FragDaddy 0 Posted May 25, 2012 New here and just wanted to say 'Hi.' Been looking over the forum and it looks helpful and friendly (will need that shortly when I start posting noob questions!). I am a senior member on several other boards (not related to this), and I know the first rule of RTFM. lol So I followed the link someone posted here to mystat.com (I think), but when I clicked on download the manual I got nothing?? Any help would be appreciated. I do a bit of airbrushing and have always wanted a vinyl plotter to help speed things up, so when a small sign shop that owed me money went out of business they gave (OK, I took) their MH1351. Not quite what they owed me, but life is too short to sweat the small stuff, just glad to have a plotter. I want to be able to outline things in PhotoShop and Illustrator and bring them into SB to cut them out. I'm pretty good with both Adobe programs, but wouldn't quite call myself a 'power user' any more as it's been awhile since I have used them extensively. Would like to know if anyone else uses a plotter for similar uses. Looking forward to hearing from everyone. Thanks. Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AbsoluteAirbrush 33 Posted May 25, 2012 Welcome Dave! Lots of good information and good people here... I use a plotter for both vinyl graphics and for stencils/paint masks for airbrushing. I use Oracal 810 or 813 for paint mask, depending on the surface. I use mylar for reusable stencils, just make sure it has a carrier sheet (adhesive backed) and you're good to go. I just tried the manual d/l on mystat and it works, it just takes a few seconds, if you look at the bottom of your window, it will read" downloading .... pdf", then it pops up opened as a pdf then you would click on file and save to save it where you would like it. Hope this and feel free to ask ??s... Happy 'Brushin' Alan 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jay2703 704 Posted May 25, 2012 When you save your Illustrator file, make sure to save it as .ai version 8 or .eps Version 8 so SignBlazer will be able to open it. The company that developed SignBlazer has been out of business for several years and newer version of Illustrator files are not recognized. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FragDaddy 0 Posted May 25, 2012 Thank you Alan for the reply and help. It's nice to meet like minded people. You were right about the download. In this world of instant gradification, I just didn't wait long enough. Who would have thought the day would come when we thought 15-20 seconds was a long time! I will get started reading it today, so I can quickly move on to asking lots of noob questions. lol I can't remember which Oracal I have, but they make one for water based paints and one for euros, so I will get both as I use both paint systems. You mentioned being able to make my own stencils out of mylar, how thick can I go, and where do you buy it? Also, you mention having a 'carrier sheet'. Can I just put a piece of transfer tape on the back? Thanks again. Thank you Jay for the heads up on saving my files. I'm sure that will save me a lot of headaches as well as some dumb questions since I'm using CS4. Sorry to hear that the program is no longer supported, as it seems they were really onto something there.... PS. Even though my primary use for now will be for airbrushing, I would like to be able to do some small side jobs with the cutter to help pay for itself, so I will try and learn all that I can to help make that happen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AbsoluteAirbrush 33 Posted May 25, 2012 I get mine currently from mike learn, but have some samples I got from Bren but haven't tried them yet. You may be able to just put transfer tape on the back but I haven't tried it. Learn sells it in 13 x 11" I think sheets and Bren sells it in rolls. I can't remember the thickness, I think what I use is like 5 or 7 mil, check out mike learn's site and you can find what i use there. I got a cutter to keep from paying high prices locally for banners and signs etc so I bought a cutter and I quickly paid for it doing small jobs for businesses and now do as much vinyl as I do airbrushing. Love now having to hand cut stencils! LOL GL and ask away any questions and if I can't help you, soneone else here can. have a nice weekend! Alan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
speleopower 46 Posted May 26, 2012 Hi-Glad to see another airbrusher on the forum. I just got a 34" SC cutter for making airbrush masks. It's been awesome so far. I'm going to try the application tape on some mylar to cut a paint mask. The only issue I can see with that is if there is fine detail on the mylar the application tape may be to sticky and cause the mylar to rip. Your on the right track by using some vinyl for paint masks. Right now I'm into doing custom jetski painting along with some helmets. Here's the latest jetski hood using vinyl stencils for bubbles. Did this one a couple evenings ago. It does not have clear coat on it yet and it is looking awesome so far. -Scott Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
speleopower 46 Posted May 26, 2012 p.s. I know there is some overspray.....I'm quite upset and may have to redo the whole hood..... Oh well... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FragDaddy 0 Posted May 28, 2012 Thanks for the reply Scott, I think it looks great! I don't see the over spray. Should look even better after you clear it. Looks like you used AA, or Wicked? I was finally able to vectorize and cut out my first mask yesterday without too many problems, and will probably try and spray today. I don't really have too good of a method for putting the transfer tape on without some bubbles, and then putting on the vinyl without quiet a few more...... Will need to figure that out if I want to do some side work for people wanting vinyl, but happy overall for the first time. I really like the cutter and will like the software more as I learn how to use it better. Keep up the good work! Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
