Extremely New to cutting and in need of advice

[Guest manwayvan]

Hello everyone great forum... I am looking into purchasing a cutter on the cheap to possibly make a little bit of money since no one around here is doing this. I understand that there has to be a fine line between cheap and good and want to get the best for my money. I would like to spend less than 300 on everything. I would also want something small since I have very little room so possibly a desktop cutter. Any advice. I am going to start out cutting window stickers then hopefully be able to save up for a contour cutter over around 24 to 30 inches to do vehicles. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[99v8miata 3]

I am new also. I bought a used PCut and love it. It is a 24" but I found the room. I will be looking also for a contour cutter and many other things. This is a very addictive "hobby" at least that is what it was going to be.

Dave

[swaneejuggalo 0]

I would say go for at least a 24" right off the bat because you will quickly want a bigger cutter..

[MZ SKEETER 4,709]

I started with a 30" cutter and no regrets,  I have had by business for 3 years now, doing primarily full side vehicle graphics and stripes and I have never had a need to do anything larger than  29"W x any length....I am very comfortable with what I have and am able to get some great deals on 30" vinyl also, I also purchase 24x 50 yds.  I do not see me getting a cutter any larger...I am very happy with what I do have which is a Graphtec FC7000MK2-75  With the great tracking and extra business I was able to do...It paid for it's self in under 2 months.

[Bugs 0]

I know it is a little up front cost. But we bought the CoPam for $760.00 to the door. We are not in the sign business. We have added signs to my business. We made our money back (net profit) PLUS in 1 month (4 weeks). That is doing some small stuff for customers. I did buy other things to go with the cutter. I spent about $1300.00 total. That includes vinyl and tools. It is the best money we have spent in the 11 years we have been in business.

[Guest Schramm]

If you want it for less then $300 IMO you are asking for dissapointment.  Try craigslist as I dont know anyone that sells them with everything you need for under $300.

[bowhunter012004 4]

its an expensive hobby/whatever. It will cost a lot to start.

1. cutter

2. computer

3. photoshop/adobe illustrator(illustrator is a must have)

4. vinyl

5. app tape

6. tools

7. SPACE

8. cutting table (weed and apply app tape)

9.time...time..time...time. learning..time..frustration..more time

You will go through a lot of vinyl practicing

To do under $300? Probably not.

Maybe get a pcut 630 for $300-400 but thats just the cutter.

Good luck tho