CyberChuck

I have several computers because I started out this insanity as a computer enthusiast. I currently have 3 desktops; two laptops; a netbook and a rack in the closet that houses three IBM servers (each are dual processor units with over 10 TB of storage). In addition to vinyl, I also run a file server and two webservers. Connected to the computers are 5 network printers of varying types (laser, inkjet, multifunction, etc) and my wife's Cricut. My 11 year old son has a desktop and a laptop in his room as well. I guess we are probably the most technologically based household around these parts. Charlie

I have a friend who wants me to make him some signs. He is willing to purchase all f the material himself. He want them to be three color (two different reflective colors and one basic color) and they will be placed on 18" x 24" coroplast. There are no graphics involved - just simple Heletica fonts in varying sizes. He wants to have me initially make 50 for him and stated (and I believe him - known him for over 20 years and he's never cheated me before) that he will probably want an additional 100 - 150 of them later. He will have around $5.00 each tied up in materials. I am thinking somewhere along the lines of $1.50 each to layer the vinyl and apply to his coroplast. Any input from those more experienced with this. Thanks, Charlie

I don't think you can print reflective. It is similar to DOT signs. I know that $1.50 isn't going to give me enough to retire, but it is basically free money. The weeding will be really easy. The design is one word, six letters long in 6" tall Helvetica font and and additional word, ranging from 2 - 3" tall. All caps. I can cut, weed and mask all fifty in probably a couple of hours. I figure it will probably take me around four or five hours to apply the vinyl to the coroplast here in my shop. So, all told, I figure to have around 6 - 7 hours tied up in them. I actually told him that I would do them for free, but he wants me to give him a price. He is kinda old fashioned in that he believes in paying for what he gets. But, he doesn't know what signs cost. So, I guess it's just a matter of me figuring out a reasonable price that I won't feel guilty about charging a friend. Like I said, he and I have been friends for the last couple of decades (our kids grew up together). He won't let me do it for free and I don't want to charge him an "average customer" price. I figured if I found out what someone else would charge as a going rate, I could reduce that and work from there. Thanks, Charlie

Stormy, Dreamweaver has an incredibly steep learning curve. I tried to learn it and gave up. It was easier for me to learn how to hand code. As an example, I took your image file from here; cut it up; converted the pieces to gif files and placed them in nested tables to come up with a functioning layout in less than 2 hours. You can see the result of my tinkering around here: http://www.southernsignworks.net/stormy/ . It really isn't as hard as it all looks. The page I created was done with strictly HTML - no css or anything else. If you need any help, feel free to ask. I enjoy putting together websites - it's been a hobby for a long time now. Charlie

I currently own 6 domains and webmaster three others. For the most part, I use html and css. You'd be surprised at what can be accomplished in very little time. I also downloaded a free html editor called Note Tab Lite that speeds up the process by inserting the actual code with the click of a mouse. But, you have to understand what the code does first. Charlie

http://abitape.com/tape/tapefinder/index.htm You have to request it by their part number, but it pretty much walks you thru the process. Charlie

I bought some of the BGS initially and cut some stuff out of it. Decided I didn't want the reputation of selling it, so I used it to make up some "show me boards" - I bought some plexiglass from Home Depot and cut decals and put the decals on the plexiglass. I give them to schools and such to display the actual decal in real life. I figure it should last for a while indoors. Charlie

XP Pro

I have been finding cartridged for reasonable prices on Ebay. If they end up getting a Cricut, tell them to look into getting a copy of the software program "Sure Cuts Alot". Makes the cricut more usable. It lets you cut your own images from your computer. You can read about it here: http://www.craftedge.com/products/products.html Charlie

Thor, My wife has a Cricut, and with the right software, you can cut anything on your computer. The learning curve is steep, though. Charlie

How about, "Colors look better at 160MPH"

Welcome from Bayou Country. Charlie

I bought one for my PCut and had the same issues as when I used the USB. I bought a pcmcia to serial adapter and haven't had a problem yet. This is what I bought: http://cgi.ebay.com/RS232-Com-Port-9-Pins-PCMCIA-Laptop-Card-Cardbus-Serial_W0QQitemZ260484490840QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca615e658 . I am not affiliated with them in any way other than their product solved my usb issue. Charlie

You have a really "crappy" signature As far as saving an image, while your crappy software is running, with the image on your screen, just perform a screen capture (shift + print screen) and paste into a graphics program. Crop out the unnessesary parts and you have the image. Charlie

I just bought a cheap press and have a question (well, I'm sure there will be more later). I was given some sample sheets of Siser Easyweed at the SGIA Expo in New Orleans last week. I want to jump right in and cut something, but I have no idea what the steps are. One of the exhibitors (not Siser) actually pressed a shirt for me to show me, but the vinyl he was pressing had an application tape type material on it. All I have right now is a few sheets of Siser and a press. Can someone here give some step by step guidance to a new guy who has never pressed a shirt before? Thanks in Advance, Charlie

It may be an individual piece of art - not a font. Charlie

I just went with the old "damn the torpedos" method. Made one trial cut. Mirrored the image. Cut it. Discovered I didn't quite cut deep enough - made Easyweeding a pain). Cranked up the press to 300. Pressed it for 15 seconds. And voila! Got me a couple of shirts with breast pocket logos to wear to work. I'll try to get some pics up tomorrow. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Charlie

I compared it to all 616 fonts I have installed on my system and didn't find a match. Sorry. Charlie

The samples have informaion about the temp and time. Just nothing about how to actually apply it. Charlie

tory, Can you tell me what pressure you use to cut the Easyweed without cutting the backing? Thanks, Charlie

I just found a YouTube video that shows how it's done. Now I gotta figure out the proper pressure to cut it - Easyweed is super thin. Charlie

Blasted thing is incredibly heavy!! Box had a weight of 75 lbs. My wife can't lift the press (but then again, she has 2 spinal fusions). Charlie

I picked up one of the 4 in 1 deals on Ebay. I paid right at $300 for it. I figure it won't last, but I can use it to learn the process and make sure it's something that I can actually use. Charlie

Just a word of caution. I closed in my carport years ago without any type of flood ports. In South Louisiana, we get some serious rainfalls. The first major storm, put 1/2 inch of water in my game room. Had to tear out the Pergo flooring and cap the slab to raise it to the same elevation as the house slab. I ended up having to buy all new flooring due to mold. There really is a reason for requiring a flood protection system of some type. Charlie

Can you upload one of the eps files you created? Could probably help you more. Charlie