haumana

I'm finally glad to say that I the cutter has been delivered. FedEx still sucks, and that's all the effort I'm going waste in that direction. Anyway, my questions is this (and it's probably minor, but I need to ask anyway): How do I put on the media guide cuffs (don't know the 'real' name for the part) on the roller? I'm guessing that's the function of the cuffs. Then, on which roller do the go on - the fixed position or the adjustable position (or does it really make a difference)? The next question ... and I know that I'm going to totally sound stupid, but ... how exactly does the basket get setup? lots of material, some velcro, and sheer stupidity. If anyone has pictures that'd be good too At least I took the time read the instructions - that's got to be worth something, right?

Nevermind ... I finally figured it out the basket part. A little time to put everything down and have a little snack. That cleared the head. Thanks tservice for the input about the media guide cuffs; that's all I needed to go ahead and finish setting up the stand and getting the cutter on it. Now on to the drivers and software.. WooHoo!

So I was a little bummed when I checked the FedEx website the other day and it gave me a delivery date of Nov. 7th... I was really excited when I checked this morning and it said that it was loaded on to a truck for delivery today - woohoo!! And then later bummed when I checked the status late this afternoon (after doing my best to put off any and all errands so I could be here when the FedEx guy arrived), only to find that the status changed to, "Delivery Exception". Sounds kind of lame to me. So I called FedEx to see if I could go there and pick it up directly from them. Some guy at the 800-number apologized that the delivery was delayed - apparently the attempted to deliver it to a wrong address . FedEx is sucking at this point. He also told me that since it was shipped "ground" that the "package" is still on the truck (obviously the wrong truck), and is at a totally different location than the one and only FedEx facility we have on the island of O'ahu. To say the least I was super irritated and decided it was not worth the effort of trying to educate the man that there are no "remote" locations (with exception to the outer islands). FedEx is still sucking. And since it was shipped "ground," that I would have to wait until the next business day, but couldn't even tell me if it would be delivered in the morning (since the screwed it up the first time), or in the afternoon (because I have nothing better to do than to sit around and wait for the delivery guy). Still sucking ... So my hopes of having the cutter here by the end of this week went up in flames and almost dampens the excitement. I wonder what the facility would do if I just showed up and asked for the package??? Hmmmm.... Did I mention that they suck?

So I decided to go to FedEx on Saturday just to try. After waiting for over a half hour, apparently on Saturdays FedEx Ground doesn't formally operate, but they do have a manager on-site from 8 to 12n. The manager was out picking-up lunch for himself. I'm not sure what point there is to keep office hours if it's not going to be staffed during posted hours (bathroom breaks being exceptional). I provided the tracking number, and he looked, but finally said, "I don't know where your package is. I looked on the two trucks that are already loaded for Monday deliveries, and it's not on the dock. What shape is the box?". Anothr 5 minutes of looking, and I go home with squat. I have no choice, I needed to wait until Monday. Well the FedEx guy shows up at 6:45am. I wonder is someone left a message for him telling him that the recipient showed up and was really peeved. I got all the stuff unpacked, and I sort of have the stand setup... sort of. Forgive me for asking, but being a total noob to this, I think I'm better off asking, then breaking it on my own. How does one properly install the aluminum guides (I'm guessing for narrow media)? not quite sure how to handle the rubber grommets. And which roller am I supposed to install it on (the fixed or the adjustable)? Any guidance on the media basket too? Good thing I haven't loaded the cutter on to the stand yet, the instructions did say that I'm supposed to put the media rollers on before screwing down the bracket the cutter sits on. pictures would be great. I feel like such a dork. Well, dork or no-dork, I still have the new toy ... now I just gotta get it goin'! WooHoo!!!

All I can say is wow! I thought my business logo was going to be cursed to pixelation when resized. That site/tool is awesome.

It finally happened! I finally won a bid for the new LaserPoint cutter. It only took me a half-dozen tries, and a few extra days before I successfully won the auction (it's about time too). I'm a total noob to the world of cutting, so please give me some slack if I ask totally lame questions. I promise that I will search the forum for answers before posting my simple (and probably idiotic) questions I would just like to thank you guys for helping me in the "pre-sale" section earlier this week. Y'all have been really helpful in helping me with my decision. You guys totally rock! I'm totally stoked and look forward to getting my new toy!! This is going to be so awesome. I am totally open to suggestions and advice. My mind is a sponge, I want to learn from the experts! -J.

I'm guessing that the cutter has the same feed issues as a regular large-format plotter does. That being the case, a stand is essential to keep your sanity, unless using small pieces of media (and hoping your machine doesn't eat it because you mis fed it). I work with HP plotters, and there is no way that I would allow myself or any of my employers to get a large-format without the right stand. It just makes life so much easier - because AutoCAD drawings being skewed on the media sucks badly, and print shops aren't willing to do a thing to help that.

