slice&dice

I only cut letters for signs, and they always come out great.

I'm only going with the Seiki because of the $202 price tag, which can be earned back in one day. It's probably just a minor and inconsequential upgrade from the SC, and not in the ballpark of a Graphtec machine. I would venture to say it can't be compared even at the level of a Copam. A friend of mine is interested in obtaining this SC, and I'll transfer it to him after getting the Seiki into operation.

monkey says: "I run my speed only between 100 and 200 mostly." I've never run it below top speed 800. Snail pace of 100? Really?

Highly suggest trying SignBlazerElements, instead of SCALpro. If the issue disappears, then you know it's a software problem. 100-150 is high for pressure, I routinely use 12-15g on my SC.

What is preventing the floor of the tunnel on the top from collapsing? And while I'm evaluating the un-reality of the drawing, I hope everyone knows that diamonds in the ground look like THIS -- Hope everyone gets a chance to see the movie "JOBS" coming out this weekend. I think the guy on the bottom there looks a little like Steve Jobs.

Buy the whole sheet, you won't have much drop left anyway. (remaining piece will be just 24" x 16")

Well, I did order a 10-yard roll of Orange the other day, specifically for a project that required all orange lettering. The entire 30-feet went into that single job. Interesting proposition to check out what I make from random small jobs derived from one roll. I'll have to try that, and get back to you.

Not a problem, if anyone gets some ideas for performing their work better, it's all good. By the way, car windows sometimes have surface residue from car washes (waxes) or Windex (ammonia) neither of which allow for vinyl applications to adhere properly.

and (this one is from SHUTTERSTOCK, a pay-as-you-go subscription service)

By the way, that 4' yellow T-square is an EMPIRE model 410-48 drywall ruler from Home Depot (I think it was $10.) The weeding tool on the table is pointy pick at one end, and xacto blade at the other. I got mine from GRIMCO, but USCUTTER sells an EasyGrip version of it -- http://www.uscutter.com/Easy-Grip-Weeding-Tool-Combo That app-tape dispenser is from ORDWAY - http://www.signsupply.com/Only_Ordway/current/accesories/tape_dispenser_OAO.asp My tabletop is a 4x8 sheet of cutting mat (no grid).

Just taped the red with clear app and then freehand placed it right into the gold which was down on the magnet already.

Let's take a minute and go back to the question about terminology regarding cut-vinyl output from our machines. I have developed a six-step process for the production cycle in my sign store. 1. Interview & Evaluation of customer's needs (creating a "job sheet" with the specs) 2. Design (includes a Proof for customer authorization) 3. Cut 4. Weed 5. Tape (App tape also called Transfer tape) 6. Drop / Apply -- Completed sign (Step seven would be Install, if required) Job Worksheet.pdf

In SignBlazerElements, I would use the function "Outline/Inline" to create the inner black oval line.

Anyway, after you settle upon whatever program you decide you like best, Tina, I notice that Louisiana is a state with a requirement for only a single (rear) license plate on vehicles. That means you might want to pursue making CUSTOMIZED front plates and offer them to your clients. US CUTTER will sell you these license plate frames --- http://www.uscutter.com/License-Plate-Frame

How comfortable are you in disassembling the machine? You can try to pull it apart, removing & putting back the power supply and motherboard and maybe, just maybe, it will just regain its life.

I had a client come in today asking to reproduce a specific logo. After scanning it, the result needed a bit of clean-up. Now, I'm by no means an expert in node editing, but after about 5 minutes of nudging nodes and fooling around in SignBlazer, the result was fine. Bottom line here --- the cutter is doing exactly what you asked it to do, and there's no problem with the machine. "BTW what do you folks call the final out put from a vinyl project ?" Answer --- Money (in my pocket)

420.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/muslim-parking-signs-shock-worshippers-texas-mosque-article-1.1425797 A shopping center parking lot located adjacent to a local mosque raised some controversy with "No Muslims" signs posted during the recent Islamic holiday. Obviously, it would have been better to say "Cars that don't belong to shopping center customers will be towed"

Sounds like you need a die-stamping machine.

As JayBird said, and then you weed out the letters from the rectangle after cutting.

**** urp ! ***

Tina, welcome. I have said this numerous times on the Forums, and I'll repeat it here -- SignBlazerElements might be preferable for a design/cutting combination, and I highly suggest you download and install it. http://support.uscutter.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/GetAttachment/190/24198 From the very first hour after assembling my MH cutter and loading up SignBlazer, I was up and running, making yard signs and banners. Since you have a store, that would be the most logical first project, creating a banner and some yard signs (coroplast 18" x 24") that promote BackToSchool or Labor Day Sale, or whatever you have going on. As far as personalizing gifts, get used to the Fonts that come with SignBlazer, and when you want to use one, you'll have some idea which of them would be best. Also, SignBlazer has a built-in Library of ready-to-cut clipart, including Animals. I guarantee your two daughters will be happy to get a few stickers with frogs, fish, elephants, rhinoceros, bear, etc etc.

"Printable Image" or "Cuttable vector file" ?? Two completely different animals.

Hmmm, Spokane. Looks like a very friendly place. I would contact some of the owners of the local existing sign businesses and get their feedback on the overall business climate -- http://www.yellowpages.com/spokane-wa/sign-companies

I've heard of cutters that use Bluetooth connectivity (none being offered by USCutter presently). However, that still leaves you with the issue of software which will communicate properly and drive the cutters. Our machines utilize HPGL code, and until someone writes an Android or Symbian or iOS mobile application which incorporates HPGL along with all the various drivers for the myriad manufacturers, then tablets will not function with cutters. And it's highly unlikely anyone is going to do that, because of the insignificant installed base of tablet users who own and operate cutters. By the way, an older laptop (with a built-in serial port) would cost you under $90.