slice&dice

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?

What could I adjust? It just 'bumps' (chatters) along on the diag. and has been doing so since day one.

In my humble opinion, after doing exactly this same thing (moving from the MH to the SC) --- The machines are similar in performance, and I wouldn't say there's a great improvement of one versus the other. I am now using the SC for a retail sign operation, but when I have the budget, I'll be headed in the direction of the ZEN or COPAM with a servo motor unit. The MH and SC stepper motors both really provide noticeable 'jaggies' on the diagonal edge cuts.

You will probably also notice that it uses a stepper motor, which leaves 'ridgies' along the diagonal cuts.

When I bought my new cutter, the option was given to obtain a sample assortment of InstaBanners. Now, when I go to re-order the GreenStar Two-Color Vinyl banner (AKA InstaBanner) , there isn't a choice of a variety pack. Only the 25-yard master rolls, any one for $90. -- http://www.uscutter....+x+25+Yard+Roll I really would like to have another set of all the colors, even though each roll is only 5 yards long. ($130. for 6). Anyway, that's my 2c.

Not a single issue, the SC loves running on serial connection. Those "tags" are likely the result of incorrect blade offset and/or cut direction (try changing these parameters). Also, dull blades will tend to 'tear" instead of CUT.

What driver do you have selected in the SETUP box? It should be the RedSail RS720C.

This posting seems miscategorized --- it's not really a "general discussion" but rather a "Pre-Sale Question" topic. Anyway, since it's here, I'll reply. The MH series machines are notoriously loud, so take that into consideration, depending on where you'll be setting up your work area, it can be somewhat annoying to everyone in the vicinity and makes normal conversation virtually impossible (you have to raise your voice over the cutter noise). That being said, my MH machine seems to have plenty of downforce to get through mylar. The only thing you'll have to worry about is tearing up your cutting strip, by going through the material and gouging the strip. Cutting strips are not really expensive, but you probably will be replacing them frequently. http://www.uscutter.com/Cutting-strip-for-25-USCutter-MH-Vinyl-Sign-Cutters-RFSCTSTRP25 By the way, MH721 won't handle 28" -- you'll need the MH871.

At least you got it to open, my Inkscape choked on it. I played a bit with nodes, got the thing to look fairly decent (ended up using Freestyle script for the word "of") I swear to God, when people come in with these kinds of designed-logos I usually tell them fuggeddaboudit. This guy charmed me into giving it a try, and if you hadn't worked your magic, this was going into the "lost" pile.

I tried opening this in Inkscape, it didn't work right (the "H" failed to render correctly) Where am I going wrong? Can someone please convert it to a form that will import properly to SBE? HOWLOGO_BLACK.zip

Thanks, that is Terrific ! I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth, but can you explain how you managed to accomplish that?

Grounding the machine is critical. Also, keep a supply of dryer sheets on hand (I stuff them into the ends of the vinyl tubes when cutting)

Hmmmmmm, computerized invoicing. Interesting concept. I use these --

For what it's worth, I did not really care for the pole being used as the "L" -- The flourishes were nice, and the flowing text line was cool. Let's always remember, the sign says what it says, and they can place an actual lighted, rotating, full-sized barber pole out in front of their establishment as their signature piece.

It kinda sounds like you have an electrical problem, perhaps with the button board? http://www.uscutter.com/index/page/product/product_id/1641/category_id/70/product_name/Button+Board+for+US+Cutter+MH+Series+cutters

Greetings from across the pond.

Hey there, nasty. Try this -- Open your DRAW menu, select Library, and look into the many possibilities of logos and shapes that are in there. (Drag them right into your workspace from the Library)

Adding my own home-made media catch-basket improved the functionality of this unit considerably.

Congratulations, now you can have all the real fun, running your own machine. If there's one thing I understood immediately within moments of setting up my cutter, it's that sign-making with vinyl does require lots of room for the working area.

What exactly is your question?

You'll obtain sore hands with that thing, trying to do multiple banners. Get a table-top press, with the lever-action.

No Problem. Look, I own the SC cutter, and believe me, I'll be the first to admit it has some flaws. Check out this thread, for instance -- Now, does that verify what you are saying here about the quality and engineering of Chinese equipment? Yep. It's all about trade-offs, and cost vs. benefit. Would I recommend the SC as an entry-level unit? Sure, why not? It's absolutely worked OK for me, on my limited budget (allowing me to open my sign store for under $1000, including computer, cutter, misc. supplies) Be happy, and go forth and cut !!!

This summer I went to Ocean City, Maryland. I liked. WTF.

How do you solicit new jobs currently? What is your marketing strategy? How do people find out about your services?

Busy day Friday, the jobs kept on pouring into the studio. None of them were spectacular or fancy, just routine cutting work, providing a steady flow of cash. Remember, I knew essentially nothing about cutting or making signs prior to getting the USCUTTER machine last Fall, and opening my own sign store. Here ya go --- *** Boat name decals (3' wide) *** School-bus numbers (8") *** Tree service Job-site sign (2'x3') *** Green/White Insta-Banner (from USCUTTER, gotta love this cool product !!!! ) *** Magnetics (1'x2') and bandit sign (E.A. FIT CLUB, quick $80. deal) *** Miscellaneous substrates on display