Moody Blue

I just cut thicker vinyl to emboss with. Typically just use the same stuff I'm wrapping with since it's much thicker than regular sign vinyl.

I buy those at Fellers and Metro Restyling https://www.fellers.com/ http://www.metrorestyling.com/

If you don't want to wet install check out the wrap vinyl...3M 1080 or Avery SW900. Both have an "air release" grid on the back and temporary adhesive that will allow the decal to be placed/replaced and applied dry without wrinkling or bubbling. Its a bit thicker than your regular vinyl but the outcome is great.

Also my new Rtic Tumblers and some cool giveaways for my "Moody Swag Pack"

Some recent work I did. Also become Moody Blue Designs, Inc. today 4x4 Venom - Matte Black and Metallic Silver Oracal 751 Flag Window Graphics - Matte Black Oracal 751 Carolina Designz - White Oracal 751 Mini Cooper Engine Cover - Wrapped in Avery SW900 Charcoal Metallic w/embossed "Mini" and "Moody Blue Designs" Chevy 1500 Dechromed Front End - Avery SW900 Glossy Black

I have the same cutter. I have not replaced the motherboard on mine in the 4 or so years I have had mine and have had no issues. Make sure you have the correct driver downloaded for the machine...only times I wasn't able to cut there was an updated driver available. However I am using Signcut Pro and running from Mac OSX so not sure if that makes a difference.

Welcome from upstate SC

Although the 651 is considered "intermediate outdoor vinyl" it's the lowest grade on the market. Nothing wrong with using it, just wont look good for as long as the others. I prefer the SW900 simply because of the initial "low tac"...basically can lift and re-position without having to sacrifice the vinyl...and the air egress is perfect for easy dry application. Plus in my experiences the wrap vinyl is much easier to remove than your regular cast vinyls and won't leave as much (if any) nasty residue to have to clean when the time comes.

May I suggest not using 651..in fact I wouldn't use regular vinyl anyway on a vehicle graphic. Go get some Avery SW900 Matte Black and will look better and last longer. Plus the air release makes these babies super easy to apply.

You want the letters to just be an outline or outline and fill? If you post an eps I can help you out. Should be able to just weld with the pathfinder tool and will connect the lettering.

I would do a solid "white" fill with a color stroke first. Use the "arrange" tool and put some letters behind and some in front to achieve the look you want and then from there can expand and make just an outline. If you are using Illustrator CC you can live edit the text without having to expand first...however it's probably easier to work with the expanded objects as opposed to text. Hope this helps.

I just cut my logo at 4" to do my cups. Granted my logo is also a circle which will make a difference. Top picture is my personal cup...wrapped to match my truck ...and the bottom pic is my new social media giveaway items a friend of mine is making. Those were 4" logos I provided and he painted finished the cups for me.

Vehicle wrapping and vehicle lettering/graphics. Started out doing mostly offroad and 4x4 graphics for trucks but have slowly been shifting my focus to the full wrap jobs. I enjoy the challenge and art of installing the wraps.

Oooh I know that font!! It's my favorite...however I am a little biased Thank you for your help making it happen!