hockeygirl

Theoretically, it should work. I haven't tried it since I've always just used overlaminate. Depends on what kind of vinyl it is, I'd look at the thickness and the shrinkage rate before using it.

Calls not being returned is one issue, but 90% of the time, you can't even get connected on the phone. Almost everytime I've tried calling, I get a busy signal. Hate to say it, in that case, someone else usually get my business.

Heh, you're right Edge... about the different opinion. I can do just about everything I want in Illy, but don't make me try to do it in Corel... maybe because I've been using Illy since version 10. I wouldn't base your learning curve on Photoshop Element, not to offend anyone, I call "element" the "for dummy" version. Yes, I admit, I use Premiere Element (and still struggles with Premiere CS3/CS4) Whatever you decide on, there are plenty of members on this forum who uses one or the other and can help you out!

Looks like it's sold only via ebay? Don't see it on SignWarehouse webpage. So, not sure what the support of it will be like...

I've been using a MH-721 for the last 2 years. Granted the cutter is over ~4 years old it does what it's supposed to, most of the time. It had definitely served me well and paid for itself time and time again. But lately I find myself constantly fighting with it more and more, that's why I just bought a refurb Graphtec a few days ago. I wouldn't recommend the MH-721 if you're planning on cutting large jobs, I have run into memory problems with it and have to split the job into multiple to get it to cut properly. Also, it take a lot more effort to line up the vinyl to get it to track. I spent 20 min lining up for a job last week - it's 9' long and I can't split because it's a border around lettings... and in the end, I still couldn't get the border to close, i was off by 1/8"... (this is where you insert various cuss words)! Also, the MH seems more prone to static problems, at least according to what other members are saying. I have heard good things about the GCC, I actually considered getting one, but it was just too difficult to pass up the Graphtec. If you're not opposed to buying used/demo/refurb, sometimes you can find good deals on a great cutter!

Overlaminate is a 1-2 mil film that is usually applied to digital prints. It conforms better than calendar vinyl. You can get it at any sign supply stores.

what kind of curve are you talking about. You can always just create your text first (don't convert to outline yet). Goto free distort (I think under effects, not in front of my design PC now). After you're satisfied, rasterize it, and then do a trace on it.

why not use overlaminate instead of clear vinyl?

Thanks for the help. I found another supplier for Tie-dyes if anyone else is interested: www.tiedyeusa.com $4.95 per T-shirt

So that's why there's no option to purchase a 24" pcut with stand... makes sense now That's a bummer, is USC possibly bringing in another brand of value cutter?

I think the $319 on ebay is the refine 34". It's decent for a starter cutter.

You have a few options here. Most of us started out with a value cutter and let it pay for itself as well as your potential upgrade. I have lost track of how many times my Refine 721 has paid for itself, and it's now paying for my Graphtec (which I purchased 2 days ago and should get here early next week). If you're going to print them yourself, what printer are you using? Pigment ink is still recommended over dye ink (a printer like Epson WorkForce uses pigment ink). However, waterbased printable vinyl are more expensive than those used for solvent printers and harder to get hold of. You will need lamination, frog juice is one method, another is using cold laminating films. Also, something to keep in mind, is the thickness of the sticker important? With cut vinyl, you're looking at 2-3mil thickness, whereas wb printable vinyl is ~4mil + ~2mil for lamination. Finally, if you would like to have them printer, you can sub in out to someone on this forum to have them print the stickers for you. No work needed and you make some money... Good luck on whatever you decide on.

Have you tried using "merge" in illy? Make sure everything is ungrouped first.

Can't remember which came first, either a store front or back window graphics for 2 cars.

I use cast vinyl for helmets, calendar just won't conform to the curves very well unless I apply a small section at a time and manipulating it base on the curves.

Do they even make waterbased vinyl that's suitable for vehicle wrap?

Thanks everyone! I can't wait to get it!! Bigfoot: I got it from SignWarehouse, and it comes with full warranty. You just have to keep an eye out for one. I had been looking for awhile now and I called a few places and SW happens to have one in stock when I called today... I'm totally stoked!

Thanks, I'll check them out.

At least your client didn't draw a picture in crayons and thinks I can just put his drawing on the sign (with no additional design work needed)... and wanted it done with cut vinyl, not printed...

Maybe the driver on your desktop somehow got corrupted. Might be worth it to try uninstalling and reinstalling it again.

Did you also verify the com port did not change on you, and also, sometimes the baud rate changes too, make sure the cutter and the software matches.

To heatpress on nylon, you'll want to use Siser Colorprint Extra. You can print on DigiMag by Magnum http://www.magnummagnetics.com/digimag-vinyl/

What are you using to open the file? I can see if fine in AI. Nice work Eli!

You guys are too much! Thanks... I needed the laugh!

I use a cheap $4 corner rounder from Walmart craft dept (tip from BannerJohn). Works great on magnetic sheets! And no extra charge.