from another old machine that died, and they were fitted onto some 1"x2" boards to create a free-standing rack) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
30-284 86 Posted August 21, 2014 Hey.... that looks like Copam stuff. I have 2 of those. Donn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 21, 2014 Copam rollers, yes --- a friend of mine had a machine that was in his storage locker (we tried to get it to work, but the MB was shot) and I cannibalized that stand for these rollers. =============================================== FedEx delivered the box a while ago. As it turned out, USCUTTER actually sent me a brand new MH365 instead of a DEMO/Refurb. No argument from me, thank you, US CUTTER !!! My duffel bag is a bit too small to accommodate the machine however. I have fabricated a solution to transport it ----- (using the packing materials, and 2 luggage belts, and a web belt) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted August 21, 2014 As it turned out, USCUTTER actually sent me a brand new MH365 instead of a DEMO/Refurb.No argument from me, thank you, US CUTTER !!! Your enthusiam has probably helped sell several of these "Cute" Cutters for them! Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 21, 2014 I'm not done with this series of photo-illustrations, more to come !!! I still have to show you the entire set-up, completed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
30-284 86 Posted August 22, 2014 And then there is that added bonus of a copy of SCALP, you made out like a BANDIT! Donn Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted August 22, 2014 Update on my acquisition of the Mobile SignStudio vehicle ---. (((( http://forum.uscutter.com/index.php?/topic/46040-whats-the-deal-with-14-plotter/?p=368702 )))) I decided to go ahead and purchase the RV, after making a deal with the owner for him to obtain some door magnets from me, and that reduced the price to under $1500. (it has a generator, a new awning, cold a/c, a refrigerator, swivel captain's chairs, and an overhead bed) Yeah, it's gonna require some TLC to get it looking nice (an exterior paint job with a roller, and some custom vinyl decals and Mobile SignStudio signage) and I'll have to figure out how to set up the inside for a production workspace, but it seems do-able. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
andygeekboy 62 Posted October 4, 2016 I know this is old but I think it's a great idea, I'm curious, how did the story end or is it still ongoing? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slice&dice 2,450 Posted October 20, 2016 The RV is gone, the mini cutter is gone, too. I decided to just concentrate on the storefront operation. BTW, the 10.5" size max. was ridiculously limiting. If you want to go mobile, just use a 24" machine and be happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