I know, kind of lame ... do you guys use the huge ones with the arm, or a rotary one (like the Fiskars)?

Mahalo for you guidance. I suspected that whatever materials I am able to get locally are priced a little steep, especially since they are basically the only game in town. I wasn't in that warehouse very long, but it seems like every other person there was buying up Oracal Vinyl. Is Oracal that good? They also had 3M and Gerber, but I was told that Oracal was the cheapest, and the one that almost everyone here uses. You would be amazed at how many different people here sell vinyl decals - I see them at the flea markets, and any kind of product expo we have. I believe in supporting the local businesses, but not at the expense of my bottom line, not to mention they didn't look like they were hurting for my money. Anyway, thanks for the insight. C&C seems to be the most reasonable on the shipping. Vynil Window Tint had really great prices and I would consider shipping it parcel post, but they are on the east coast ... that would make it about a 6-week wait. I think I'm a little too impatient for that :- So far that seller I found on eBay is looking like it'll be one of the cheapest ways to go. Ah - decisions, decisions.

So being a total noob to this whole process, I thought I would pick-up some vinyl in anticipation of getting my cutter (hopefully very soon). I ran down to (basically the only) sign supply store we have here, and wasn't sure if I should be totally shocked at some of the prices they quoted me. I think I got this straight: 15" x 50 yards - $60 (Oracal 651). I ended up buying 3 yards (4.50/yard) of the glossy white 651, and a whole roll (100 yards) of the Oracal MT72 transfer tape ($55). Truth be told, I have no idea what I should be buying and more importantly what I should be avoiding. Okay, so I ask, how badly over charged was I? Please no laughing. And I'm sure that all your mothers out there taught you not to make fun of the less fortunate I don't plan to get into the sign/banner making business. This is purely for fun and a hobby (else I would become work and work is no fun). I was considering buying a sample of colors from these guys and wanted to know what the opinion of this seller and his/hers stuff. Is it a good deal? or is it a rip off? I also checked out Ordway and they have nice sample of MACtac stuff, but I don't think there is anyone in Hawai'i and distributes it, so It's almost moot for me to go down that path. Or if any of you are willing to give-up the eBay IDs of the people you buy stuff from. http://tinyurl.com/2mf2yv Please people, any guidance - always appreciated -J.

I totally agree with you ... although I have the opposite problem at the moment ... I bought some vinyl (probably got ripped off), but am now waiting for the cutter. The anticipation is killing me ... although I have no idea where I can actually park this thing in my house (sigh).

Definitely called, "Honu". Are you still looking for Honu images?

Pro's & Con's. Please forgive me, I'm a totally noob to all of this stuff, but am pretty excited since I made the decision to get one. What are your opinions? I've bid on several machines, but am constantly getting outbid (sigh). So while my bids are in limbo, I thought I would try and get people's opinion on this. Is the basket that benficial?

Thanks for the advice. Is the basket a big deal? I saw that BannerJohn was asking about it.

I admit to being a total noob to cutting plotters. Wanted two-cents from anyone out there willing to share it. I'm ready to buy a cutter, but am not sure which would be the best for me. I do not plan on going into any type of sign-making business. The cutter will mostly be for hobby stuff, and maybe do some local decal/sticker stuff (nothing huge in quantity) - but probably mostly stuff for my friends and family. That being said, I wanted to know y'all think would be the best "fit". The PCUT 24", PCUT 36", or the Copam 24". Of course the better the price the more appealing, but I was also consider using the plotter as a pen plotter every once in a while - to run of some CAD drawings now and then. And since this is such a new thing for me, is the stand for the plotter recommended? I'm just wondering how much desk space it would take if I got a plotter without the stand. Thanks for taking the time to read my post, I hope you're willing to take the time to post a reply.

Cool, so the LaserPoint is a step-up from the PCUT beacuse of the laser. I think that helped my decision. Can the LaserPoint to pen plotting as well? Will you be offering the LaserPoint on your webstore later? Is there a 36" LaserPoint? I know, I know ... I thought I had finally decided too. :-

Any advice on the PCUT 24" vs. LaserPoint 25"? Decisions, decisions.

Do you think there is any chance that the PCUT 36" will be listed on eBay. I'm thinking that the 36" might be the happy medium. Although I still want to know everyone's thoughts on the warranty issue.

Thanks for advice. My next questions is this ... I'm located in Hawai'i. Should I be buying my cutter through eBay (at a cheaper price with a shorter warranty) or direct (with a longer warranty)? I guess my issue is that because I'm located off the continental US, I don't think I that packing up the cutter for shipment back and forth and my dime is really cost effective. Any thoughts about that??