IceRaider

Well, trust me here, I'm only a rookie but when I open Signblazer to try to cut your file, it says it contains bitmap objects which will not cut. I couldn't get it to open in inkscape to try to vectorize it and save it as an EPS file so I was no help. I believe you need to properly vectorize and save as an eps then import to signblazer to cut. IF you could post the bitmap file, someone here (or I) could try to vectorize the file and then send it back to you.Cliff

Ok bb, I've just got to say thanks.... I've been creating and vectorizing in inkscape and cutting with my PEN all evening..... nothing like a cheap tablet of newsprint and a pen to learn how to make that cutter sing..... Thanks again. Cliff

Actually thats a real good idea. I have the pen but was in such a hurry to cut and then got so deeply drawn into the problem that the pen never crossed my mind..... Thanks bb Cliff

Well, that sure fixed the problem. I did what they said only I used a 1" square. What I originally got was a 1x1.5" square. So I put those numbers in and came up with a 1x 5/8" square.... so I put in 1x1 as expected and finally came up with a 1x1" square. Originally there were some funky numbers in there that I probably unknowingly put in there when I was first playing around with the program.... .... its fixed now, what you want is what you get.... LOL Thanks everyone.... appreciate it immensely. Cliff

Now, I think you are on to something there.... here is something I found looking in the Help section when I found the cutting size correction window. If Cut Objects are the Larger or Smaller than their On-Screen Size If you find that objects when cut are either larger or smaller than their on-screen size as measured by the on-screen rulers, you may need to put in a correction figure for your cutter. To do so, cut a 100mm square, measure the actual size when cut, then click the 'Cutting Size Correction' button and enter the dimensions of the cut square in the 'Measured Size' boxes.

Can't say I have even seen that box but that will be the first thing I look at tonight... that could be the problem. Thanks Cliff

Still having a problem and I'm sure its me. I define the work space, put in some lettering and see the object size on the bottom, everything seems ok so I hit cut..... and the box with border and/or the letters come out horizontally right on but the vertical measurements are off by inches (longer)..... I've just worked around it but at this time I can't cut something once, I'm wasting alot of vinyl..... sure got to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Specifically I've been working with license plates, 12"x6" and have set up a work space with those dimensions. Just attempting to get some lettering for in there takes multiple attempts. The sizes listed for the object at the bottom of the page appear to be good but then I've noticed that when I hit cut and it shows up on the cutter, the dimensions are off so I hit finish and reduce them... go back to cut and see what it looks like and go with it IF it appears to fit.... not exactly how I want this to work but I end up with the results.... I just thought that 3" high letters would be 3" high, not 4-6" high.... any suggestions or should I just keep at it till it hits me over the head. (what I'm doing wrong!) Cliff

Thanks everyone.... its lots of fun with the cutter for sure... Still having a problem and I'm sure its me. I define the work space, put in some lettering and see the object size on the bottom, everything seems ok so I hit cut..... and the box with border and/or the letters come out horizontally right on but the vertical measurements are off by inches (longer)..... I've just worked around it but at this time I can't cut something once, I'm wasting alot of vinyl..... sure got to figure out what I'm doing wrong. Cliff

Thanks kenimes and BannerJohn..... today is another day to play with it. I started reading the manual on the CD ..... seems like you can do lots with the program IF you push the right buttons...... Cliff

Ok, so there is more airbrushing then vinyl but I did cut the mask myself on my new MH721 that I finally got setup today. I had the plate ready for the mask for the past week. Cliff

Sure did, nothing on LPT1 with this computer and was attempting to use the cable that came with the cutter. Not a problem since I have an abundance of USB ports on the computer and it appears to work fine from that port now. I just need to learn the programs to cut from..... took me 5 attempts to come up with the right sized letters I needed for a sign, the ruler on Signblazer didn't seem to be the same as the final product..... I'm sure there is a learning curve I have to go through before I can say I'm an expert. Thanks for the concern but I think I have it under control now! Cliff

Unfortunately not, no open jacks for serial, lots of USB...... I went with Parallel since as it said it was the most recommended.... Cliff

First the stats.... Windows XP, MH721 and trying to use signblazer as a program. Got everything setup, test cut from cutter panel worked great, hooked up parallel cable to LPT1 went to signblazer and checked the settings for the cutter and it seemed ok. Pressed cut and then cut tile.... output bar went upscale and nothing happened.... Read lots on the forum but nothing seems to help me get any output. Sometimes it shows the bar going upscale and nothing happens and other times it just locks up. (LPT1 is set for ECP) I've rebooted the computer twice, removed Signblazer and reinstalled (after the initial try) even tried to go USB but couldn't find the driver that the instructions said were there... kind of frustrating but most new things are till I get a handle on it.... can anyone help? Cliff

Just curious your thought process for going for the Refine first? Not that I'd be in any position to doubt your choice since I haven't cut anything by machine. I'd really appreciate the further details. Cliff Well, I did buy the Refine..... got lucky I guess on an Ebay auction tonight and it should be on the way tomorrow.... to bad Washington is so far away from Ohio..... guess I MIGHT have it by this weekend but that is doubtful. Cliff

Just curious your thought process for going for the Refine first? Not that I'd be in any position to doubt your choice since I haven't cut anything by machine. I'd really appreciate the further details. Cliff