slice&dice

For the record, the RedSail cutters are among the lowest-cost Chinese cutters in the marketplace today, and there is an old adage which for sure applies -- "You get what you pay for"

It appears that all subsequent posts made into threads started by newbies will bring up the "Approval needed" message. For example -- (I posted a Welcome note, and it's still awaiting approval)

Welcome to our neck of the woods.

http://www.theboysdepot.com/silly-hanging-monkeys-wall-decal-mural.html

Skeetz, you probably replied to a newly-registered user, and from what I understand, that means it will need to be approved.

As your sig says -- "Guardian of the gate" I still think it's hilarious that the thread which announces the new rules actually had a spam post in it immediately! (Warseseda gave us a VIAGRA link) To which I can only say --- "KEEP UP" the good work, guys! (pun intended) After the holiday weekend, I am pretty sure things will level out and the Forum will be more secure and cleaner. Happy Labor Day to all.

The problem is apparently not within Inkscape ---- the problem/conflict originates within your Operating System. Have you tried to RESTORE your entire system to a point prior to when you first tried to install Inkscape?

Have you checked that the carriage is sitting on the track properly? Alternatively, remove the left side panel and check your belt-tension adjustment. Welcome to the Forum.

A few months ago, I mentioned my idea about placing a pop-up canopy in front of my sign store, to attract attention. I meant to post a photo, but forgot about it. Well, here ya go.

Please note ------- all new registered users will now have their posts go through a human moderator before appearing in the forum.

What is suggested when you search online for a solution?

Search eBay: Land Shark canopy (cabana) (comes in Red or Lime) Only 50 bucks, delivered to your door in a few days. It's a really neat item, comes in a pouch, even has the weights included (they hold water, so can be emptied for travelling light) In fact, the entire package is portable and compact, not like those heavy and bulky 10x10 monstrosities. This thing definitely has the "Wow Factor" By the way, it also works on a compact hatchback vehicle.

How large is the wall? A 50" cutter is probably overkill, especially considering that handling such wide pieces of vinyl is not easy (weeding and app taping). In my opinion, a 34" sized cutter would be better for you than the 24" For sure, 30" vinyl is reasonably simple to work with on a table, and you can obtain very nice large designs that fill empty spaces on walls.

You have encountered some operating-system insanity or conflict from whatever version of MS Windows you're running. Here's what might allow running the program (Vista and Win7 workaround) --- 1. Click Start Menu 2. Click All Programs 3. Right click on the application you're trying to run 4. Select Properties 5. Click on the Compatibility tab 6. Check the checkbox next to "Run in compatibility mode for:" 7. Select XP SP 2 from the dropdown 8. Click "Apply" 9. Click "OK" 10. Then open up the application as you normally would.

crossbow vector.eps

While there's a bit more to it than this, let me at least provide the basic steps --- FILE: Import (embed) PATH: Trace bitmap Edge Detection (manipulate threshold accordingly) Separate vector from original bitmap and delete that original Select new vector and COPY PASTE into Signblazer. (note that the size may be enormous)

You are using the REDSAIL RS1120c driver?

One-1/2 rotations. Also, while I had the opportunity, I drilled a new hole for the set-stop screw on the rear rail that provides a limitation to the motion of the right-hand pinch roller as it slides over. (The factory-placed location of that set-stop was too far to the right, and allowed the roller to reach a spot that MISSED the grit rollers!!!!!)

Here's what I feel you are intending to accomplish --- In the first example, the letters are spaced apart ("kerned") normally as you typed them. Applying the outline will result in touching, due to the kerning. The second example provides the result you seek. You'll need to select the word(s) and then use the EDIT menu, choosing Edit Text and then dragging that little black box in the lower right corner of the text, expanding the distance between letters. (This is SignBlazer's Kern manipulation feature) Now, when you choose the Outline function, things will work out just as you wanted.

Nah, as it happens, that picture I posted isn't even from my machine -- it's a photo that was copied from another thread by someone else, showing a REALLY REALLY drastic example of the jaggies. (Horrific, in fact) My own machine produced very minor & almost imperceptible ridges, so minor in fact that I couldn't get my camera to record an image to show what was happening. I could only see them with my reading glasses at close range, and for sure the signs that I was making don't look bad at all. Unless you are taking a very close look & inspecting the edges of individual letters you won't see jaggies, and nobody does that with signs meant to be viewed from 30-40 feet away. Anyway, now that I've corrected the tensioner, even those minor steps on the edges are gone. I just figured it was "normal" until the folks in this thread pointed out that I should be getting a totally clean cut. Which I now do obtain, so thanks everyone who offered their 2c.

Replaced blade with new one, 60degrees?

Recently I had a boat owner drive up in front of my shop (boat on trailer) and wanted me to letter his outboard engine with JOHNSON. I can just picture this guy having a client pull up in front of his sign store with a combine harvester. http://www.epslogos.net/. and VOILA!

The USCUTTER starter assortment (12 rolls) of GreenStar is a worthwhile investment --- http://www.uscutter.com/GreenStar-12-Color-Starter-Pack-24-x-5-Yard-Rolls-GSSICSTARTER

Hmmmmmmmm, sorry for the thread hijack. According to you good folks posting here, these 'jaggies' are not a normal operating circumstance, so I decided to look into eliminating them. After reviewing some other threads here, I discovered that the belt that moves the carriage (blade-holder) head has a tensioner adjustment, accessible by removing the entire left hand (power plug/onoff) side cover. Added some slight tension, and my crazy wigglies are now gone.

I have a tip ---- open your Signblazer, go to DRAW menu, select Library, and then drag&drop an item from there. Cut that for practice, to see how it goes. Let's take baby steps, before we jump into vectorizing bitmaps and correcting nodes. Fair enough?