Truckntran 0 Posted December 11, 2009 Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone has experience with both the DR Stika and Flexi Starter.. I love the DR Stika, I can run it in my sleep, but it has limits that I need to go beyond... I'm looking to upgrade from my SX- 15 to a real 24 inch cutter but want to get started on teh design end too. If I get the Flexi Starter.... will it: Import different format files..(Like for instance I can't import an .eps file in DR Stika, only jpeg and .bmp I think) Do Welding.... Enable me to cut out part of a drawing...(For instance I cannot get an arc right now in DR Stika unless I make a circle that goes beyond my cut area.. ) Allows warping of text... This is a big one for me, I want to be able to arc letters, and arc either the bottoms or the tops of letters, and DR S only lets me angle them, never an arc or curve... Which really limits ya on signwork. Or should I look at another brand..Tried Signgo and hated it.. IF money were no object I'd go out and buy Flexi Pro but my stimulus check seems to have been lost in the mail or they crushed it in somebody else's Clunker..lol.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted December 11, 2009 Flexi starter will do all that, including importing .eps. However I do not think it will arc text..I know that Flexi pro will. But you can do the design in Inkscape (Free) save as an .eps and it will work fine. In fact...I can't think of much of anything you won't be able to do with the combination of Flexi Starter and Inkscape/ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandstormdesigns 2 Posted December 13, 2009 If you want the best all around design software, it would be Vinyl Master Pro 2.95v. Sure Flexisign Pro is the best program, no doubt; however, it does cost. FlexiStarter you are limited to what you can do. Vinyl Master Pro 2.95v allow you to do anything you can imagine for a reasonable price. http://cgi.ebay.com/FULL-FEATURED-SIGN-RIP-CUT-SOFTWARE-VINYL-MASTER-PRO_W0QQitemZ110421917288QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b5a8be68 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted December 13, 2009 Give SignBlazer a shot. It will do everything and it can be downloaded free. What have you go to lose. Jay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted December 13, 2009 If you want the best all around design software, it would be Vinyl Master Pro 2.95v. Sure Flexisign Pro is the best program, no doubt; however, it does cost. FlexiStarter you are limited to what you can do. Vinyl Master Pro 2.95v allow you to do anything you can imagine for a reasonable price. http://cgi.ebay.com/FULL-FEATURED-SIGN-RIP-CUT-SOFTWARE-VINYL-MASTER-PRO_W0QQitemZ110421917288QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b5a8be68 that looks interesting. You can order a Demo CD here: http://www.iifuture.com/forms/cd_brochure_order_form.htm I just ordered one, to check it out. You can't use it for cutting, or even export..but it should give a feel for the program Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandstormdesigns 2 Posted December 13, 2009 VMP 2.95v will allow you to do contour cutting as well. This was my first program I purchased before knowing anything about this business. If you want to jump in with the competition with all the bells and whistles, this is the better choice. I still work with it, I have had my troubles with it as well but you will learn fast. Here is a downloadable demo version. http://www.iifuture.org/downloads/vmp_295_msi/VinylMaster_Pro_V295_R01.msi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Karl 0 Posted December 20, 2009 I know that Flexi Pro cost more than I can afford, Flexi starter is a "pile of ..." I know some folks have it working well for them, but this software has cost me too much time and material , and it cost actual money, if they were giving it away , thats one thing, but when they charge for it it should cut as described. There is no Flexi starter help or document, it is the Flexi Pro help and document that one must try to apply to the very lame starter software. (and yes i have changed settings every which way, and in a meticulous manner, even upgraded to latest VR.) Personally I recommend the best software you can afford, even if it is your first cutter. If you have the time, get the free trials and test them out, Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MZ SKEETER 4,709 Posted December 20, 2009 maybe someone can help you with your Flexistarter, I have used versions 7.6, 8.5, and 8.6 and never have problems on different computers. I have run my business on Flexistarter for over 3 years. What kinds of problems are you having? Help is here if we can, but we have to know what types of problems, what computer, windows, mac, vinyl cutter, usb, serial, vinyl you are using before we can. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rodger 527 Posted December 20, 2009 Give SignBlazer a shot. It will do everything and it can be downloaded free. What have you go to lose. Jay + 1.000.000 !!! SignBlazer is so easy , even a caveman can use it I only had basic experience with inkscape when I tried SignBlazer . VERY easy & does everything at the best possible price Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandstormdesigns 2 Posted December 20, 2009 Does SignBlazer have drivers for Graphtec FC8000 plotter? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted December 20, 2009 Does SignBlazer have drivers for Graphtec FC8000 plotter? It has drivers up through the FC7000 series if you install the patch. I don't see the FC8000 on the list. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandstormdesigns 2 Posted December 20, 2009 where do you get the patches? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted December 20, 2009 where do you get the patches? There was a link to a patch posted a while back by DeonCarpenter: http://216.71.75.104/ags/SBE_update_plus_patch.zip It is a zip file and inside are instructions how to apply it. It will remove the registration box and the trial nag screens. Your virus software may say it is a virus but it is safe. I have used it multiple times. Jay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sandstormdesigns 2 Posted December 20, 2009 great. i will try that. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest HowardI Posted December 21, 2009 There's always SignCut! It will not do so much design work but it works with Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Inkscape. Look into it! www.signcutpro.com - free 10 day trial. Howard Irwin Support Specialist US Cutter 425-481-3555 888-298-8143 - Option 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Truckntran 0 Posted December 27, 2009 I tried the trial version of Signblazer and am totally blown away with all it will do. For a guy who has been using DR Stika, it is amazing. Even without the help files, I have been able to figure out how to arc text, I love the distort feature, and the bezier tools and node edits are simply incredible. I got it working within minutes of loading it on my desktop, picked out the Copam2500 driver just to see if my Graphtec would work with it, and Voila, we are cutting signs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted December 27, 2009 I tried the trial version of Signblazer and am totally blown away with all it will do. For a guy who has been using DR Stika, it is amazing. Even without the help files, I have been able to figure out how to arc text, I love the distort feature, and the bezier tools and node edits are simply incredible. I got it working within minutes of loading it on my desktop, picked out the Copam2500 driver just to see if my Graphtec would work with it, and Voila, we are cutting signs. I think SignBlazer Elements does most of what Flexi Pro does for a lot less money. It doesn't do everything but if you add Inkscape to it you have a really good design and cut package for free. Jay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
