Sue2

No, from what I have seen, those that come here showing that they are TRYING to learn are helped above and beyond. Most forum members here are very generous with their advice and help when others are struggling with a problem....regardless of whether they are a new poster or not. No, this is not "hazing" this is trying to get people self-sufficient. If you are going to be using a cutter you HAVE to be able to vectorize...at least the simple stuff. Jeremy, "Clicks" as you call them exist everywhere...some people call them friendships. Sometimes attitude is everything. Sue2

Really, this one is so easy....any novice should be able to manage it, I really don't think the intension of this section is to provide free artwork to anyone who asks. Many of us are happy to help in a pinch but we would rather TEACH YOU how to do it on your own than be a free graphic source. Sue2

Just got a note from US Cutter that SureCutsALot PRO Software is now on sale for $50 thru Nov 8, 2012. (Reg. $200) BUT they only list "Value" cutters that it works with, so check first. "Compatible with USCutter MH MK2, USCutter SC Series, USCutter LaserPoint II, USCutter TC Series and Copam CP Series." Sue2

Personally, I find Corel easier to work with when it comes to graphics and node editing. But I started with CorelDraw 3. Each has it's good points and bad. Sue2

CorelDraw 9 is a much older version....it may have problems opening newer ai & eps files and even svg and png files. There have been a lot of improvements since version 9. When Corel reached version 13...they added the "X" rather than use "13" and the "X" has since stuck. You may be able to upgrade your Corel 9. Do you need the latest and the greatest X6? That depends on you....X3 would work fine. Sue2

Ask away! Remember, this has been promoted as an entry level $200 design & cut program. What do you think it should include for that price? Sue2

Most programs are offered for BETA testing in order to get the bugs worked out. Don't get me wrong....I would love for SCAL-P to succeed. We need a good basic design/cutting program that can keep up with future tech changes. But first it has to be able to perform well in today's workflow. Sue2

I need a barn raising graphic similar to this. A friend is having an old-fashioned barn raising to replace a wind damaged barn on his farm. He wants to give his helpers shirts and this is the graphic he found... anyone have it already in vector or something similar? Thought I would ask before starting to re-draw this fuzzy thing. Thanks! Sue2

:thumbsup: That will work great for glass etching! Sue2

You...may be onto something there! That wide open door space begs for a cow! Thanks! Sue2

Thanks...that's a nice barn. But I'm thinking they want something showing more construction. I'll see. Sue2

Your file is way too small for accurate tracing. If you take it into your photo program and increase contrast that will eliminate most of the chrome effect and make tracing better. The only thing you really need to trace/re-draw is the skull...then, only half of that...mirror and weld. The rest is circles and font. The font is one of the circus type - Big Top is close. Don't try to trace that....if you can't find the exact font, pick something close and edit it. Sue2

As a rule of thumb that works with everyday one color vinyl decals... but if they are wanting reflective, textured, multi-color, special colors, extra large or tiny, etc....you need to add an up-charge. The problem with giving stuff away (or cheap) .... it leads to more expected freebies. Yes, it's good advertising...but not if everyone expects "deals". Somewhere along the line you have to pay for stuff other than "materials". OVERHEAD...Your computer & upgrades, programs & upgrades, cutter cost, electricity, heat, beer, etc. Just my 2 cents.... Sue2

I have to agree with the group. My prices would have been 2X-3X what you charged. You have to count your LABOR and OVERHEAD expenses even if you work from home after hours. Figure out an average cost per square foot or inch price then check with the sign calculator...most of the time it is close to what I have figured. If you used premium materials or something unusual...add an upcharge for that. If you put in any design time....that's shouldn't be FREE either. If it's a RUSH job...you should have a fee for "Drop everything and do my job first". Take one of your finished decals to another area shop and ask what they would charge to make 1-2 copies. That will give you an idea of where you should be. Give your friends the REAL price then offer them a discount if you want....but be sure they are aware of what the real world price would have been. Sue2

Must admit it looks great! Illuminating not reflective.....how does it work? It looks like glow-in-the-dark. Does it hold up long-term? Cost? Thanks! Sue

I just want to take a minute to thank each one of you for taking the time to test this program and report your results. I too was hoping this would be a good replacement for SB and was ready to push the purchase button a few days ago. BUT, I have been following your trials and tribulations and think maybe this SCAL-P program release was premature....and possibly it's capabilities inflated a bit. It's worrysome that many experienced people can't get it to work/cut on "supported" cutters. How will newbies be able to handle it? If it performed as advertised we would all be one happy crew. Hopefully CraftEdge will be able to take over and work through the problems. Sue2

Misunderstood? Sorry, that's no excuse to use foul language... PPBs original post did not contain the asterisks...he spelled it all out on a public forum. He was out of line and should be embarassed over his lack of control. Should he return, hopefully he will try to remember the Golden Rule before pressing the "Add Reply" button. Sue2

Oh yeah, you did good on the arrowhead. Sorry your first "Show" was spoiled by J's knee jerk reply. Sue2

Welcome. That's a bit to ask for a freebie. Check with Eric, The Vector Doctor - http://www.vectordoctor.com/ or William at Excaliber - http://www.excaliburcreations.com/ Either guy can vector this for you quickly and reasonably. Sue2

Jeremy...Foul language is inappropriate....ALWAYS. Stop acting like a spoiled brat. You selected your forum name well. Your answers to others are frequently sharp and condescending. That alone is probably why you were not selected to be a SCAL-P tester/advisor. Take that chip off your shoulder and treat others like you would like to be treated. If you don't like some people here ignore them or find another place to hang your hat. Sue2 EDIT...Thank you BJ for removing Jeremy's nasty post.

whoa....that's not necessary!

Not Mel Brooks but same time frame... Put Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) on your "to watch" list. A classic! "It's just a flesh wound." and "I *warned* you, but did you listen to me? Oh, no, you *knew*, didn't you? Oh, it's just a harmless little *bunny*, isn't it?" Sue2

Good idea... Last year my neighbor took his son's ATV and put a blade on it. It was sooooooo much easier and faster to plow out the driveways with the ATV....they sold the snow blower! You just have to get out there before the snow gets too deep for the blade. Sue2

Sorry, I didn't mean to irritate you John... If I ran a dedicated retail sign shop Flexi at $4,000 may be an option, but the R.O.I. just isn't there for the quick signage and banners we provide as part of a small print shop. Therefore the need for a reasonably priced design/cut program. I currently use Corel X4 for my design and SB for cutting and some simple/quick designing. Since I realize SB is becoming obsolete I'm watching for a better option. From what I have read, SCAL-P could fit in well once the glitches are ironed out. Sue2

So, right now this leaves us with a dilemma.... 1) Buy now at the discounted $50 deal (plus $9 shipping for the DVD) and receive version 3.033 which needs to be updated immediately to 3.035 and doesn't open eps files....but may in the future with another patch. 2) Wait for all the bugs to be worked out and pay $200 (plus shipping). 3) Don't buy it at all and keep looking for the perfect program. Sue2