karkess

What about the packages? Do you think I can do better piecing it together? Or get a bundle?

Here's the 24" for $724: http://www.uscutter.com/Decal-Shop-Basic-Business-Package And the 34" for $529 plus $80: http://www.ebay.com/itm/34-Vinyl-Cutter-BUNDLE-Sign-Cutting-Plotter-w-Sure-Cuts-A-Lot-Pro-Design-Cut-/281010926495?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416d8e739f

I am one wind gust from a fast moving snail away from buying the SC. I had someone earlier in this thread post an ebay package with a 34" SC for $529 + $79 shipping, that I liked a lot, but also am intrigued by the one on the US Cutter website that comes with the 24" SC for $724 and $9 shipping. Either US Cutter gives really good discounts on their items when buying a package or everything they sell is over priced. Is the extra 10" going to be crucial? I do plan on making large wall decals, eventually.

Called Summa and talked to a sales rep and he feels that, that machine being as old as it is would probably be more trouble than it's worth. He also really dogged US Cutter's machines and said best to go with them, Roland, or Graphtec all of which I don't think I'll find one I can afford.

I contacted the seller to see if it had any extras included and he said it was just the cutter. Now looking online at the cost of blades and other things for this machine, the prices are high, but I have no idea what I'd need right out of the gate. I don't mind spending the extra money, if it means I don't have to spend more later to upgrade. I'm going to take Wildgoose's advice and call summa and see what they say about the machine. Also what is tangential cutting?

I don't mind more than I need, cause who knows...Someday? But will it do a better job than a UScutter SC series? Meaning, I can still run smaller vinyl and cut small and detailed...Right? It will also cut window film too? I am so lost here.

I was looking on craigslist today and saw this ad: http://annarbor.craigslist.org/bfs/4102298863.html Can anyone Identify this cutter? And if so is it better than the SC cutter? I'm ordering a vinyl cutter this week and for a $100... Oh! And what about this one? http://flint.craigslist.org/bar/4075328553.html It's more than I want to spend on a cutter right now, but if it's a great deal, I'd splurge a bit.

I see there are a lot of gun control fanatics here. Gun control meaning: Being able to put the second bullet through the first hole.

Not rude in the least bit. Just a bit embarrassed by the obvious. Thanks for caring though, I do appreciate it.

Which is why I should keep my mouth shut and let the experts reply.

Not that I'm experienced, but I think if I were doing that, and since it's going to be two colors anyways, I'd do the rope in two colors, solid brown for bottom layer, and black for the outline. And no weeding.

I was worried about that. I guess I'll keep it local.

One more quick question. Is there any way to protect your work from being copied? I have an idea that I've not seen anywhere and I'm sure if I keep it local it'll stay mine for a while. But as soon as it gets online, it's all over.

^^^Thanks. I'm going to have to play around a bit and find what works best. I do like the interface for Cuts a lot, it just seems to lack some functionality that I'd like to see, but it comes with the cutter, so that most likely will be my starting point. Might try Corel down the road, seems to be more on par with Illustrator.

Does Illustrator CS6 support cutting? I've been playing with the trial version of Cuts a lot and downloaded Signblazer, but I think I got an old version of that, because it looks like Windows 3.1 style icons. Also does signblazer support the 34" SC?

Next question. Software? I know everyone has their preferences and I'm not new to design software, I know my way around Photoshop and have Illustrator, but, and this might be a loaded question, what is the hands down the best, easiest to use and most powerful software? Hope this doesn't cause virtual fist fights. Kind of like asking who's got the best dog or car.

They're more like the big "B" now a days. But no I didn't go to Kid Rock. Kind of hard to get a hold of tickets. BTW, I want to thank everyone for sharing your knowledge. I've been a member of many forums over the years, but none with people so willing to help a noob. Speaks volumes!

^^^Just realized your from Mi. I'm in the burbs of Detroit. Where do you get your vinyl from? Locally? or best to order online? I know there's a place in Plymouth (About 15 mins. from me) I've seen someone talking about on the boards.

I think I'll save the greenstar for family/friends freebies.

Well that answered my next question about if that Greenstar was something worth trying to save and perhaps make a couple bucks off, or just use it for test fodder.

Thanks Monkey. I plan on turning that greenstar vinyl into land fill fodder before I start doing anything for anyone. I just hope I can get a grasp of it before I run out of the cheap stuff. How much good is plotting with a pen first? Is it worth buying the paper?

^^^^^Awesome!!! That is exactly what I was looking for. I knew I wanted bigger than 24" just in case, but the price on the USCutter website was right at my threshold. The only question now is do I buy the indoor or outdoor Oracal starter packs. I already have people who want work done, even though I haven't cut a single piece of vinyl. Thanks!

Thanks for the advice. I'm definitely leaning towards not getting a starter kit, but what about software or clip art? Is that necessary or do you just find stuff online as dingbats or font types?